Aroostook State Park

Aroostook State Park
87 State Park Road
Presque Isle, ME 04769
(207) 768-8341
Operation Dates: Open All Year

Aroostook State Park bears the distinct honor of being Maine's first state park. In 1938 interested citizens of Presque Isle donated 100 acres of land to the State of Maine, and following that gesture, the park became reality in 1939. Today the park totals nearly 800 acres thanks to subsequent donations and purchases.

Aroostook State Park is the ideal starting point for discovering the North Maine Woods, the Allagash Wilderness Waterway, and the Canadian provinces of New Brunswick and Quebec. Encompassing Quaggy Jo Mountain and Echo Lake, the park offeres a unique chance to study our geologic past. In fact, Quaggy Jo is the shortened form of its Indian name, Qua Qua Jo which translates to twin peaked.

Echo Lake, west off U.S. Route 1, south of Presque Isle

Campsites, a showerhouse, and a beach with a lifeguard are provided in season. A kitchen shelter built with loon license plate money can be used by campers daily during the summer season. Please contact the park for information on group use of the kitchen shelter. Echo Lake is stocked with Brook Trout and public boat access is available. Hiking trails and canoe and paddleboat rentals are popular activities. Groomed cross-country ski trails are available in the winter. G roomed snowmobile trails also cross through the park.

Forests and Wildlife
The park's natural areas are typical of northern Maine. Its forest consists mainly of a mixture of spruce, fir, beech and maple. Cedar stands can be found in low, swampy areas. While squirrels and chipmunks are most frequently seen, fox deer, moose and bear also call the park home. Hawks, owls, woodpeckers and birds of all kind are found at Aroostook State Park.

Hiking Trails
Hiking on nearby Quaggy Jo Mountain and trout fishing on Echo Lake are popular local activities.
North Peak Trail: (1.25 miles) Starts at the day-use parking area. Scenic views through upland hardwoods and conifers.

North-South Peak Ridge Trail: (1 mile) This trail meanders along the ridge between the two peaks through areas with diverse forest floor vegetation.

South-Peak Trail: (.75 mile) Steep and rugged, but an interesting climb starting from the campground and following a rocky outcrop to the peak.

The 4 mile cross-country ski trail can also be used as a summer hiking trail. Some of the Park trails leave park property, and abutting land owners have given permission to the visiting public to access the land. Please respect landowners' rights as well as their property.