Season passes can be purchased at Park Headquarters.Īroostook State Park was Maine’s first state park and is a great destination point to exploring Northern Maine. Dogs are welcomed but need to be on a leash at all times and owners are required to pick up after their pets.įees for day-use activities are $2.00 per adult between 12-64 $1.00 per children between 5-11 and all others are free. There is drinking water available in the campground, but hikers should have plenty of water and also might consider bringing snacks, fly dope, binoculars, camera, and a cellphone to call for help if needed. Visitors should take their time while hiking up the trail to prevent slipping, which could cause injuries. The trails are a steep grade with surfaces of loose rocks and gravel, and appropriate footwear should be worn (no sandals or flip flops). It is accessed from the south end of the parking lot, or on the campground road. This is a looping trail through mature forest with flowing springs and a wide variety of trees, plants, birds, and animals. It starts near the trailhead of the South Peak Trail and connects to the Ridge Trail, allowing hikers a safer and easier route on or off of the mountain. This trail is filled with natural beauty and follows an intermittent brook that starts from the top of the mountain and flows through the gorge. Hikers climbing up the North Peak trail should return via that route and not attempt to descend via the South Peak trail. This trail is a perfect short hike for visitors limited on time: it takes 1.5 hours on average to hike and return to parking lot. While very demanding, it is less technical than the South Peak Trail, and views from the summit will not disappoint. This trail ascends through upland hardwoods and conifers to the northern summit of Quaggy Jo (Elevation 1,107') and is a constant uphill climb. North Peak Trail (1 to 1.3 miles, Moderate/Advanced): A beautiful overlook offers beautiful views east over Echo Lake. In the notch of the mountain, hikers will cross a spring which is one of the head waters of Echo Lake.
This trail meanders along the ridge between the two peaks offering varied terrain and diverse vegetation. From the tower the Ridge Trail continues to the North Peak Trail. A short side trail leaving to the west of the tower leads to a tent platform with spectacular views west and north of the Quaggy Jo Mountain ridge line. Exposed ledge faces and constant steep sections keep hikers working hard to get to the summit which is indicated by a communications tower. Hikers should only go up the South Peak (Elevation 1,214') as its steep grade make a very challenging downhill. This is the most technical trail in the system. South Peak Trail (0.8 mile, Moderate/Advanced): The three main hiking trails are described below: Hiking the whole 3 mile trail loop takes about 2.5 hours to do on average. Steep grades and a high level of difficulty make it difficult come down the South Peak Trail. Hikers planning to hike all three of the primary hiking trails are highly recommended to begin by going up the South Peak Trail, located near site #18 in the campground, and then head over to the North Peak Trail in a clockwise direction. The owners have given permission to the state park to use these trails but please be respectful and stay only on marked trails. Some of the park trails leave park property. The cross-country ski trails can also be used as a summer hiking trails, these will be marked in colors other than blue. The trails are well marked by safety blue markers, and all intersections are signed and have "you are here" maps which show your location to the trail system. Aroostook State Park's hiking trails are demanding and rewarding and require good physical health.