Mount Magazine State Park — Attraction in Paris

I just want to share how awesome of an experience I had at Mount Magazine State Park. I rented a cabin for Me and my pups. I figured they needed a little getaway from their very hectic, stressful daily life🙄.

We checked in at the lodge with Josie and Christina, who were extremely friendly, helpful and welcoming. We got a cabin that was located near the lodge and it was immaculate.

I have never seen a hotel room or rental as spotless as this cabin was. I initially had no plans to use the hot tub, but the weather turned out to be so perfect with a slight drizzle of rain and a breeze that I decided to try it out, even the hot tub was spotless. Not a single speck of dust on the cover no spiderwebs anywhere on the deck. The cleaning crew needs to be commended because they got every nook and cranny.

Not only was this cabin spotless, but it was cozy and I did not expect that from a state run facility. It had every amenity that you could need with a blow dryer, dishes, utensils, strainer, microwave, washer and dryer. Anything you could possibly need. Comfy furniture, beautiful views, it was just so perfect.

My pups and I decided to do the Will Apple’s Road Trail. We stopped at the visitor center before heading out and again we met with friendly welcoming staff. The trail itself was beautiful. Very well maintained and zero litter. Just 10 feet inside of the trail a group of deer passed right in front of us. The greenery and foliage was So pretty.

We absolutely loved our visit to Mount...

Highly recommend. I spent 2 1/2 days there and was not disappointed. The views are indescribable and the trails were well maintained. I forgot to check availability before I arrived and the state park was fully booked but I was able to get a site in the overflow section. Tent camping, no electricity or water (just how I preferred it). Showers are available a short drive away at the "regular" camping section. My tent site overlooked the valley and a short trail led to an outcropping where I had a 180 degree view of the sunrise. A small stream ran down rocks nearby and I was able to collect and filter cold water. I recommend you treat your clothes with a tick repellent (like permethrin) and make sure your animals are on tick prevention. The reason for only 4 stars is that the bathroom in the overflow site was so vile I never used it. It was basically an upgraded outhouse, which was fine, except the stench when you walked in was too much and there were dozens of tiny gnats flying around the toilet seat. It was safer to practice "leave no trace" and go in the woods. I would be interested to know if the park ever comes through with lye to dump in the "toilets" to control the...

Good: Lodge is beautiful architecture and the location is stunning when the clouds are not sitting on top of the mountain. Great hiking trails. Not so good: Rooms are overly expensive, but they seem to stay full, so I guess they can get away with it. Check-in desk attendant was indifferent - just processing another customer. Bad: The dining room is beautiful, with big windows (although one window section is shattered...). But they seem to know they have a captive clientele with no other options. Food quality and preparation is very poor. (Example: menu said pasta with grilled vegetables; we received overcooked pasta, with a hint of the sauce and bland steamed vegetables. Server gave us a discount on our bill because of it, but that doesn't change the literal and figurative taste in my mouth...). Great place if you like the all-you-can eat buffet, but don't care what the food tastes like. They need to find a supervising chef that cares about food quality. Bottom line is that I might drive up to take advantage of the park, but would not spend the money to stay in the lodge and eat...