Aroostook State Park — Attraction in Presque Isle

This was a superlative state park on many levels, worthy of an overnight stay or day hike. Recent improvements include updates to allthe pit toilets, the addition of a covered pavilion that had a wood stove and a sink, and flush toilets and showers. It is very nice! This state park is small, I'm not going to argue you that. Pretty easy to see it all in a day if you rush, two days if you take it easy. There is a trail system that marches up a two peaks connected by a ridge. The park pamphlet suggests that if you take the southern trail, to take it up rather than down. That is great advice! The southern trail goes up very steep, and there are several points where you must scramble up cliffs. Quite strenuous, moderately technical. I made it just fine with three kids aged 6, 8, 10. But then...This was not our first hike off the season either. If you are out of shape, don't take this route. Towards the top of the southern peak, the trail is not clearly marked and it's easy to lose so beware. There's a turn up the cliff face commonly missed. No worries, lots of people muss it and an new trail has been cut by hikers. At the top of the southern peak is a cell tower installation. Look northeast from the tower for a sign that reads south peak. The short trail from there will take you to an observation deck. Most of my pictures are from there. It's a good reward for...

Aroostook SP has a small 30 site campground, a pretty little lake and several miles of hiking trails on and around Quaggy Jo Mountain. The campground is super clean, a few sites have power, there is a kitchen shelter with picnic table seating, a large sink and lots of counter space. The shower house has flush toilets, and a sink in each private shower room. The pit toilets in the campground are very clean with varnished wood walls and during covid-19 are cleaned twice daily. I have rarely seen such tidy outhouses. The camping sites are wooded, mixture of evergreen and deciduous trees and most are quite level. We have a small teardrop camper and could have fit into three quarters of the sites comfortably. There is a playground and walking to the lake is easy. The lake has grassy shores and picnic tables along it. All in all a great camping experience if you are looking for quiet and nature. Presque Isle is a 10-15 minute drive with a nice little IGA on RT 1 to stock up at or get ice. Aroostook Wildlife Refuge is not far away either but in June the biting insects are fierce. Lots of trails and...

Lots of trails. Swimming, fishing 🎣 and ⛵ boat launch area. Toilets available and cleaned twice per day. Not all of the easier trails are in good shape. They are overgrown and uneven due to water 💦 run off. I can't imagine cross country skiing on these trails, especially with all the roots sticking up. A lot of snow 🌨️ is going to need to fall in order to ski ⛷️. Trail up the mountain actually has stairs until you reach a serious incline. My friend, Authur Itisis, who was grumbling on my hike, would yell at me attempting the climb. I actually passed a playground on my hike. The only nature I encountered was a red squirrel 🐿️, that was building a nest. It came close to me. I don't know if it was saying or waiting for me to"Shove off". You don't need bug repellent, though two colorful dragonflies landed on me. Not many 🐦 s. Friendly staff. Minimal cost to enter but bring cash. Plenty of parking. Trails are marked. Trails range from moderate...