New England Getaway: New England travel, vacation, and destination guide

Many visitors to Maine have been to Acadia National Park, Katahdin and Rangeley, and feel as if they have seen what Maine has to offer in the way of state parks. Next time you come to Maine, make sure to pay a visit to Aroostook State Park 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 Native American name, Qua Qua Jo which translates to twin peaked.

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 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. Groomed snowmobile trails also cross through the park.

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.