With the fall foliage season upon us, officials with the Aroostook State Park are encouraging residents to get outside and see the beauty that is “The County” firsthand.
“There’s numerous areas that people can walk on such as bike paths and trails at the Nordic Heritage Center, and of course our facility at Aroostook State Park,” said Scott Thompson, park manager.
“Haystack Mountain is another great opportunity that’s been getting a ton of use since we’ve done a lot of work to that trail. People are finding it a lot easier to get up that rugged, short trail to the summit which offers almost a complete 360-degree view,” he said. “That hike is only one-third of a mile, which is steep and rugged, but because of its distance, makes it pretty much doable for a lot of people. It’s not an easy trail, but it certainly is rewarding for those who get a chance to get up there.”
Thompson said foliage season tends to begin the third week of September.
“By that last week of September and into the first week of October,” he said, “that’s typically when we start to see the peak. The foliage is just radiant, and from Haystack you can see for miles on a clear day. It offers an amazing view.”
Hiking at Aroostook State Park (Quaggy Jo Mountain) during fall foliage season is equally enjoyable.
“It’s a rewarding hike which offers many colors, and many sights upon the vistas and overlooks … some of the best overlooks — between Haystack and our facility — in the area,” Thompson said. “Our trail’s a tad bit longer. We have a whole hiking loop that is 3 miles; it is a rugged climb that is going to challenge most people, but once you’re at the top, the views are spectacular. It takes, on average, two hours to complete the trail depending on how long you view each overlook. It’s a well-marked trail that has intersection signs that point where to go.”
Thompson said it’s recommended that those who want to do the loop to go up South Peak first, then come across to North Peak, and then down to the parking lot in a clockwise fashion as you are facing the mountain from the parking area.
“There are some neat features up there. We have a couple of exposed ledge areas that offer good views to the east and the west,” he said. “The views off North Peak are spectacular because you get a great opportunity to see the agriculture, the color in the trees, and be able to witness Presque Isle from a different perspective.
“We also have a neat feature on Quaggy Jo … an Adirondack shelter. It’s a three-sided, log structure that offers people a chance to take a great, comfortable break, and if the weather turns inclement, it provides a little shelter,” said Thompson. “That’s becoming a great little destination for folks to do an overnight backpacking experience, which is very primitive. There’s no water, no bathroom facility and we do not allow fires there, but if people would like to camp there, they simply need to come to the park, register to use that facility, and go up the hill.”
Regardless of where one hikes, Thompson said it’s important to dress for the occasion and be prepared.
“One should wear good footwear. Don’t wear sandals or flip flops,” he said. “We have water at the park so people can fill up water bottles, but there’s no water source at Haystack. Bring some water, binoculars, cameras, and maybe some trail mix or a snack to help suppress your appetite once you get up there. Also bring a cellular phone just in case things should happen. This time of year is also good because the bugs are pretty much gone.”
It’s also important, Thompson said, for people to “know their limitations.”
“If you have a heart condition or knee or back issues, you probably shouldn’t be attempting the climb. There have been times when we’ve had to go and assist people because their inability to be honest with themselves got the better of them,” he said.
While the park typically hosts a fall foliage hike, Thompson said that won’t be happening this year.
“We’ve simply got too much on our plate,” he said. “We have two large projects that we’re working on, plus dealing with the public and the operations of the facility. We’re certainly going to plan in the future to continue those.
“However, people are still encouraged to hike on their own either at Haystack or the Aroostook State Park. We’re open seven days a week, and day-use hours are 9 a.m. to sunset. We have a fee that we charge folks, which is $2 for adults and $1 for kids ages 5-11, and all others are free,” said Thompson.
Thompson reminds hikers that the state promotes a “carry in, carry out” policy at both facilities.
“Any trash that comes from the trip should be removed by the people that bring it in,” he said.
For more information on hiking opportunities in the region, log onto trailfinder.com or parksandlands.com.
