Aroostook State Park offers
‘First Day Hike’
By Kathy McCarty
Staff Writer
Maine’s first state park — Aroostook State Park in Presque Isle — will join three others to feature guided “First Day Hikes” Jan. 1, 2013, as a way to kick off the New Year.
Last year, more than 230 Mainers came out on New Year’s Day for short, guided hikes in four state parks. Park officials hope for an even stronger turnout this Jan. 1, when guided hikes will take place at Sebago Lake State Park, Popham Beach State Park, Wolfe’s Neck Wood State Park and Aroostook State Park.
“A healthy lifestyle for 2013 could perhaps start with a brisk outdoor hike in one of Maine’s outstanding state parks,” said Walt Whitcomb, commissioner for the Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry (ACF).
Maine’s parks will join others across the nation in taking part in the annual event.
“First Day Hikes is a national initiative through a group called America’s State Parks, with participation by all the state park systems in the country,” said Will Harris, director of the Parks and Public Lands Division of the ACF Department. “Last New Year’s Day, there were some 400 outings across the country. This year, more than 600 are planned. It’s growing quickly.”
In Maine, the four “First Day Hikes” range from less than half a mile to 1.5 miles. Parks and Public Lands staffers will lead the outings and interpret the features of the surrounding natural habitat. All four trails are rated as easy or moderate hikes. Admission to the parks is free for participants and there is no charge for the guided hikes.
“This is a great way to start the New Year by getting out and enjoying some of the best of what Maine has to offer,” said Harris. “We hope it will encourage folks to continue to visit our parks all year long.”
In Presque Isle, activities begin at 9 a.m.
“It’s an easy to moderate 1.5-mile hike which begins at 9 a.m. and runs until 11:30 a.m. Hikers will meet at the main parking lot. Dogs are allowed but must be on a leash at all times and are allowed on snowshoe trails but not on ski trails,” said Park Director Scott Thompson.
Event organizers advise bringing snowshoes and cross country skis if there is enough snow to use them.
“The hike is planned as a woods tour through a typical northern Maine forest, with opportunities to see many types of birds and animal tracks,” said Thompson.
For more information about Aroostook State Park, call 768-8341.
