The County 2020 | Aroostook County Tourism Regional Guide | Page 29

STATE PARKS & PUBLIC LANDS
VAST PUBLIC LANDS OPEN FOR ALL TO ENJOY.
The extensive and varied parks, reserves, and public lands in
The County let you leave no recreational stone unturned.
Jerry Monkman/EcoPhotography
As one of the easiest to reach in the region and Maine’s first state park,
Aroostook State Park is an ideal starting point for discovering adventure in
The County. The park’s accessible lakeside picnic area provides tables, charcoal
grills, paddle boats, and a swimming area (no lifeguards). In the winter,
visitors enjoy excellent Nordic skiing, snowshoeing and, for hardy souls,
winter camping. Best hikes include: North Peak, Ridge, South Peak,
and Quoggy Jo Mountain trails.
Located between Presque Isle and Ashland, Scopan Public Reserved Land
is 17,000 acres of rugged terrain that includes the 1,400-foot-high Scopan
Mountain and 9.5 miles of shoreline on Scopan Lake. Explore low hills, a
pond, wetlands, and several brooks for fishing. In winter, the snowmobile trails
through the woods are quite popular.
Eagle Lake Public Reserved Land is a 23,000-acre parcel that abuts Square Lake
to the east with a thoroughfare connecting the two lakes. Trails for hiking and
motorized sport trails make this an attractive destination for all. Round Pond
Public Reserved Land takes its name from what is just a widening of the
Allagash River. Paddlers, hikers, and hunters alike come to enjoy the views
from the observation tower on top of Round Pond Mountain.
Jerry Monkman/EcoPhotography
The remote Deboullie Public Reserved Land comprises 22,000 acres of
terrain ideal for all kinds of outdoor enjoyment. It offers access to 17 ponds for
fishing (including the elusive Arctic char,) hiking trails, old-growth forests,
tumbling waterfalls, and ice caves in spots that stay cold all year long. Look for
campsites, more trails, and boat access in the southeast. Fish from the larger
ponds and, while you’re still on the water, look for wildlife along the shore.
When the snow flies, backcountry snowmobilers can pass through on the
primary public access road, traveling between Eagle Lake and the Allagash.
Many black bear, loons, moose, and birds of prey also call the area home.
Wetlands support rare northern bog lemmings, and upland forests offer
shelter to Canada lynx.
Visit our website for more information about parks and public lands in the
region or call the Northern Public Lands Office at 207-435-7963.
VisitAroostook.com
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