The County - Aroostook Visitor Guide 2018 Visitor Guide to Aroostook County | Page 14

THE COUNTY | 2018 A VAST SWATH OF WOODS AND WATERWAYS— in The Woods or just the woods, there are millions of acres to explore in Aroostook County no matter what your season or your sport. Hike along a famous wilderness trail or just take a walk through the parks and lands scattered about the region. Paddle the broad Allagash and St. John rivers, catch native brook trout or landlocked Arctic char. In the winter, enjoy snow-mobiling, cross-country skiing, and snowshoeing. Then at night, make time to gaze up at a blanket of stars. We are home to an abundance of hiking trails that allow you to become immersed in the hush of towering old-growth trees, serenaded by birdsong and stilled by the sight of wildlife like the black bear, the elusive Canada lynx, or even moose. Aroostook State Park and Aroostook National Wildlife Refuge are wonderful places to start on your way to the North Maine Woods or even a trip to Katahdin Woods & Waters National Scenic Monument. In the heart of potato country, hikers enjoy scenic vistas to the horizon. Quoggy Joe mountain’s limestone and volcanic rock formations offer a glimpse into our geologic past. Try backcountry hiking in the Deboullie Public Reserve, in northernmost Maine. Here, a 30-mile trail network leads to remote ponds and to Deboullie Mountain. Or just try a few of the other great hikes like Haystack and Hedgehog Mountain. Climb a fire tower. Enjoy the expansive views. Go camping! Aroostook County is great to hike with the kids, with abundant, easy-to-climb mountains and spectacular, echo-worthy views from the peak. For an iconic experience, hike part of the International Appalachian Trail that runs through from Mount Katahdin in Baxter State Park into New Brunswick. The North Maine Woods represents the spirit of people and nature. Today’s management plan provides for ongoing protection. If you visit please abide by Leave No Trace principles of pack-in and pack-out, staying on trails, and consideration for wildlife and other visitors. LEAVE NO TRACE PRINCIPLES Leave the wild places you visit the way you would like to find them. 1. Plan ahead and prepare. Carry a map. 2. Travel and camp on durable surfaces—stay on the trail. 3. Pack it in, pack it out. Dispose of waste properly. 4. Leave what you find. The woods are not a souvenir stop. 5. Minimize campfire impacts. Be aware of forest fire risk levels. 6. Respect wildlife. Give them space and don’t feed animals. 7. Be considerate of other visitors. Be quiet and let others pass on the trail. For more information about outdoor adventure in the region visit our website or call Judy at 888-216-2463. 12