The County - Aroostook Visitor Guide 2020 Visitor Guide to Aroostook County | Page 13

OUTDOOR ADVENTURE
WITH MILLIONS OF ACRES TO EXPLORE
The County offers boundless outdoor adventure no matter the season.
Hike along a famous wilderness trail or take a walk through the parks and
public lands scattered about the region. Despite being an agricultural region,
mountain here boasts some of the best hikes in Maine. This abundance of
hiking trails allows you to become immersed in the hush of towering old-
growth trees and to marvel at wildlife like fox, Canada lynx, or even moose.
The magic of The County is that despite it being so large, many of the best
places to recreate are easily within reach. Aroostook State Park is located
minutes from the heart of Presque Isle, while the Aroostook National
Wildlife Refuge is only 20 minutes from Caribou. The International
Appalachian Trail (IAT) cuts right across the region and follows the
international border, offering hikers a variety of scenic vistas along the way.
Quoggy Jo (also close by) is a double-peaked inactive volcano whose rock
face presents a glimpse into our geologic past.
Further afield, try backcountry hiking in the Deboullie Public Reserve.
Here, a 30-mile trail network leads to remote ponds and Deboullie Mountain,
a challenging hike that offers an unmatched view from the top. Or take on
other grand hikes like Haystack and Hedgehog Mountains. The County
is especially wonderful to hike with the kids, with abundant, easy-to-climb
mountains and spectacular, echo-worthy views from the peak. Head to Mars
Hill Mountain where the IAT lean-to at the top offers 360-degree views all
the way to Katahdin and into Canada. The summit is also the first place to see
the sunrise in the United States from late March to early October.
LEAVE NO TRACE PRINCIPLES
Leave the wild places you visit the way you would like to find them.
1. Make a plan and be prepared. 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.
Visit our website for more information about outdoor adventure
opportunities throughout the region.
VisitAroostook.com
VisitAroostook.com
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