Aroostook State Park

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The Aroostook State Park is a state park in the Aroostook County in the US state of Maine . The 320-acre park is considered Maine's oldest state park.

history

In 1938, Presque Isle citizens donated 40 acres of land to Maine. In 1939, the area opened as Maine's first state park. Through acquisitions and other donations, the park area has grown to its present size. The name of the mountain Quaggy Jo Mountain in the park is a corruption of the Native American name Qua Qua Jo , which translates as twin peaks .

geography

The park is located in north Maine south of Presque Isle in Aroostook County . The hilly park area rises directly from the surrounding farmland. In the park are Quaggy Jo Mountain and Echo Lake. Quaggy Jo Mountain has a geologically interesting history, as it is an unfolded limestone mountain that has been eroded by glaciers and in the vicinity of which volcanic rock of unknown origin can be found.

Flora and fauna

The park is covered with a mixed forest of spruce, fir, beech and maple trees. Cedars, poplars and birches also grow in the partly swampy lowlands. Many species of birds live in the park, including collar grouse , hawks, owls and woodpeckers, as well as black bears , moose , white-tailed deer , squirrels and chipmunks . The Echo Lake is stocked with brook char .

Tourist facilities

There is a fee to visit the park. There is a picnic area on the shores of Echo Lake and the lake is used for numerous recreational activities such as swimming, fishing and canoeing. Canoes can be rented in the park. The park has a campsite with thirty spaces. More than 32 kilometers of hiking trails run through the park, 22 kilometers of which serve as groomed trails in winter.

literature

  • Barbara Sinotte: Maine: A Guide to the State Parks, National Parks & Historic sites. Kindle Edition 2010

Web links

Coordinates: 46 ° 36 ′ 13.1 ″  N , 68 ° 0 ′ 39.1 ″  W.