Have You Visited Maine’s Oldest Campground at Nearly 100 Years Old?
After finding out the oldest campground in New Hampshire was 113 years old, I wanted to find out where Maine's oldest campground was.
That was a pretty easy task: Aroostook State Park in Presque Isle, Maine.
Commonly known as Maine's first-ever state park, Aroostook State Park doubles as the oldest campground in Maine.
Aroostook State Park has been housing campers and making family memories since 1938.
According to an Only in Your State article,
The park began with a 100 acre donation from citizens of Presque Isle...
With reservable campsites as well as backcountry camping, this place is a stunner.
There are 30 campsites in the state park that is open to day users, campers, pets, and families of all kinds.
And there is plenty to do at the oldest campground in Maine.
The top hike in the park, according to AllTrails, is the Quaggy Joe via North Peak, Ridge, and South Peak Trails Loop:
Head out on this 2.2-mile loop trail near Presque Isle, Maine. Generally considered a moderately challenging route, it takes an average of 1 h 34 min to complete...
This trail climbs up and over North Peak to the summit of Quaggy Joe, also known as South Peak. From the summit, there are views of Haystack Mountain, Echo Lake, and surrounding Aroostook County. Keep an eye out for signs of deer, moose, fox, black bear, along with smaller animals who call this forest home.
And if you don't feel like hiking, grab a lake toy or just sit yourself in front of the beautiful water.
Other top hikes in the park are:
North Peak Trail
Explore this 1.1-mile out-and-back trail near Presque Isle, Maine. Generally considered a moderately challenging route, it takes an average of 55 min to complete...
North Peak Trail is a short but steep climb up to a viewpoint. From here Haystack Mountain is visible in the distance and greater Aroostook County. Aroostook County is one of the biggest potato-growing areas in the US, and many farms are visible from here. In the summertime blueberries can be found growing along the trail.
South Peak Trail
0.9-mile out-and-back trail near Presque Isle, Maine. Generally considered a moderately challenging route, it takes an average of 51 min to complete...
South Peak Trail is a short but steep and rocky climb to the summit of Quaggy Joe. The rock is a volcanic rock called Rhyolite tuff. Hikers will hike up a rocky ledge just before the summit to views of farmland, Echo Pond and Haystack Mountain in the distance. The trail is lined with ash, maple, fir, quaking aspen, and beech trees.
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