Aroostook State Park is a tranquil natural area in northern Maine centered around Echo Lake, offering year-round outdoor recreation including hiking, camping, and fishing amid a diverse northern hardwood forest.
Aroostook State Park, covering approximately 898 acres in Aroostook County, Maine, is situated on the shores of Echo Lake. This park offers visitors a blend of scenic forest landscapes and freshwater activities that highlight the quiet beauty of northern Maine. The park's forest is dominated by northern hardwoods and conifers, providing habitat for species like moose, white-tailed deer, and various bird species. Established in 1938, it is one of the oldest state parks in Maine, developed in part by the Civilian Conservation Corps during the Great Depression. The park's gently rolling terrain and well-maintained trails make it an accessible destination for family outings, offering recreational options such as swimming and paddle sports on Echo Lake, angling for native trout and bass, and mountain biking. The campground features both tent and trailer sites, allowing visitors to experience the outdoors comfortably. During winter months, the park transforms to accommodate snowshoeing and cross-country skiing. Notable are the panoramic views from several elevated trails and the serene lakefront beaches. As a northern gateway to Maine’s outdoor offerings, the park attracts visitors year-round, providing both solitude and engagement with nature.
Echo Lake shoreline with sandy swimming beach and boat launch
Civilian Conservation Corps-built picnic and campground facilities
Panoramic views from the Lookout Trail over forest canopy and lake
Peaceful hiking trails through northern hardwood and conifer forests
A clear, cold-water lake offering swimming, canoeing, fishing, and a sandy beach accessible from the park.
A short, moderate trail that ascends to a scenic overlook with views of the forest canopy and lake.
Picnic shelters and campground structures constructed by the Civilian Conservation Corps in the 1930s, reflecting the park’s heritage.