Aroostook County Hiking Itinerary (1 Day)
Note – we put some scheduled times in here just to give you some ideas. You can pick and choose what you want to do. Be sure to look at when they are open and if there are any COVID restrictions. In fact, it would probably be a good idea to call any that you plan to visit just to be on the safe side.
9:00 AM – Our recommended breakfast at Riverside Inn Restaurant
399 Main Street, Presque Isle, ME 04769
Start off your day early at the Riverside Inn Restaurant for breakfast.
20 min drive to Haystack Mountain
10:20 AM – Haystack Mountain
Haystack Road, Castle Hill, ME 04757
Head to Haystack Mountain in Castle Hill for a short, moderately difficult-level hike. The mountain has a picnic area at the top and is said to have one of the best 360-degree views in the entire country.
20 min drive to Mantle Lake Park
11:40 AM – Mantle Lake Park
110 Pine Street, Presque Isle, ME 04769
Take a break at Mantle Lake Park in Presque Isle where you can sit and watch the water, take advantage of their tennis courts, or stroll down their 2.2 miles of trails.
5 min drive to Irish Setter Pub
12:45 PM – Lunch at Irish Setter Pub
710 Main Street, Presque Isle, ME 04769
Head over to the Irish Setter Pub for lunch, at the only Irish restaurant in northern Maine.
15 min drive to Aroostook State Park
2:00 PM – Aroostook State Park
87 State Park Road, Presque Isle, ME 04769
Next, arrive at Aroostook State Park to hike up Quaggy Jo Mountain. There are several trail options of varying difficulties, each featuring beautiful scenery up the mountain. The trails on average take about 2 hours unless you plan to hike every trail, which is another common option.
For the remainder of the time at Aroostook State Park, you can enjoy the rest of the views the park has to offer. Cool off by going for a swim, walk on a trail, go birdwatching, or fishing.
15 min drive to Mainely Mexican
6:15 PM – Dinner at Mainely Mexican
6 State Road, Presque Isle, ME 04769
Finish off your day at Mainely Mexican.
5 min drive to Houlton Farms
7:20 PM – Houlton Farms Dairy
792 Main Street, Presque Isle, ME 04769
If you’re looking for dessert after your meal, be sure to stop at Houlton Farms Dairy for a sweet treat.
Activity Alternatives
Restaurant Alternatives
Fun Facts
- Haystack Mountain was formed from volcanic emissions. When you climb up the mountain, you’ll be able to find rhyolite, signs of volcanic activity, exposed at the summit.
- Quaggy Jo Mountain was also formed from volcanic emissions. Its bedrock began as volcanic ash that had erupted from nearby volcanoes and settled on the ground to form this mountain.
Hotel Alternatives
Packing Checklist
The weather in Maine can be unpredictable. Therefore, here are some ideas to be prepared. Wear comfortable clothes and dress in layers, Maine is very casual, so you probably will not find any restaurants that require formal attire.
Spring/Summer/Fall: clothes, comfortable sneakers or hiking shoes for walking, sun hat, sunscreen, sweater or jacket, insect repellent, toiletries, and phone/camera
Winter: clothes (layers), ski pants highly recommended, winter boots, jacket, hats, scarves, gloves, warm socks, toiletries, and phone/camera. Please pack a helmet if you are participating in snowmobiling, skiing, or snowboarding.