Trip Report/Photos from BillyB1976
I had a vacation day from work so I decided to go on a hike up Quaggy Jo Mtn in Aroostook State Park. Not counting the patches of snow today, this was my first snow free hike since Nov. 7, 2018 when I did a hike down in Baxter State Park.
It was a nice sunny day with temps close to 60.
My route today was a little different than my normal route. I parked outside of the park and walked a cross-country ski trail to access the south peak trail. The south peak trail is 3/4 mile long and fairly steep. The elevation gain along this stretch is about 575 ft with not much for switchbacks.
The view to Katahdin 65 miles to the southwest was excellent.
About 1/3 of the way between the south and north peaks there is a small runoff brook with a trail that runs along it. Spring is really the only time of the year there is any amount of water in the brook, so I took a detour going a little downhill to get some pictures of the mini waterfalls.
When I got to the lean-to and picnic table I decided to turn around instead of continuing to the north peak. I went down a cross-country ski trail on the back side of the mountain that leads to a service road that goes to the south peak. I followed the road back to my parking spot.
I hiked around 4.2 miles in 2 hours, with a total elevation gain of around 800 ft. The elevation of the south peak is 1,213 ft.
I met a man and a woman hiking together while on this hike.
*** Historic fact ***
Aroostook State Park bears the distinct honor of being Maine's first state park. In 1938 interested citizens of Presque Isle donated 100 acres of land to the State of Maine, and following that gesture, the park became reality in 1939. Today the park totals nearly 800 acres thanks to subsequent donations and purchases.
