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Water and Wilderness Heart of the County's Four State Parks

July 17, 2007 - Piscataquis County -- The state of Maine has 34 state parks, all of which feature, preserve and protect uniquely beautiful areas. Half of them, 17, are found on the coast, from York to Washington counties. Four of them are located right here in Piscataquis County, three in their entirety and one that begins here and extends into Aroostook. All celebrate natural features and outdoor recreation.

Peaks - Kenny State Park is the most accessible, nestled on the shores of Sebec Lake just 6 miles from downtown Dover Foxcroft. The park is just 839 acres, with 56 sites tucked into the woods, which was donated by Frances Peaks in memory of his parents and sister.

The park maintains several hiking trails, including Brown's Point and Birch Mountain Ledge trails and offer canoe rentals. The heart of the park is the beach in South Cove that faces north, framing a striking view of Borestone Mountain in Eliottsville.

Campsites may be reserved between May 22 and September 10 and reservations may be made as early as the first working day in February of each year. There is a two night minimum and reservations must be made at least two business days in advance of a stay.

While Peaks Kenny fills to capacity during July and August, locals flock to the beach on a day use basis and rent the group shelter for family reunions, large gatherings, even weddings.

Heading north to the Moosehead region, there is Lily Bay State Park on Moosehead lake. Located on 925 acres in Beaver Cove, this park is the gateway to the wilderness and waters of the North Woods.

Situated on the shores of what is said to be the largest lake contained in one state east of the Mississippi, Lily Bay State Park offers two boat launches and 91 campsites, roughly half of which front on the lake, split between Dunn Point and Rowell Cove.

Moosehead Lake is the park's most popular draw, offering good fishing, boating, canoeing, kayaking and sailing. A large, sandy beach with a shallow drop away from shore is a refuge on a hot summer's day.

Walking trails thread through the park, but more challenging hikes are nearby, including Number 4 Mountain and Big Moose Mountain.

Wildlife viewing opportunities abound, including a wide variety of birds, deer and, naturally, moose. You drive 10 miles north to Kokadjo on the last of the tar road at dusk and almost always produce at least one sighting.

Depending on your site, two spectacular views are afforded campers. To the west, Big Moose Mountain rises on the west shore of Moosehead. To the north, visitors will see Mount Kineo, which has sheer cliffs towering 800 feet.

While the park is open May 15 to October 15, winter camping is allowed. Cross-country ski trails are maintained in conjunction with snowmobile trails and ice fishing continues to be a popular winter pastime.

Certainly the largest and best-known park in Maine is Baxter State Park, north of Brownsville and east of Millinocket. Baxter's popularity is legion and when it announced that reservations for the coming year will be opened, enthusiasts will camp out in winter weather the night before to secure their preferred dates.

The park, with over 200,000 acres, is dominated by mile high Mt. Katahdin. Several campgrounds dot the base of this multi-peaked mountains, most located at the start of one of the many trails to reach the summit.

The top of Katahdin is the northernmost end of the Appalachian Trail, which stretches south 3000 miles to Georgia.

The dream of former Governor Percival Baxter, the park's first acreage was his gift to the state in 1931. Through the years the borders have expanded until today the park stands at 209,501 acres. Most recently Katahdin Lake was folded into the park's holdings.

Climbing Katahdin is extremely popular and the views on the way to and from the peak are bountiful rewards for the stamina and skill it takes to make it to the top. Additionally, one can circumnavigate the peaks in the park on roads and visit the scientific forest management area in the northwest corner of the park.

This section managed by the Forest Stewardship Council, promotes ecologically, economically and socially responsible forest practices to sustain forest ecosystems, and contrasts the steep terrain found around Katahdin and features rolling hills between 800 and 1,000 feet. Twenty miles of the park's hiking trail system traverse the SFMA, including Freezeout, Wadleigh Brook and Frost Pond trails.

The Allagash Wilderness Waterway is also listed as a state park. Established in 1966 by the Maine legislature, the natural beauty, character, and habitat of a 92 mile long ribbon of lakes, ponds, rivers and streams have been preserved, protected and enhanced.

The Allagash is true wilderness, it's primitive camping and waterways accessible only by foot from 400 to 800 feet on either side. The waterway starts and T7, R 14, with Allagash Lake itself and extends via the river west and north through Chamberlain Lake, Lock Dam to Eagle Lake, Churchill Lake, to Aroostook County and Umsaskis Lake, the river ever widening until it pours into St. John and Allagash village.

Fishing in Allagash Lake is still considered excellent. The canoe trip along the waterway is challenging and should not be undertaken unless one is experienced or with an experienced guide.

Peaks Kenny, Lily Bay and Baxter parks all have facilities, including bathhouses with toilets and showers. Campers are permitted in some sites. Potable water is available. Information is available for all at www.maine.gov and reservations may be made online at www.campwithme.com or by calling 800-332-1501.

Designated campsites, available on a first-come, first-served basis, on the Allagash will have a picnic table and an outhouse. Fees are charged. Park rangers patrol the waterway and there are ranger stations at certain locations.

This article appeared in its original form in the Piscataquis Observer, July 11, 2007.


Lakes: Chamberlain Lake, Churchill (Heron) Lake, Eagle Lake, Moosehead Lake
Regions: Moosehead, Katahdin, Allagash


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