Look out the window. What do you see? In one word, snow. Unfortunately for most of us, this limits our outdoor activities in the winter months. We either don’t know what to do, don’t know how to do it, or just don’t like the cold. What if there was a way for us to try winter activities without investing a huge amount of money in equipment? There just might be ways around some of these snow banks. The area recreation and parks departments, along with the Department of Conservation, recently held a “Take It Outside” day at the Aroostook State Park. Available for use for a small entrance fee were snowshoes, cross country skis, and snowmobile rides. There were also two designated sliding hills with plastic sleds for use, along with a nature interpretation presentation. A horse drawn cart was used in addition to the snowmobiles for transporting people to and from the Snowmobile Club’s clubhouse, where a delicious and healthy lunch was provided free of charge. Did you miss out on this one? Don’t worry, you’re in luck. There will be a similar event hosted at the Aroostook State Park on Tuesday, February 19th, for students’ grades 4-8. Please contact the recreation center for more information and to register.
Too busy to go out during the week? The Aroostook State Park has miles of groomed cross country ski trails as well as a snowshoeing path, available for use each weekend. In fact, the park is open seven days a week from 9 a.m. to sunset. The park features approximately 15 miles of ski trails and five miles for snowshoeing, with some snowshoeing trails reaching the mountain peaks. Winter camping is also available. Feel free to contact the park at 768-8341 with any questions.
There is a plethora of cross country ski trails available in addition to the Aroostook State Park. The Maine Winter Sports Club oversees the upkeep of several places with ski trails, including the Nordic Heritage Center, located next to Quoggy Jo in Presque Isle. The Nordic Heritage Center is open to the public at no cost and has over a dozen miles of skiing trails, all of which are well lit until 8:30 at night. Ski rentals are available on Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Sunday from 12-4 p.m., with adult ski packages costing $10, and children ski packages and snowshoes for $7 each. There are also free lessons and ski rentals on Tuesday evenings at 5:30. And if interested, the Club is always looking for new and eager members to help with their many programs throughout the year.
There are trails from the northernmost reaches of the state all the way down to the New Hampshire border, so bring your skis with you on your upcoming family excursion. For all the cross country trails available, see http://www.mainewsc.org/facilities_trails.html. Further contact information can be found on the Web site.
If downhill skiing is more to your liking, we have two areas with ideal conditions, thanks to our last storm. Big Rock in Mars Hill and Quoggy Jo in Presque Isle each provide multiple trails, as well as ski and snowboard rentals available. Big Rock also has a tubing hill for all the people like me that do more rolling down the hill than skiing. Both areas also have cross country ski trails. Each has affordable fees, as well as a well stocked snack bar. To contact Quoggy Jo, call 764-3248. Big Rock can be reached at 425-6711.
If you feel the need for speed, there are hundreds of miles of snowmobile trails stretching across the county. Don’t have a snowmobile and can’t afford to purchase one? Not a problem. Most snowmobile shops also rent out machines for a per day fee. If you’re interested in exploring the wonders of nature from Madawaska to Molunkus Township and all places in between, check out http://www.visitaroostook.com/guides/snowmobiling/trail_system.cfm.
As with any outdoor activity, please take time to properly prepare and dress for all outdoor activity. When outside in the winter, it’s important to dress in layers and stay dry. Also, bring a buddy along on all trips. It’ll make the time more enjoyable and it’s safer, as they can get help if needed. Please stay on marked trails; they’re marked for your safety.
If none of the above strike your fancy, let the kid inside you take over and just play in the snow. Grab a plastic sled and head for a big hill. The Trans-Atlantic Balloon Site in Presque Isle usually provides for some great sliding. Go outside and make a snowman. Heck, make a whole snow family, complete with snow angels. If you’re outside and active, we’ll take it. Hope to see you soon enjoying all the wonders Aroostook County has to offer us in this winter wonderland.
Adam Murchison is recreation programmer for the Presque Isle Recreation & Parks Department. He can be reached at 764-2545 or online at adampirec@maine.rr.com.