Staff Writer
CASTLE HILL — Visitors to one of the area’s most notable landmarks now have a better place to park and improved trails for hiking, thanks, in part, to a grant from the Recreational Trail Grant Program.
“Haystack Mountain has served as a gathering spot for people for generations. Families gather for picnics and local schools have used it for field trips,” said Judy Hudson, one of the project coordinators.
Hudson said initially the goal was to address parking needs, providing a designated spot for vehicles, rather than have people park at random, to prevent ground damage and vehicles getting stuck. Thanks to a state-facilitated road upgrade taking place on Route 163 at the base of the mountain, the project evolved into more, she said.
“UMPI professors are rethinking their understanding of volcanic activity in the area, based on our research. It started out as a parking lot, but with the state redoing the road, it turned into more,” Hudson said.
Hudson said it was really a community project, with a number of individuals involved in the planning and execution.
“Linda Alverson, of the Soil and Water Conservation District, was my mentor. I found my strength was speaking and making phone calls asking for help,” Hudson said. “Scott Thompson (director of the Aroostook State Park) is a Mapleton person; he was instrumental in making this happen. John Edgecomb (former Mapleton town manager) and Martin Puckett (Mapleton town manager) have been very helpful. The DOT and Soderberg (the construction company in charge of the road upgrade) — Soderberg gave us excess dirt (from the upgrade).”
Hudson said the money came from various programs.
“The money — much of which was in-kind funds — came from Grants and Community Recreation Division, Bureau of Parks and Lands, Maine Department of Conservation. We received a $3,589 grant from the Recreational Trail Grant program. With in-kind funds of $1,480, that brought our total to $5,069,” said Hudson, noting some of that money would be going back to the RTP once the project was completed.
In addition to improved parking facilities, signage has been added providing information about the site so visitors can learn more about the area when trekking up the mountain.
“Signage has been added, both at the base and on top of Haystack. At the top is a bulletin board with pertinent information on the mountain and surrounding area. At the bottom, signage gives information on the trail system,” Hudson said, adding, “The Boy Scouts of Castle Hill have marked the trail for us.”
Hudson said she hopes by keeping the trail marked, it will help ensure everyone has a safe educational experience when visiting.
“We wanted to prevent people from going down the wrong side. The trail is clearly marked with yellow paint on the rocks. It’s a wonderful place to visit and learn about nature. We just want everyone to enjoy their experience with the mountain,” said Hudson.
Thompson said he’s pleased with the results.
“Everyone worked together to create a remarkable transformation of such a wonderful site. Families have been enjoying the mountain and its beauty for decades. We hope they’ll continue to do so, now that improvements have been completed,” said Thompson.
A little-known fact about the mountain, according to Thompson, is that it’s actually part of the park system.
“Haystack is part of the State Park system in Aroostook. We own approximately 220 acres at Haystack,” he said.
Thompson credits the municipal staff and volunteers for maintaining the site.
“The town has a maintenance agreement to maintain the facility for trash. We get volunteers to help with trail work — usually the Boy Scout troop in Mapleton,” said Thompson.
For more information on Haystack, contact Thompson at 768-8341.
“Aroostook has some wonderful outdoor opportunities, like Haystack and Aroostook State Park. They’ve been well-kept secrets for years that are now growing in popularity. We welcome everyone to come check out what we have to offer. I think you’ll be pleasantly surprised,” said Thompson. “The Haystack project provides a nicer facility at what was already a gem for the County.”
Photo courtesy of Judy Hudson
HAYSTACK MOUNTAIN TRAILHEAD — Work has been completed at Haystack, with a new parking area and trail improvements, including signage, making the popular site more accessible for all to enjoy. Several individuals gathered earlier this fall to recognize the efforts of those involved in the project and unveil the new sign. Pictured at the event, in front, from left: Martin Puckett, Castle Hill town manager; Ray DeMerchant, DOT; Eric Landeen, Soderberg Construction; John Edgecomb, former town manager of Castle Hill; Dr. William Forbes Ph.D; University of Maine at Presque Isle Professor Chunzeng Wang; and Dr. Gary Boone, Ph.D. In back: Scott Thompson, director, Aroostook State Park; Jon Bither, DOT; Martin Burnham, DOT; Linda Alverson, Central Aroostook Soil and Water Conservation District; Judith Hudson, Haystack project spokesperson; John Orcutt, Castle Hill Road Commissioner, retired; Michael Pelletier, Soderberg Construction; and Greg Landeen, Soderberg Construction.
