Guest Blogger: Theresa Fowler

Yes, we still have snow on the ground in March, but what a great time to go snowmobiling(sledding) or cross country skiing along our over 2,300 miles of trails. Adventure seekers will be excited to still be able to go snowshoeing, tubing, alpine skiing, or even driving through to see the great sights of Aroostook County. Some people may enjoy just sitting in window looking out at the pristine fields covered with snow.

Aroostook County does have four distinct seasons. Spring comes slowly, and in most places, gently. We have warm sun to heat up road surfaces and protected areas, cool evenings and signs of new life. Maple syrup starts to run and pussy willows start budding. Spring is prime aurora viewing time and the Maine Office of Tourism has included scanning Aroostook County’s nighttime skies for these cosmic lights shows among its travel opportunities in Maine.

Spring gives way to a beautiful summer with warm days, low humidity, cool nights and big skies with a lot of starlight. You can enjoy an abundance of outdoor activities or relax and soak up some much-needed Vitamin D while enjoying the many parades and festivals that are being hosted. Every weekend seems to offer an assortment of activities for everyone to enjoy.

Of course, summer is the time to come visit and explore our many miles of ATV trails. This is the only way you can get to some of our hidden gems. Nestled deep in the Maine Woods near the northwest end of Chamberlain Lake you can find the rusting hulks of two large steam powered locomotives. The trains are remnants of the industrial revolution in an area so remote that it was more practical to park the engines when operations ended than it was to bring them out of the woods.

You will be able to find waterfalls that even the locals don’t know about. The 3.5 mile Scopan Mtn. hiking trail loop is located in the Scopan Unit, T11R4. Some of the trail experiences include a seasonal waterfall, views of Mt. Katahdin, views of Alder Lake and the surrounding farm country, a wetland frequented by moose and waterfowl, managed multiple-use forests and several old-growth hemlock stands.

What an opportunity for a photographer or painter to find images that are new and exciting. If you like to keep images in your mind, there are sure to be some here you will never forget.