Quaggy Jo Mountain

Maine’s Northernmost State Park Summit

Quaggy Jo Mountain rises 1,213 feet from the rolling farmland and forests of Aroostook County, about five miles south of Presque Isle. The mountain sits within Aroostook State Park, which opened in 1939 as Maine’s first state park. Two peaks, South Peak (1,213 feet) and North Peak (1,140 feet), are connected by a ridge trail that makes for a satisfying 2.3-mile loop with 895 feet of elevation gain.

This is not a mountain that makes “hardest hikes” lists. What it offers instead is a solid, well-maintained trail through boreal forest to open summits with long views over a landscape most Maine visitors never see: the vast potato fields, rolling hills, and dense forests of the Crown of Maine.

The Trail

The standard loop hike starts from the campground area and climbs South Peak first, then follows the Ridge Trail to North Peak before descending back to the start. The trail is well-blazed with blue markers and every intersection has a “you are here” map showing your position in the trail system.

South Peak

The South Peak Trail climbs about a mile from the campground to the 1,213-foot summit. The lower section is gentle, winding through mixed hardwood and spruce forest. The upper section steepens, with rocky steps and a few short scrambles through ledge. The summit is partially open with views south and west over Echo Lake and the surrounding forest.

Ridge Trail

The one-mile Ridge Trail connects the two peaks along the spine of the mountain. It dips into a saddle between the summits and passes through thick spruce forest before climbing to North Peak. The trail is mostly sheltered and moderate in difficulty.

North Peak

North Peak sits at 1,140 feet and has more limited views than South Peak due to tree growth. The descent from North Peak back to the parking area is the most gradual section and makes for an easy finish to the loop.

The Views

The summit views from South Peak look out over a landscape unlike anything else in coastal or central Maine. The Aroostook County farmland stretches to the horizon in neat rectangles of green and brown, interrupted by stands of forest and the occasional farmstead. Echo Lake sits directly below the mountain, and on clear days the views extend to the distant ridgelines along the Canadian border.

When to Go

Fall comes early to Aroostook County. The hardwoods along the mountain turn by late September, a good two weeks before the midcoast and southern Maine. The shorter days and angled light make the farmland views from the summit especially photogenic.

Echo Lake

The park wraps around Echo Lake, which adds a second dimension to a visit. The lake has a beach for swimming, a boat launch for canoes and kayaks (no motorboats), and stocked fishing. After a morning hike up Quaggy Jo, an afternoon on Echo Lake rounds out the day.

Practical Notes

Aroostook State Park is on State Park Road off Route 1, about 5 miles south of Presque Isle. The park has a campground with 30 sites, picnic areas, and a beach. Services in Presque Isle include groceries, fuel, restaurants, and lodging.

This part of Maine is remote by any standard. The drive from Portland is over 5 hours. Most visitors combine a trip to Aroostook County with other northern Maine destinations like the Allagash Wilderness Waterway or the St. John River valley.

Packing List

Getting There

From Presque Isle, take Route 1 south about 5 miles to State Park Road. Turn right and follow signs to Aroostook State Park. The trailhead is near the campground area. From Bangor, the drive is approximately 3 hours via I-95 north to Houlton and then Route 1 north to Presque Isle.

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