"We live in one of the most beautiful places in the world," claimed outgoing Maine Department of Conservation Commissioner Patrick McGowan in a recent department newsletter. Maine truly is a beautiful state, and the Maine State Parks system provides public access to many treasured spots.
Create Cherished Memories of the Outdoors
Whatever season it is, individuals and family groups can locate a Maine State Park to explore. It's easy to prepare ahead of time by browsing to the Department of Conservation website. The Find Parks & Lands page offers several ways to search:
- specific place (park, historic site, public land, multi-use rail trail)
- single-tank trips (set a distance from home that is acceptable)
- region (e.g., Maine Highlands, Aroostook County, Downeast & Acadia)
- activity (e.g., camping, fishing, hiking, beachcombing)
- facility (e.g., picnic area, RV hookup, boat launch).
The Department of Conservation website also links to an events calendar for those who may wish to attend organized outdoor events, especially those planned for 2010 to honor the 75th anniversary. It's a pleasant way for visitors to become introduced to new parks, trails, and historic sites.
The State of Maine launched a companion website a few years ago. Take it Outside is an initiative to promote outdoor recreation and exercise plus reconnect kids and their families to nature. Take it Outside provides lots of family-centric information to make it easy to plan for healthy, fun outdoor activities that are affordable.
So, get outside and discover favorite spots — create memories to cherish for a lifetime!
Maine State Parks Grow From One to Forty-Eight
In 1935, Maine established a commission to develop a series of state parks. The first park was Aroostook State Park in Presque Isle in northern Maine. The next four state parks were Bradbury Mountain, Lake St. George, Mount Blue, and Sebago Lake.
Maine state parks have steadily expanded their number over the last 75 years. Numbering 48 today, the state parks are part of a broader system overseen by the Maine Bureau of Parks and Lands (part of the Department of Conservation). This broader system includes a wealth of recreational opportunities:
- 48 state parks, including 12 campgrounds
- 15 historic sites
- 460 boat launch facilities
- 260 miles of state-owned/leased trails
- Allagash Wilderness Waterway
- Penobscot River Corridor.
Maine State Parks are Vital Part of Maine's Economy
The Maine State Parks are vital to Maine's outdoor legacy, but they are also vital to Maine's economy. Overall, the parks generate $100 million each year. For every state dollar spent on a state park, Maine reaps $25 in return!
The parks, historic sites, and public lands are also experiencing increased attendance. Day-use and overnight camping statistics even increased in 2009, with its 60 consecutive days of rain during the height of the summer season (plus the unsettling national economy). Overall attendance increased by 165,000 visits, an increase of 7.6% from 2008 figures.
Maine State Parks provide safe, fun opportunities in a beautiful natural setting in which outdoor enthusiasm and inspiration can become lifelong habits.
Ready for some adventure? Find more details about:
- Whistle Stop Trail between Farmington and Jay
- Solon-Bingham Rail Trail along the mighty Kennebec River
- Off-road mountain biking trails at Bradbury Mountain State Park.
Cheryl Pratt - Cheryl Pratt has been a technical writer/graphic designer for a medical software company for the past 10 years. She has published articles ...
