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Maine’s northernmost county, Aroostook aka “The County,” is filled with luscious forests, mountain peaks, and breathtaking views. Aroostook County comes from a Native American word meaning “Beautiful River.” With 89% of the County’s area being forest and 245 lakes, it definitely lives up to its name. Whether you’re headed to Aroostook County this fall or planning a trip for next year, this is a complete guide to Northern Maine: where to stay, what to eat, things to do, tips, and full itinerary!
My partner and I recently went on a 4-day fall trip to Aroostook County from Chicago. As we landed in Presque Isle Airport in a miniature plane, I felt like we were main characters in a Hallmark movie. Northern Maine is a place where you can check into a log cabin, hike, unplug from the internet, and stargaze at night. A place to pause for a bit and relish in the simple pleasures in life. You know what I mean?
I’ll stop there and jump into the tips + resources for your trip. Please use this article as a helpful resource for your future Northern Maine adventures. Happy travels!
Tips for Traveling Northern Maine
- Opt for a cabin stay and make sure to book in advance. While there are quite a few options, I recommend booking at least one month beforehand as they fill up. We found our cozy cabin on VRBO. Our host was wonderful!
- Make sure to pack hiking boots or trail running shoes (..and flannel). The hikes are intermediate to advanced levels. The weather is chilly in the early morning and evenings (during the fall season).
- Hire an official Maine guide via Navitour. Leslie, an official Maine guide and native to Aroostook county, helped me plan my trip, find accommodation, and was on-call as needed while I was there. It was so nice to have a local to text with quick questions. Highly recommend! They also have various multi-day tours and planned trips on their website.
- Sunday’s are a day of rest for the community in Northern Maine. Many shops and restaurants are closed on Sundays. Prepare accordingly.
- Travel with cash (small bills). The entrance to Aroostook State Park is cash-only ($4/person for non-residents) as well as some of the small shops along Route 1.
Where to Stay in Aroostook County: Northern Maine Hotels, Cabins, and Vacation Rentals
Hotel: Hampton Inn Presque Isle Maine offers free breakfast buffet, laundry facilities, and a warm fireplace in the lobby as well as a 24-hour gym and business center. Presque Isle in general is a great central location for travelers looking to explore Aroostook State Park. While I recommend a cabin or vacation rental, this hotel is a great option during high season as things fill up quickly.
Cabin: The Pond Brook Cabins are located in Eagle Lake, Maine in the heart of the Great North Maine Woods. They offer a unique escape for those looking for a relaxing getaway. The property lies just off of ITS 85 on Trail 73 (both worldwide snowmobiling destinations). Fully furnished cabins feature hardwood flooring, full kitchen amenities, and cathedral ceilings. The Pond Brook Cabins also offers guided nature tours.Vacation Rental (*personal favorite*): Located in Caribou, Maine, this two-bedroom luxury cabin is the perfect place to unplug. There is a full kitchen with oven, cooktop, microwave, cookware, dishes, and radiant floor heat. A propane grill is available as well as easy access to trails. I recommend getting groceries and coffee if you’d like to enjoy some meals at the cabin.
Top 9 Things to Do in Aroostook County
1. Hike Haystack Mountain
Haystack Mountain gives you a 360-degree view of Northern Maine’s gorgeous fall foliage. The hike is about a half a mile to the top with an 180 feet increase in elevation. The trail is steep and requires some rock scrambling near the summit. It is an intermediate to advanced hike, but worth it for the views! I recommend wearing proper footwear.
2. Go on a scenic drive
Maine is the perfect state for road trips as it is filled with many scenic byways. We opted for to drive through US Route 1 to visit the Canadian border, America’s First Mile, Swedish towns, and vibrant fall foliage filled roads. You can spend an entire day stopping along small towns and attractions along the drive.
The Bold Coast Scenic Byway is another great option that spans 125 miles and is one of the most beautiful drives you can do in Maine. Start in Milbridge and head eastward along the coast to Lubec. From here, you’ll go towards Cobscook Bay and on to Eastport. If you choose this trip, you’ll find Maine’s incredible wild blueberry barrens, luscious forests, and marshes.
Spanning from St. Zacharie Quebec border crossing to Millinocket, The 96-Mile Golden Road treats you to an incredible view of Katahdin. The most ideal route is Millinocket to Ambajejus Lake, then Greenville to Seboomook Lake. Lastly, head towards the Saint-Zacharie border crossing. Note: many of the roads are unpaved, so you’ll need a vehicle that can manage the route.
3. Explore Aroostook State Park (hikes + beautiful lake)
Aroostook State Park is Maine’s first state park and it’s absolutely stunning. I recommend hiking to the North and South Peak of Quaggy Jo Mountain. Afterwards, have a picnic near the lake or rent a kayak or canoe. You can also camp here, but there aren’t a lot of spots. Make sure to reserve ahead of time.
4. Pick fruit at a U-pick farm
There are an array of U-pick farms in Northern Maine for apples, blueberries, and more. We went to Circle B Farms for apple picking and it was wonderful. Circle B Farms has over 600 apple trees and a variety of apples, such as Honeycrisp, Zestar, Cortland, Snow Sweet, McIntosh, and Yellow Transparent Apples. The views are breathtaking (great for pictures!). You can do a few farms or choose just one. My Maine guide, Leslie, also recommended Goughan’s Farm and McElwain’s Strawberry Farm as alternative options.
5. Enjoy an evening of DIY stargazing
Northern Maine has some of the best stargazing in the country. Katahdin Woods and Waters National Monument was even named an official International Dark Sky Sanctuary. I recommend visiting close to the new moon for the darkest skies and incredible views of the Milky Way. If the timing is right, you might just be lucky enough to see the Northern Lights!
6. Explore historic downtown Presque Isle area
Stroll down the main strip of downtown Presque Isle, Aroostook County’s largest city. Enjoy an array of restaurants, local thrift stores, and even a crystal shop. Here is a self-guided walking tour of historical sites and more.
7. Rent a canoe or kayak from Perception of Aroostook
One of the best ways to enjoy the views of Aroostook State Park (besides Quaggy Jo peaks) is via kayak or canoe ride. I highly recommend taking a sunrise or sunset canoe ride through Aroostook State Park.
8. Snowmobiling and ATVing
Riding an ATV or snowmobile is an exhilarating way to explore Northern Maine. Northern Maine has an amazing network of trails making it possible for ATV riders to explore hundreds of miles. You can rent ATVs on their own or do a guided tour.
9. Learn about Acadian cultureFrom the 1630s to 1755, Acadians lived in what is now Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, New Brunswick and eastern Maine. Nowadays, Acadia is considered anywhere Acadians live (and Acadians live throughout the world). You’ll find the history of the Acadian culture throughout eastern Maine, including the Acadian Landing Site, also known as the Acadian Cross Historic Shrine. Put Tante Blanche Museum on your list as well, a 1770s log building named after Marguerite Blanche Thibodeau Cyr in honor of her heroic deeds during the 1797 famine.
Where to Eat in Aroostook County (vegetarian-friendly)
Northern Maine Brewing Company
Northern Maine Brewing Company is a local brewery and restaurant with locally sourced, fresh ingredients. I recommend their fried pickles and beer flight! They even offer sodas local to Northern Maine.
Mainely Mexican
Mainely Mexican is a family-owned and operated restaurant offering authentic Mexican food with a Maine flare. Service is excellent and the portions are generous.
County Roots
County Roots is Aroostook County’s first vegan cafe and bakery. They are only open Tuesday to Friday 10 to 3 and Saturday 10 to 1—make sure not to miss them!
Mai Tai Restaurant
Mai Tai Restaurant is a local Chinese restaurant with a delicious buffet and full menu. Come for great drinks, good food, and a nice atmosphere.
Lakeview Restaurant
Lakeview Restaurant is a family-style restaurant specializing in steaks and seafood. There is a lounge with a full service bar and a patio with breathtaking views of Long Lake. Even if you’re not hungry, make sure to stop in for a coffee or drink and enjoy the views!
Misty Meadows Organic Farm
Misty Meadows Organic Farm a unique dining and shopping experience offering fresh organic vegetables, Maine-made crafts, and souvenirs. Come for their famous poutine!
Governor’s Restaurant
Governor’s restaurant is a homestyle restaurant and bakery featuring breakfast, lunch, dinner, and homemade dessert options (like their GIANT cake slices). They have a vegetarian menu and are flexible about modifications.
Weekend Itinerary for Aroostook County
DAY 1:
- Hike up Haystack Mountain (20 min)
- Explore Maine’s first state park, Aroostook State Park (1-3 hours). You can hike to North and South Peak or spend a day exploring different trails.
- Rent a canoe for sunset and/or have a picnic near Echo Lake
- Cook some dinner on the fire
- Grab a blanket + hot apple cider and catch a glimpse of the Milky Way
DAY 2:
- Go for a scenic drive through US route 1. Experience the beauty of autumn leaves, explore small quaint towns, see the Canadian border, marvel at the gorgeous lakes of Northern Maine, and more!
- Get lunch with a view at Lakeview Restaurant.
- Go apple Picking at Circle B Farms. Apples make for a perfect souvenir. We brought a bag home and made vegan apple pie. (SO GOOD!)
- Explore historic downtown Presque Isle area. There are a lot of cute shops and historic buildings.
- Grab dinner at Northern Maine Brewery, home of local beers and an array of local sodas. The food is absolutely delicious, made with local ingredients.
Are you planning a trip to Aroostook County? Comment questions or your experiences in Northern Maine below!
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