PRESQUE ISLE, Maine — Recent storms have led to impassable trails at Aroostook State Park, and officials are warning eclipse viewers that they should watch the April 8 celestial event elsewhere.
Storms last week and over the weekend brought wind and heavy, wet snow. Trees on all the trails were damaged, park officials said.
A notice was issued April 3 by the Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry, and Park Manager Scott Thompson gave a similar update in a recorded message to park callers.
“We received significant tree damage throughout our trail system. All trails have tree damage and will be hard to traverse,” Thompson said in the message.
The park is still open for visits, but everyone needs to be out by sunset, he said. All ski trails are closed for the season. Other trails are open, but they also have significant damage.
The camping area will be closed, so travelers headed to the area for the eclipse will not be able to stay at the park, according to Thompson.
“No campers, trailers, buses or big vehicles are recommended into the park as our roadways are very soft and muddy,” he said. “We are encouraging visitors to view somewhere else.”
Aroostook State Park’s camping season will open May 15.
