By Kathy McCarty
Staff Writer
CASTLE HILL — Work that began last year was nearing completion this week at Haystack Mountain, just in time for the weekend’s planned fall foliage hike to the summit.
Upgrades to the trail were being handled by members of the Maine Conservation Corps and staff from the Aroostook State Park.
“The work was all part of re-establishing the trail to make it safer for recreational trail users. This will stabilize the tread for years to come,” said Scott Thompson, director, Aroostook State Park, who oversees the Haystack site.
“We had some funds left over from last year. We got another grant to fill the void and finish the project. We’ll also be able to do some trail work at the state park,” said Thompson. “We got enough funding to get the group here for six weeks.”
Staff photo/Kathy McCarty
MOUNTAIN MAINTENANCE has been under way at Haystack Mountain, with a crew from the Maine Conservation Corps helping rebuild steps partway up the mountain, to provide easier access for hikers. Here, Park Ranger Alan Cleaves and Scott Thompson, director of the Aroostook State Park, prepare to take a load of gravel to the work area.
Crews have been on hand the past couple weeks building steps on the side of the mountain — in time for this weekend’s scheduled fall foliage hike.
“We’ve had a team of seven from the Maine Conservation Corps helping us with the work,” said Thompson.
Thompson said while there’s a change of venue for this year’s hike, visitors to the Aroostook State Park can still enjoy a similar experience.
“While we’re here at the mountain, visitors to the other facility (state park) will still be able to hike and enjoy the colors that come with the change in seasons,” said Thompson.
Thompson said such festivities allow him to “showcase the hard work of volunteers and staff at Haystack and the park.”
At the Aroostook State Park, Thompson said funds will be used — in part — to do “excavation work on the ski trails.”
“The Bureau of Parks and Lands will be hosting a fall foliage hike on Saturday, Sept. 28, from 9 a.m. to noon at Haystack Mountain in Castle Hill. This short but rugged 1/3 mile climb will put the fall foliage viewing in full gear for the season,” said Scott Thompson, director of Aroostook State Park. Thompson and his staff also oversea Haystack Mountain, performing trail maintenance and other duties to ensure the site remains a family-friendly destination for all.
Thompson advises participants to bring water, snacks, binoculars and a camera.
“Rangers will discuss the changing tree foliage, point out interesting landmarks and talk about this ‘Gem of Northern Maine,’” said Thompson.
Dogs are welcome but must be on a leash at all times.
“Contact the Bureau’s website for more information on this event or other Bureau of Parks and Lands’ hikes offered throughout the state during this foliage season,” said Thompson.
For more information, visit www.parksandlands.com or call the Aroostook State Park at 768-8341.
