Echo Lake Beach

Echo Lake Beach in Aroostook State Park is 200 miles north of the "other" Echo Lake Beach on Mount Desert Island. The difference at this dog-friendly Maine destination is divine—smaller crowds, more secluded trails, and did we mention smaller crowds?

Echo Lake Beach in Aroostook State Park Dog-Friendly Details

Just a couple of decades after Acadia National Park was founded on Mount Desert Island, Aroostook County got its own park around its own Echo Lake. Aroostook State Park became the first state park in what is now an intimidating list of choices.

Maine State Parks allow leased dogs throughout the year on all the trails. It's just the state beaches that have limitations of no dogs allowed beachside from April 1 through September 30. Here's the loophole — Aroostook State Park doesn't officially have a beach.

Sure, there's a shoreline along the parking lot area with picnic tables and a boat/paddle launch. This "beach" is a grassy waterfront that allows swimming. Since it's not technically a beach, there are no restrictions. Even the Aroostook State Park website states, "Keep pets on a leash at all times and do not leave them unattended. Dogs are not allowed on the ski trails in the winter." You'll want to confirm that with the gate attendant to make sure the loophole isn't closed.

You are required to clean up pet waste as you go and follow the "Carry In, Carry Out" rules. Yes, that means you'll be carrying pet waste with you throughout the hike. Please do not bag and drop waste, and don't assume it's "natural fertilizer." It's not. It can introduce harmful bacteria to pristine ecosystems.

All refuse shall be placed in designated containers provided by the Bureau. No refuse shall be deposited in any type of toilet facility. At those areas where the Bureau has a carry in/carry out policy, users shall be responsible for carrying out all their refuse. - Maine State Parks Department

Kayaks are available for rent at the park, which is a nice change from having to rent in town and tow it along. In the winter, there are cross-country skiing and snowshoe trails. As stated above, dogs are not allowed on ski trails.

Two easy hiking trails are available from the parking area, one of which is a nature hike with kiosks along the way. More moderate and difficult trails climb Quaggy Jo Mountain.

Camping is available here too. With the remote nature of this park, you're more likely to have neighbors sticking around at night to hang out with. Just be sure to limit barking dogs, as that's one of the main complaints from Maine campers.

Is Echo Lake Beach in Aroostook State Park Safe for Dogs?

During the summer, you'll find a lot of bugs here, like biting flies and mosquitoes. Ticks are thick in the woods, and you shouldn't go without tick prevention.

TICK PREVENTION CLARIFICATION: Most tick treatments aren't meant to repel ticks. They are meant to kill ticks that do attach to the pet and start to suck the blood. The ingestion then kills the ticks and, ideally, they fall off. Talk to you vet about the difference between prevention and repelling to find the best solution. You should also ask about prevention for biting flies, as those are common in Maine.

Always do a full body scan of pets and people after hiking, even if you used prevention and dressed in long sleeves to keep ticks away.

Sign up for Aroostook State Park alerts by texting AROO to 888-514-7527.

You'll need to talk to your dog about the triggers of this park, with an abundance of squirrels, chipmunks, foxes, deer, moose, and bears. Keep an eye out for hawks that might confuse your small dog for a snack.

Parking at Aroostook State Park

The park is open year-round from 9:00 am to sunset. Keep in mind that during the winter, the sun will start to set around 4:00 pm.

Parking is free with admission to the park, which will cost $4 for adult out-of-state guests and $1 per child 5 to 11 years old. Children under five are free. Senior Citizens will only pay $1. During the off-season, there won't be any amenities or gate attendants, but you are expected to pay the fee at the self-service station. You can only pay with cash or a check.

What's Near Aroostook State Park?

Use the Aroostook County tourism site to find the nearest activities in Presque Isle and beyond. Here's a travel guide to help you get started. Please note that during any dog sled race, pets aren't allowed at the spectator spots.

Aroostook State Park Dog-Friendly Beach Rating: B