Search for safe, healthy spaces drives Maine state parks' attendance to new record
File photo
The Maine Bureau of Parks and Lands saw a record rate of attendance at state parks, including Reid State Park, in Georgetown, seen here.
Maine’s state parks saw an 8% jump in attendance last year, hitting a new record of more than 3.3 million visitors. Activities such as hiking, snowshoeing and camping drove the surge.
Three of the last four years have seen record-breaking visitation across Maine's 12 state park campgrounds and 48 state parks and historic sites, according to the Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry and the Maine Bureau of Parks and Lands.
By November, Maine state parks had already surpassed the 2020 record of 3 million.
Visitation began with a strong turnout of annual first day hikes and regular visitation for winter park use, including hiking, snowshoeing, cross-country skiing and camping. Day-use visitation continued straight through summer and fall.
"It is great to see more people than ever enjoying our trails, campgrounds, beaches, and ponds. Our beautiful state parks are go-to destinations for Maine residents and visitors as they look to find accessible and welcoming outdoor recreation opportunities," said DACF Commissioner Amanda Beal. She said she greatly enjoys hiking in Maine's parks, having first summited Bradbury Mountain at age 5.
"Many of us have realized that the safest, healthiest, and most enjoyable place to be in the pandemic is outside," said Bureau of Parks and Lands Director Andy Cutko. "In 2021, we welcomed back many out-of-staters who didn’t visit Maine in 2020, and we saw continued strong visitation from Mainers of all ages.”
In 2021, park staff drew on best practices and the lessons of the first pandemic year to protect the health of coworkers and park visitors. COVID-19 sparked park amenity curtailments and temporary closures during the 2020 season, the bureau said. It will continue to adapt its plans as new health advisories are issued.
For the new year, Maine State Park camping reservations open Feb. 1.
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