Hiking
Hiking Around Camden
“Where the Mountains meet the sea” is how Camden is often described. With the beautiful Camden Hills overlooking the exquisite harbor, it is the prime location to hike some well-groomed trails that offer spectacular vistas.
Camden Hills State Park is a half mile outside of Camden and offers over thirty miles of hiking trails to suit any level hiker. The trails are open year-round and with each season offer something beautiful to see. Some of the trails are:
- Mount Battie Trail is a moderate level hiking trail with a rock scramble at the top. It is about a half hour hike to the top where there is an amazing view of Camden Harbor and the town of Camden.
- Maiden Cliff Trail is a moderate level trail that meanders through rocks and trees leading you to an awe-inspiring view of Megunticook Lake and Penobscot Bay in the distance. This trail is particularly beautiful during the fall when the trees are ablaze with color.
- Megunticook Trail is also a moderate level trail that climbs steeply through dense forest. The trail has a couple of stopping off points that offer great views of the bay. Once you reach the summit, which is 1385 feet, you will be happy you put in the effort because the view will not disappoint.
The Coastal Mountain Land Trust works to permanently conserve land to benefit the natural and human communities of western Penobscot Bay. In doing so they have established a number of wonderful hiking trails a short drive from Camden:
- Beech Hill located in Rockport is an old blueberry farm the Land Trust has preserved. The hike to the top of Beech Hill takes about 20 minutes and is very easy. Once you make it to the top you are greeted with an incredible view of Penobscot Bay to the East and the Camden Hills to the West. During the blueberry season the Land Trust opens different areas for blueberry picking to the public. This is only done on specific days mandated by the land trust but if you are here during one of those days it is worth going to get some fresh Maine blueberries.
- Fernalds Neck is a lovely Land Trust preserve located in Lincolnville, about a 15-minute drive from Camden. Fernalds Neck won’t test your endurance but the quiet serene surroundings will completely relax and rejuvenate you. The trails go around Megunticook Lake through dense softwood forest.
- Bald Mountain Preserve is a more strenuous hike on the Bald Mountain trail. When hiking the trail you will notice how quiet and remote the trail seems. You may catch a glimpse of wildlife, including birds, deer, coyote and black bear and once you reach the summit you will be struck by the beautiful views.
- The Hatchet Mountain Preserve located in Hope offers hikers 27 acres of property to explore. The terrain is steep, has areas that are covered by red oaks and provides hikers with panoramic views of the coastal mountains.