There are numerous fabulous hikes near Camden, Maine in all types of terrain with breathtaking views. Camden Hills State Park has 20 trails covering over 30 miles. The Coastal Mountains Land Trust and Georges River land Trust offer even more scenic hiking options. Our Camden bed and breakfast is the perfect location to explore the great outdoors of Maine, then retreat back to a relaxed and tranquil atmosphere at our Victorian mansion.
With so many options, it can be difficult to choose. We’ve rounded up our top 5 spots for hiking near Camden, Maine!
#1 Mount Battie
When visiting Camden, Maine, everyone should see the view of Camden Harbor and the Penobscot Bay from the top Mount Battie. This spectacular view inspired Edna St. Vincent Millay to write the poem “Renascence.” On a clear day, one can see as far north as Cadillac Mountain and all of the coastal islands in the western Penobscot Bay.
View of Camden Harbor at the top of Mount Battie
Hawthorn Inn is just a few blocks from the Mount Battie Trailhead. (You can even see the Mount Bettie Tower from the front yard of the inn!) The avid hiker, or those with a sense of adventure, can take the Mount Battie trail to get to the top. Only half a mile long, this moderate to strenuous trail takes about 45 minutes to hike, with some steep pitches sprinkled throughout.
View of Camden Harbor from the inside of Mount Battie Tower
If a strenuous hike is not your idea of fun, there are multiple other trails that you can take to enjoy these views. One can access the Carriage Trail from the Parking lot on Mountain Street 1.2 miles north of the Public Library. From the Carriage Trail, turn onto the Carriage Road Trail. This combination of trails is about 1.5 miles and will take approximately one hour and 15 minutes on moderate terrain. Alternatively, you can hike 1.5 miles on the moderate terrain of the Nature and Tablelands Trail. There is access to the Nature Trail from the parking lot at the main entrance of the park.
#2 Bald Rock
With so many miles of hiking trails, it is no surprise that some of the best hikes near Camden are in the Camden Hills State Park. The hike to the top is less than 2 miles. The first 1.2 miles on the Ski Shelter Trail from the parking lot off of Youngtown Road is quite easy. The last 0.6 miles on Bald Rock Trail is a little more difficult. This hike also rewards those that make it to the top with spectacular views of Penobscot Bay.
Bald Rock Mountain overlooking Penobscot Bay including Camden, Rockport and Rockland harbors
#3 Maiden Cliff
This hike is also part of Camden Hills and has views of the ocean. Additionally, it boasts magnificent views of the surrounding mountains and Lake Megunticook from the top of an 800-foot cliff that drops straight down. The parking lot for the trailhead is 2.7 miles north of the Camden Public Library on Route 52. Maiden Cliff Trail is a moderate 1 mile trail that will take approximately 1 hour to hike.
View atop Maiden’s Cliff
Memorial cross atop Maiden’s Cliff
#4 Beech Hill Preserve
Beech Hill Preserve in Rockport is part of Coastal Mountain Land Trust. There are two easy trails in the preserve: the 0.6 mile Summit Road Trail off of Beech Hill Road and the 1 mile Woods Loop Trail off of Rockville Street.
Beech Hill blueberry barrens
On the Summit Trail is blueberry barrens, which is home to 141 bird species and organic blueberries are sold in August. At the top of the summit, there is a Beech Nut, built in 1917 by Hans O. Heistad as a picnic hut for the Weatherend summer estate. Windows in the hut frame glorious views of the Penobscot Bay.
Beech Nut built in 1917 as a picnic hut
#5 Aldemere Farm/Vesper Hill Children’s Chapel
New England Travel Today calls this “hike” one of the prettiest walks in New England, binding together two of the most beautiful villages. It may be a pretty easy walk, but it is 2 miles in one direction. The hike starts from Camden walking south on Chestnut Street, which turns into Russel Avenue. Make sure to stop and say hello to the Belted Galloway (Oreo Cookie) Cows at Aldemere Farm.
Belted Galloway (Oreo Cookie) Cow
One can continue the loop around the golf course and up into another beautiful village of Rockport.
Take in the magnificent views
As you can see, the are offers varied terrain for varied abilities. Many of the hiking trails near Camden, Maine (or a variation of them) can be done all year long. If you are tired after all of that hiking, or want to try all of the hikes, consider staying at our romantic Camden Inn. We are just a short walk or drive from all of these awesome trails. Get out and enjoy the beauty that the mid coast has to offer. Book your hiking adventure today!
