EXPLORING CAMDEN HILLS STATE PARK

EXPLORING CAMDEN HILLS STATE PARK

Camden Hills is one of the more unique Maine state parks given its blending of various landscapes. Visitors can take in mountain scenery as well as views of the Atlantic Ocean and the surrounding islands. The park is the perfect spot to enjoy some of the best Maine hiking trails the state has to offer. Hiking, however, isn’t the only ideal activity you can partake in when you visit. The park offers plenty of opportunities for birdwatching, horseback riding, mountain biking, hunting and wildlife viewing as well as a host of winter activities. Come explore Camden Hills State Park when you stay at The Homeport Inn and Tavern.

Where is Camden Hills State Park?

Camden Hills State Park sits just north of Camden, Maine along U.S. Highway 1 and about 24 miles south of The Homeport Inn and Tavern in Searsport, Maine. The park sits just off the coast of West Penobscot Bay.

Camden Hills State Park Map

Camden Hills State Park offers a host of trails and mountain views within its borders. Refer to the park’s trail map for specific details on where to go when you visit.

Camden Hills State Park Fees

Fees for Camden Hills State Park are $4 for adult Maine residents, $6 for non-Maine residents and $2 for senior non-residents. Children 5-11 are $1. All Maine residents over 65 are free as are children under 5. The park is open year-round from 9 a.m. to sunset.

Hiking in Camden Hills State Park

Hiking is one of the most popular activities in Camden Hills State Park. All of the park’s trails allow for hiking and they range from easy to moderate. Most of the trails are under two miles with the exception of two: the Ridge Trail (2.5 miles) and the Ski Shelter/Multi-Use Trail (5 miles). While all trails allow for hiking, many allow other uses such as biking, horseback riding and winter activities. Be sure to check on the icons to know for sure what to expect. The park is open year-round and so are the trails. The time of year, however, will determine if they are open for hiking or not as park staff doesn’t typically plow most trails. Call ahead for any questions regarding trail status.

Mount Battie in Camden Hills

One of the more popular hiking trails in Camden Hills State Park is Mount Battie. The trail measures half a mile in length and takes hikers up the south side of the mountain, offering views of Camden, Penobscot Bay and the surrounding islands. There are some steep portions of this trail but there is a stone tower at the summit that offers a panoramic view of the area from the 780-foot peak. The trail is open to mountain biking, hiking, horseback riding, cross-country skiing and snowshoeing.

Mount Megunticook in Camden Hills

Another great trail in the park is the one-mile Megunticook Trail on Mount Megunticook. Hikers will ascend 1,000 feet in elevation for some of the best views in the park. Views include Mount Battie, Camden and Penobscot Bay from Acadia National Park to Monhegan Island. The trail features some moderately steep portions. Only hikers and snowshoers can access this route.

Winter Activities in Camden Hills State Park

Winter is a great time to visit Camden Hills State Park, especially when the snow begins to fall. Since staff doesn’t plow the many trails, snowshoers are welcome to all trails in the park. Cross-country skiing is another popular activity in the park but is limited to certain trails with an icon indicating it. Another popular winter activity is snowmobiling though this is limited to the Cameron Mountain Trail and the Ski Shelter/Multi-use Trail. Whenever there is major snowfall, be sure to call ahead to the park to better understand conditions.

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