If you’re looking for outdoor adventures in MidCoast Maine, there are many hiking opportunities in and near Camden. Offering magnificent views of Penobscot Bay and other parts of MidCoast Maine, hiking in Camden is not only enjoyable but also plentiful. Let’s take a look at some of the best Camden Maine hiking trails to explore this year.
Hiking Camden Maine: Camden Hills State Park
Located on the northern side of Camden, you can visit Camden Hills State Park for year-round trail access. It has some of the best hikes in the area, offering miles of hiking trails, many of which are easy hikes. The longest trail is the multi-use trail, or Ski Shelter Trail, which runs for 5 miles.
At 2.5 miles long, Ridge Trail runs along the top of Mount Megunticook. One of the shortest hikes is the half-mile-long Mount Battie Trail which takes you to the top of the mountain for panoramic views of Camden Harbor and Penobscot Bay.
This Camden Maine hiking trail offers more than 600 feet of elevation gain as you summit Mt. Battie, and you can see all the way to Cadillac Mountain in Acadia National Park on a clear day!
The other 17 popular trails and their lengths include:
- Shoreline Trail — 0.3 miles.
- Megunticook Trail — 1 mile.
- Nature Trail — 1.2 miles.
- Tablelands Trail — 1.5 miles.
- Carriage Trail — 0.5 miles.
- Carriage Road Trail — 0.8 miles.
- Adams Lookout Trail — 0.3 miles.
- Jack Williams Trail — 1.6 miles.
- Summer Bypass Trail — 0.8 miles.
- Slope Trail — 1.5 miles.
- Maiden Cliff Trail — 1 mile.
- Scenic Trail — 0.8 miles.
- Zeke’s Trail — 1.3 miles.
- Cameron Mountain Trail — 1.9 miles.
- Sky Blue Trail — 1.5 miles.
- Bald Rock Trail — 0.5 miles.
- Frohock Mountain Trail — 1.9 miles.
You can download Camden Hills State Park trail maps here.
Exploring the Trails at the Camden Snow Bowl
Also offering biking, skiing, and snowshoeing throughout the year, the Camden Snow Bowl has a few trails for hiking in the Ragged Mountain Recreation Area.
The Hosmer Brook Trail is 1.3 miles long and only open for hiking. The Red Diamond Mountain Trail is 1.7 miles but is only open for hiking near the chairlift summit. The Kuller Loop is 1.7 miles, and the 5 Brooks Loop is the longest at 3.5 miles.
Hiking Camden Maine: Georges Highland Path
With a 50-mile network of trails across MidCoast Maine, the Georges Highland Path has numerous footpaths. There’s a trailhead along Route 17 for hiking Camden Maine, and two other trails are in nearby Searsport.
Ragged Mountain Trail
As one of the steepest, and arguably the most difficult trail in Camden, the Ragged Mountain Trail extends into Rockport a little bit. It’s worth the trek to see the massive vista that includes the Georges River, White Mountains, Mount Washington, and other western Maine mountains.
In the distance, you can see the many islands that sit in Penobscot Bay, too.
Canal Path
The Canal Path is 3 miles and traces part of the historic Georges River Canal from the late 1700s. Displays are placed along the trail to describe parts of the canal that you can still see. You can even go on a self-guided tour of the sustainable practices that the partnered lumber company uses.
This path connects to Appleton Preserve and the Ridge to River Trail.
Ridge to River Trail
Connecting the Gibson Preserve with the Canal Path, the Ridge to River Trail is about 5 miles and stretches along the Georges River. It offers spectacular views of the river valley which you can also see from Appleton Ridge.
There are a few difficult sections of the trail, especially the climb up the ridge. Combining this trail with the Canal Path and preserve trails gives you an 11-mile hike.
Hiking Trails at the Coastal Mountains Land Trust’s Preserves
The Coastal Mountains Land Trust manages many preserves in MidCoast Maine. One of them offers a trail for easy hikes in Camden.
Bald Mountain Preserve
The Bald Mountain Preserve is 583 acres, and its Summit Trail runs for 2.6 miles one way. Reaching the top of the mountain’s 1,280-foot summit gives you views of the surrounding coastline and Penobscot Bay from above the tree line. You might even see migrating hawks in the fall.
Since the trail is a trek up the mountain, it’s difficult to complete for those who aren’t used to hiking.
Richard S. Hodson Preserve
There are two trails at Richard S. Hodson Preserve, which allow you to explore a hemlock tree grove and the site of a historic mill. The Hodson Loop is 0.75 miles and an easy hike by apple and hardwood trees.
The Howe Hill Summit Trail is 1.2 miles and more difficult because it passes through a forested easement up the Howe Hill summit. There’s a rock at the top of the summit with an engraving of the Howe family name, and you can see Hatchet Mountain, Bald Mountain, Camden Hills State Park, and the bay.
More Hiking Near Camden
Aside from a couple of trails on the Georges Highland Path that are in Searsport, there are many other places for hiking near Camden. They range from easy hikes to challenging hikes.
You can find many midcoast trails by searching Maine Trail Finder.
Hatchet Mountain Preserve
With majestic views of the Ragged Mountains, Camden Hills State Park and Bald Mountain, Hatchet Mountain Preserve is 27 acres and stands above Hope Village. This important landmark has a well-built trail that runs for 0.6 miles one way. It’s on the challenging side because it goes up the mountain face.
Fernalds Neck Preserve
Located in Lincolnville, Fernalds Neck Preserve is 285 acres and has three hiking trails. The White Trail runs for 0.2 miles one way and is easy. The Orange Trail is shorter than 0.9 miles and is a moderate hike. The Blue Trail is 0.9 miles and is also a moderate trek. The Blue and Orange Trails take you to Megunticook Lake, which is popular for swimming.
The preserve has a forest of hardwood, hemlock and pine trees among mushrooms and mosses. You can look for Balance Rock during your hike. This very large glacial erratic, which is a nonnative piece of rock, is precariously balanced on a rocky outcropping.
Ducktrap River Preserve
Stretching for 1,140 acres, Ducktrap River Preserve is the largest that the Coastal Mountains Land Trust manages. The preserve protects the shoreline of the river and its Atlantic salmon habitat. The trail is 2.8 miles one way, and the first half is shared with a snowmobile trail. About 0.25 miles after that, you’ll cross the river on a 32-foot wooden bridge.
Best Place to Stay When Hiking Camden Maine
In order to enjoy the best hiking Camden Maine has to offer, you’ll need a place to rest in between your hiking excursions. In Rockport Maine, The Country Inn is in a convenient location to access all of the above trails and more across MidCoast Maine.
Also, we’re only a short drive from galleries and museums that exhibit the area’s art culture and history. When you need deep relaxation, check out our spa and massage options too.
Our sister property, Glen Cove Inn & Suites near Rockland Harbor, also offers a convenient and comfortable stay when exploring the best MidCoast and Camden Maine hiking trails.
featured photo credit: Camden Snow Bowl