The mountains meet the sea in this picturesque park about an hour drive from the inn. Mt. Battie is considered the signature location of Camden Hills State Park. From the top, visitors have panoramic views of Penobscot Bay, Camden Harbor, and numerous surrounding islands. Make the trip on a clear day and you will be treated to views of the famed Cadillac Mountain at Acadia National Park. A paved road leads the way to the top allowing for a relaxing afternoon picnic with a view.
Guests looking for a more active day have a wealth of options at Camden Hills State Park. Year-round activities include birdwatching, hiking, off road biking, cross country skiing, and snowshoeing. The park encompasses 5,700 acres and boasts over 30 miles of trails. There are trails of varying lengths and difficulty levels. This is just a sample of some of favorites:
- Rather than driving to the top of Mt. Battie, take the half-mile Mt. Battie Trail. The moderate difficulty makes it accessible to many. Once you’ve scrambled through some rock and ledge areas the view will be that much more satisfying.
- The mile long Megunticook Trail takes you to the top of the highest hill in the park. The trail scales 1000 feet and takes about an hour to complete. From the top you can look down upon Mount Battie and possibly see Mount Washington in the distance.
- If you are looking to avoid crowds, try the Sky Blue Trail. The easy mile-and-a-half long trail meanders through blueberry fields and mature forest.
- If you simply want to stretch your legs for a couple of minutes, try the quarter-mile long Shoreline Trail for gorgeous views of Penobscot Bay.
Before or after visiting the park, make time to explore the town of Camden. The town is full of cute shops and restaurants. Don’t miss out on the day’s fresh catch. The library sits on waterfront property and the adjoining lawn is a lovely place to sit and relax for a while. There are many schooners and tall ships that offers tours. Even a quick jaunt around the harbor will offer views of ferries, mega-yachts, and fishing boats.
Barrett’s Cove is a quiet, freshwater beach on Megunticook Lake. Swimmers can revel in the relatively warm waters during prime season. If you prefer to look for seashells and sea glass, brave the chillier Laite Beach. The beach is a short distance from downtown Camden and offers scenic views of Camden Harbor.
