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• Camden Hills State Park

Camden Hills State Park- offers visitors access to 5,700 acres of beautiful scenery and stunning panoramic views of Maine

Just a short scenic drive up the coast from Rockland is Camden Hills State Park. The minute visitors arrive to this 5,700-acre park they will realize it is unlike most other places. Amongst breathtaking views of surrounding hills and blue lakes, visitors have 30 miles of hiking trails to explore this beautiful spot. After long afternoons of hiking, there is also access to picnic areas for large groups of family and friends in addition to well-maintained and fully equipped campgrounds.

This park was formed in the 1930s by The National Park Service and the Civilian Conservation Corps and was initially known as “Camden Hills Recreation Development Area.” In 1947 it was renamed to Camden Hills State Park, and has remained a highly popular destination for locals and tourists alike since then.

The only true way to experience Camden Hills State Park is through a bird’s eye view. More specifically, visitors should travel to the summit of Mount Battie for an exceptional and full panoramic view of the sloping hillsides, rich blue lakes, Camden Harbor and the famous Penobscot Bay. There are two options for getting to the top of Mount Battie. If you are feeling up to a scenic hike, you can navigate the trails (filled with lush trees and wildlife) and reach the summit in about two hours. If you prefer to take it easy, simply pay a fee and you can drive to the top. The view atop of Mount Battie is spectacular year-round but it is especially stunning in the fall months where the foliage sets the landscape ablaze with deep yellow, orange and red hues. In addition to Mount Battie, visitors can also check out Mount Megunticook for a hiking destination. It is the highest peak on the Atlantic seaboard and has excellent views, although the summit is less open than Mount Battie.

Camden Hills State Park- provides hikers with over 30 miles of beautiful trails

Once hikers arrive to Camden Hills State Park, they can decide what trails to explore. With over 30 miles of hiking trails, visitors certainly have options to choose from. Before setting forth, all visitors need to obtain a park map and get an overview of the landscape. The map will indicate the five main trailheads that provide access to all the trails. These trails are situated around the mountain and are up to four miles in length. If hikers are looking for the best views, Maiden's Cliff Trail is an extremely popular path that gives people spectacular views of Megunticook Lake and the surrounding forest. Although the trails are very well maintained, it can be easy to overlook trailheads located throughout the park. This is why it is incredibly important to keep your map on hand to make sure you access all the spots you have in mind.

If you are concerned about the level of hiking intensity, this park is much less steep (think hills, not mountains) than other hiking spots in the area. With moderate inclines and manageable distances (on average 2-3 miles in length), it is ideal for families with children and people focused on sightseeing. However, if you are an experienced hiker and looking to push your endurance, this park allows you to customize your length of hike with its interconnected trails that can easily extend your time in the park. If you are looking for dry trails, consider visiting the park in July. Although, if you like the adventure of muddy trails, plan a trip during the rainy season.

Camping under the stars - and other outdoor family fun

Camden Hills State Park is ideal for a complete day outside with family and friends. One of the best ways to experience nature is to go camping. This park boasts over one hundred individual camping sites, fully equipped with bathrooms and hot water showers. The park is extremely private and situated in a way that you won’t be too close to adjoining campers. Camden Hills State Park is also located near Acadia National Park that attracts a majority of the visitors in the area. This means Camden Hills State Park is free from extensive crowding and provides guests with the serene and relaxed atmosphere they want. Without the noise and clutter, you can truly experience the stillness of sleeping under the stars.

Once the camp is set up it is time to enjoy the stunning surroundings. Camden Hills State Park is known for its extensive wildlife, including a wide array of unique birds that are not typically seen throughout the rest of Maine. Amongst the wildlife and friends and family, there is also an on-site picnic area for guests. Here visitors have access to outdoor grills and picnic tables, ideal for barbeques and summer meals. You can even grill up some freshly caught fish since the ocean-side of the park has ample fishing opportunities. If you rather just take in the sights, there are plenty of spectacular views including the shoreline and Penobscot Bay.

Camden Hills State Park is located at 280 Belfast Road in Camden, Maine. It is incredibly important to make campground reservations well ahead of time to guarantee your spot, and fees depend on the location you choose. Whether your ideal vacation is focused on camping, hiking, or simply lounging outside with friends and family over a picnic lunch, Camden Hills Sate Park has plenty of options for guests to enjoy in their stay.