Hiking is one of those activities in which the rewards are many. While hiking can be strenuous at times, you have the opportunity to connect with nature, listen to the birds sing, dip your feet in cool streams and marvel at the view when you reach the top. Hiking in Camden, Maine is a very popular activity among visitors and locals alike. If you happen to experience any of these beautiful Camden Hills State Park hiking trails, you’ll quickly understand why.
It’s easy to access the hiking trails from the Hartstone Inn. After fueling up on a delicious breakfast in our restaurant, drive about two miles north of the inn to find an access point to the Multi-Use Trail.
5 Camden Hills State Park Hiking Trails
The Multi-Use Trail is the longest in Camden Hills State Park at 5 miles in length. The trail, which follows a graveled and graded surface offers a moderate hike. It’s also available for biking and horseback riding, as well as snowshoeing and snowmobiling when the weather permits. This beautiful trail follows a path around the base of Mt. Megunticook. Explore the trail to experience the forest, bogs and to access several other trails.
Bald Rock Trail is a .5-mile trail that is rated as moderate to easy. While the trail is not the toughest in the park, it offers one of the best views of Penobscot Bay from the summit.
Frohock Mountain Trail extends 1.9 miles and can be accessed from the Multi-Use Trail. This is a more challenging trail, with several steep slopes within the lush forest.
Cameron Mountain Trail offers different terrain than the previous trails, as it ascends through old farmland past blueberry fields.
Once you reach the end of the Cameron Mountain Trail, you can return via the Multi-Use Trail or jump on the Sky Blue Trail for a 1.5 mile easy hike back through blueberry fields, a mature forest and past a vernal pool.
Pack a Picnic Lunch
Before you leave on your hiking adventure, be sure to order one of Hartstone Inn’s Gourmet Backpack Lunches so you can refuel. Pick a shady spot to spread out a blanket, or maybe take a break at the summit overlooking Penobscot Bay. Our picnic lunch comes with a fully stocked picnic backpack (yours to keep) filled with a complete gourmet lunch which includes: choice of Maine lobster or Prosciutto Panini, local Artisan cheese with herb-dried salami and crackers, dill potato salad, fresh fruit, strawberry shortcake biscuit and homemade chocolate truffles. Your beverage of choice is also included: white wine, red wine, sparkling cider, soda, beer or water. Just be sure to pack up all the remnants of your lunch and throw them away when you leave the park. The park has a strict policy of “Leave no trace” to keep it clean and beautiful.
Download Our Vacation Guide
When you’re visiting the Camden area, be sure to download our free Vacation Guide ahead of time. It’s full of tips and information on the best things to see and do in the region. The Hartstone Inn is a great place to stay while you’re in the area, too. Our 21 luxurious rooms and suites offer the perfect home away from home. In addition to our comfortable accommodations, enjoy a delicious breakfast and a gourmet dinner each day in our award-winning restaurant.
Photo Credit: Roman Boed / Mount Battie View / Flickr