Posted in Maine National & State Parks, Nature, Trips June 07, 2018 by Michelle

Take The Road Less Traveled To One Of Maine’s Most Stunning Views

Maine’s Midcoast offers some of the best adventures in the state. From boating to hiking, there’s enough to keep busy for days. It’s also home to one of the best and most easily accessed outdoor opportunities. The many trails in Camden Hills State Park in Maine will take you to a point overlooking the harbor that’s unrivaled in all the hikes we’ve taken. Not looking to build up a sweat? No problem! Half of our group went straight to the top in a car, seeing the view AND finishing the snacks before we’d had a chance to join them. Most people talk about the Mt. Battie trail to the top, but we recommend you skip it in favor of the Mt. Megunticook route. Here’s why!

If you haven't seen this exact photos, you've surely seen one like it depicting the beautiful vista found at the top of Mt. Battie in Camden Hills State Park.

The sign to turn into Camden Hills is easily seen from US 1. Heading north you'll turn left and heading south you'll turn right.

After paying an $8 entrance fee, you'll make a left and find this sign for the trailhead parking lot.

You'll find the main trail easily from the parking lot and it begins with some fun plank walking.

Mount Megunticook is slightly longer (it's 1.8 miles versus 1.4) and a bit more challenging than Mt. Battie, but we think it's more fun and the views are worth it!

With the exception of a few rays of sun through the trees, this trail is shady and cool even on a hot day.

You'll soon get to a turnoff leading to Adam's Lookout.

Do some map consulting (that always makes you feel like an explorer!) and then continue on to the Mount Megunticook summit if you're short on time.

But do make sure to take time to look at nature — like this spooky lookin' tree.

About halfway up the trail, you'll begin to notice a distinct increase in elevation as the trail becomes steeper.

Almost every increase in elevation ends with a flat portion, so you can look forward to a break from the uphill hike.

Depending on the time of year, you may get a chance to listen to the stream beside the trail.

If not, the green and spots of blue sky are enough to keep you marveling at nature's wonder.

Cleverly placed rocks will also help this route by helping you avoid having to navigate loose rocks and gravel.

Thanks to the park service, you'll find actual stairs to ease the trip in some areas.

While these are helpful while they last, be prepared for some fairly sheer rock as you get to the last push before the summit.

Almost out of nowhere you'll find the Ocean Lookout.

Followed about 85' later by the official summit of Mount Megunticook.

There's plenty of rock to sit and enjoy the view.

And even a few places to test your bravery by getting to the edge.

After marveling at the view, begin the descent back down.

The parking lot and campground will be easily marked near the end of your hike.

Once you're back at the parking lot, hop in the car and drive up to the top of Mt. Battie where you'll find a fun map of the entire vista to point out islands and lighthouses.

This is truly spectacular on a sunny day.

The view here is so inspiring, it's where Edna St. Vincent Millay, the Maine poet and playwright who earned the Pulitzer Prize for Poetry in 1923, used to come to write and relax.

The entire trip from parking in the hiker's lot to hike Mount Megunticook, then back down to drive up Mount Battie should take about 2.5 to 3 hours if you're taking things slow and steady.

Camden Hills State Park offers a variety of outdoor activities including hiking, camping, swimming, boating, and picnicking. There are also a variety of winter activities in the colder months. You can learn more about the park (including how to reserve a campsite) on their website. Click here to see a trail map of all the hikes you can do in the park.

For more summer fun, check out the Smalls Falls swimming hole. It’ll cool you off and remind you of the simpler summer days of your childhood.

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