This network describes trails in the central area of Camden Hills State Park.
Megunticook Trail (1 mile, moderate): The Megunticook Trail affords the most direct route to the park's finest views. It will take around an hour to cover the one mile distance, as it ascends nearly 1,000 vertical feet, with moderately steep segments in the upper section. From the ledges at Ocean Lookout, gaze down on the summit of Mount Battie, the town of Camden nestled at its base, and the entirety of Penobscot Bay from Acadia to Monhegan Island. On a clear day, Mount Washington can be discerned on the western horizon.
Adam's Lookout Trail (0.3 mile, easy): This trail is a short connector trail between the Megunticook Trail and Tablelands Trail, taking only about fifteen minutes to navigate. The trail traverses the mountain on a single contour line, with rewarding views of Penobscot Bay.
The Ridge Trail (2.5 miles, moderate): The Ridge Trail transverses the ridge-top of Mount Megunticook from Ocean Lookout to the Scenic Trail near Maiden Cliff (a town-owned network). This moderately difficult trail, with a wooded summit at 1385', offers striking vistas to both the east and west, and features overlooks above Lake Megunticook with many spots to stop for a rest or picnic. The Ridge Trail also acts as a connector trail from Megunticook Trail to the Slope Trail and Zeke's Trail.
Jack Williams Trail (1.6 miles, moderate): The Jack Williams Trail is named for a long-time local volunteer who designed the trail. It parallels the Ridge Trail at the base of the cliffs comprising the westerly face of Mount Megunticook. The views of the rising cliffs above the trail, and down on Lake Megunticook below are enhanced by the mixed hardwood forest through which the trail wanders on a single contour making this a relaxing hike through a typical coastal Maine forest. Both the Ridge Trail and Jack Williams Trail serve as connectors to the Maiden Cliff Trail.
Slope Trail (1.5 miles, moderate): The Slope Trail follows the path of what was a ski trail maintained by local volunteers until the 1950's. The trail descends from the summit of Mount Megunticook to the Multi-use Trail and a reconstructed ski lodge. As the ascent is quite steep, many hikers prefer to use the hike as the downward leg of a circuit starting with the Megunticook Trail.
Zeke's Trail (1.3 miles, moderate): This trail follows an old road leading west from the Multi-use Trail and rises to meet the Ridge Trail. A short spur takes the hiker to Zeke's Lookout at 1,190 feet.
Summer Bypass Trail (0.8 mile, easy): The Summer Bypass Trail was constructed to bypass low, wet areas on the Multi-use Trail along the northeast slope of Mount Megunticook. This trail still provides an interesting option for hiking and biking through the forest, even though improvements to the Multi-use Trail have virtually eliminated the the need to avoid any sections.
Multi-Use Trail: This varied use trail runs from the length of the park and provides access to the Summer Bypass, Slope, and Zeke's Trail in the interior network of the park. **Trail use includes hiking, bicycling, horseback riding, and snowmobiling.
View BPL's map and guide for Camden Hills State Park.
In addition to hiking, biking, cross-country skiing and snowshoeing, Camden Hills allows opportunities for picnicking, horseback riding, snowmobiling, hunting and camping. Please exercise caution on ledge and rock areas, especially in wet conditions. Camden Hills State Park Campground is open from May through September. Reservations are highly recommended during the summer season. Amenities include bathhouses, a dumping station, RV hookups and wireless internet access. Group shelters are also available by reservation. Firewood can transport invasive insects and diseases. Do not transport firewood. Please buy it locally and help protect our forests!
Natural Heritage Hikes is a project of the Maine Natural Areas Program in partnership with Maine Trail Finder. View the "Camden Hills State Park - Megunticook Trail, Adams Lookout Trail" guide online here.
Visit Maine Bureau of Parks and Lands online for more information and a printable map or contact:
Follow US Route 1 approximately 2 miles north of downtown Camden. The main entrance to Camden Hills State Park and the park's campground will be on the left. A parking area is located to the left, just past the main entrance. Parking is also available beyond the ranger station. The main gate offers easy access to multiple interior trail systems.
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