Hike Up Beautiful Mountains For One-Of-A-Kind Ocean Views At This East Coast State Park

A day of hiking reaps the reward of breathtaking views. There's a unique rush of adrenaline and a beautiful sense of awe when you reach the summit of a mountain to bear witness to the land and water beneath you. Most of the time, it makes all of the hard work and energy expended on the trail up to the top worth it. Camden Hills State Park is an ideal place to hike and find stunning views, especially on the trails that lead you up Mount Battie, a 780-foot mountain that has sweeping views of the landscape below.

Visiting this state park in Maine is a lovely choice for those who love hiking and are looking for their next outdoor adventure. If you want to extend your time on the trails, you have the option of camping overnight. Experience the peace of the trails and come with friends, family, or do a couple of solo hikes. Whatever you decide, and whomever you do or do not come with, you'll have a splendid time in nature.

Hiking and animal sightings

Camden Hills State Park has a wide range of hiking trails to explore, about 30 miles to be exact. Mount Battie is an especially popular destination at the park all year round. You can trek a 2.7-mile trail to the top, and you can even bring your dog as long as it's on a leash. But that's only one of the many trails you can venture down. There are hikes as short as 15 minutes and as long as a couple of hours. If you prefer to move on wheels, bring your mountain bike as some trails allow them. Some of the trails are even horse friendly if you're looking to ride.

If you don't have time to embark on a hike but still want to take in views, you can drive up to the top of Mount Battie. If you decide to drive, make sure the road leading up to the summit is open if you're planning on visiting between November 1 and May 1.

Animal lovers, you'll want to keep an eye out for species like bobcats, moose, fox, and other critters roaming about when you're on your hikes. Birdwatchers, this is also a great opportunity for you to spot species such as the mouring warbler, veery, and purple finch – these are just a couple of the many different species that make their home in the park.

Camping and lodging

Admission to the park itself costs $4 for Maine residents, $6 for non-residents, $2 for non-resident seniors, free for Maine resident seniors, $1 for children ages 5-11 years old, and is free for children under five.

When the day is over and you need a place to rest, you can choose between a campground and lodging in the nearby town of Camden, Maine. In the park, there are 107 camp sites, many with the option for hookups. Camping costs are $35 per night for Maine residents and $45 per night for those who are not state residents. If you'd prefer to stay in town, Camden Riverhouse gives you the option of staying in a hotel, an inn, or a cottage. At the inn, you'll find stocked kitchens, which is perfect for those who'd rather prepare their own meals than eat out.

For those on a quest for your next hiking trip, Camden Hills State Park is just for you. You'll find breathtaking sights and have loads of fun no matter what time of year you visit. Get outside and get to Camden for your next trip into nature.