Camden Hills State Park United States

Legendary

Enjoy the stunning views on the hike to Mount Battie.

Photo by Susan Bell

Long before it became a state park, Mount Battie served as a lookout point for the Penobscot people, who used its high summit to watch over the surrounding land and coastline.

The Penobscot lived throughout this region of Maine for generations before European settlers arrived. Even the mountain's name comes from a Penobscot word describing the swelling motion of the ocean.

Camden Hills State Park sits along the coast in Camden, Maine, overlooking Penobscot Bay. The park covers more than 5,700 acres of forest, hills, and shoreline.

During the 1930s, a government program called the Civilian Conservation Corps worked here for several years. Crews built roads, trails, and stone structures throughout the park.

The park officially opened to the public in 1947. It's been a favorite destination for hikers, campers, and nature lovers ever since.

The most famous spot in the whole park is Mount Battie. Visitors can hike or drive to its summit for sweeping views of Camden Harbor, Penobscot Bay, and the surrounding islands.

Mount Battie has a colorful history of its own. In 1897, a hotel called the Summit House stood at the top, but it was eventually torn down in 1920. A stone tower now stands there instead, built in 1921 to honor local soldiers.

Hike the Mount Battie Trail for one of the best views in the park, or drive the auto road if you'd rather skip the climb. Explore Mount Megunticook, the highest peak in the park, for an even bigger challenge. Watch for wildlife like deer, moose, and black bears along the many miles of trails.