After spending the afternoon at Acadia National Park, we drove back toward Lincolnville, Maine. We made it in perfect time to end the day at Camden Hills State Park.
Created in the 1930s, the park is just north of Camden on U.S. Route 1. There is a $6 admission fee for non-resident adults ($4 for residents) in order to hike, bike, horseback ride, camp, snowshoe, picnic, and drive the auto road up to the top of Mount Battie.
From November to May, Mount Battie Auto Road may be closed based on weather and staffing.
Visitors can also hike Mount Megunticook, the highest of the Camden Hills.
Mount Battie
To reach the top, you can hike the Mount Battie Trail or drive up the road like we did. Originally the only way to access the summit was an old carriage road. When it became part of the state park, the road had deteriorated to little more than a footpath. Now there is a family-friendly hiking trail.
At the summit there are several overlooks and a 26-foot-tall stone tower. The WWI Memorial Tower was dedicated in August 1921. There is a winding staircase up to the top. It sits in the place of the old Summit House hotel.
The tower’s inscription says, “In grateful recognition of the service rendered by the men and women of Camden in the World War 1914 — 1918.”
From the mountaintop, you get spectacular views of Camden Harbor, Penobscot Bay, and the surrounding islands. On a clear day, visitors can see Cadillac Mountain at Acadia National Park.
Sunset
In my opinion, the best spot for sunset viewing is at the top of the tower. You need to get there before the start of sunset as there is only so much room at the top and it is a popular space.
When we visited at the end of September, the sun set behind the mountains. I set up in the corner opposite the water.
After enjoying the setting sun, make sure to leave relatively quickly as the park closes at sunset.
Steph, I need to thank you for your photos. I almost felt I was there after enlarging them. Beautiful! The best part of your blogs are the pictures then the descriptions. You make it all so interesting. Thanks