The Mt. Battie Tower combines scenic views with remembrance: in Camden Hills State Park, it serves as an open shelter and observation platform. It is also dedicated to the men and women who served in World War I. The hiking trails offer different perspectives on the landscape too—from viewpoints overlooking lakes to views of islands in Penobscot Bay.
Trails for Every Skill Level
The Megunticook Trail is a moderate, one-mile route to some of the best viewpoints in Camden Hills State Park. Shorter but rated moderate to challenging, the Mount Battie Trail is half a mile long and offers views of Camden and the islands in Penobscot Bay. The length and difficulty ratings give you two concrete points of comparison when choosing between these trails.
Other options offer something different. The five-mile, easy Ski Shelter / Multi-use Trail is designated for biking, hiking, horseback riding, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing and snowmobiling. The 1.2-mile Nature Trail leads from the campground to the Tablelands Trail junction; from there, continue either to Mount Battie or Ocean Lookout. The moderate Ridge Trail runs for 2.5 miles along Mount Megunticook and leads to viewpoints above Lake Megunticook.
Homes, Art and History
The Conway House is a wood-frame Cape-style home near the boundary between the towns of Camden and Rockport. Two outbuildings also remain on the property: an 18th-century timber-frame barn south of the house and a blacksmith shop to the southeast. There is also a museum on the grounds. Check the current visitor policies before your visit.
In Camden, the Chestnut Street Historic District includes more than 85 buildings on Chestnut Street, Wood Street and Pleasant Street. The district encompasses a concentration of the town’s oldest surviving homes and buildings. For a different perspective on art, the Farnsworth Art Museum features nearly 16,000 works by 1,300 artists. The museum also includes the historic Farnsworth Homestead and Olson House.
The Maine Lighthouse Museum explores the traditions and development of lighthouse and lifesaving services, as well as the U.S. Coast Guard, through its collections. It houses the largest collection of lighthouse, lifesaving and U.S. Coast Guard artifacts in the United States. The Discovery Center also features exhibitions by other local cultural institutions.
Lighthouses and Regional Perspectives
The Rockland Breakwater Lighthouse was completed in 1902; the site also includes the grounds and breakwater. At Marie Reed Park, you’ll find picnic tables in a shaded area overlooking the harbor. From there, a wide gravel path leads to the base of the Rockland Breakwater. The park, harbor views and distinctive structure offer different ways to experience Rockland.
The Marshall Point Lighthouse Museum displays lighthouse memorabilia, as well as tools used in lobster fishing and quarrying. Its exhibits also provide an overview of the history, culture and people of the Saint George region. A nature and history trail winds through the scenic grounds of the lighthouse and museum. Access details can change, so check them before your visit.
Festival, Getting There and Trip Planning
The Maine Lobster Festival in Rockland is a five-day seafood festival held annually from Wednesday to Sunday on the first weekend in August; specific dates may vary. Fresh, hot Maine lobster is served under the Main Eating Tent, overlooking Penobscot Bay. The food offerings may change from one festival to the next. The Marine Experience Tent features a touch tank and demonstrations by lobster trap makers and fishermen; vendors and demonstrations may also vary.
For finding your way along the coast, U.S. Route 1 is an important reference point: it runs along the entire coast of Knox County. Knox County Regional Airport offers charter and commercial flights, including service to Boston. Flight schedules can change, so check current service before your trip. If you’d like to combine culture, scenery and events, you can choose which aspects of the region to prioritize based on your interests.
Discover more destinations: Camden, Rockport, Sagadahoc County, Cumberland, Aroostook, Androscoggin, Kennebec, Lincoln.
For the broader travel overview: Maine.
