Updated May 2022. Be sure to pack your hiking boots when you visit the mid-coast region of Maine. Because some of the best hiking in Maine is found in the Penobscot Bay Region. Miles of trails navigating mountains, rock cliffs, marsh, fields, and forest offer spectacular views of the rugged coastline and the sparkling bay. From mountain-top to shining sea, the diversity of terrain found here challenges expert and novice hikers.
Hiking is an all-season sport in Maine. In winter you might trade hiking boots for snowshoes to plow through the trails. And spring can be muddy, so bring a hiking pole. But summer and fall are ideal. The natural shade provided by the canopy above keeps things cool in summer. And the brilliant foliage adds another dimension to a walk in the woods come autumn.
We are fortunate to live in this amazingly beautiful area. With the ocean in our front yard and the mountains at our back, Mother Nature blesses us with unparalleled beauty year-round. Guests of our bed and breakfast in Rockland marvel at our pristine surroundings. So, the next time you visit us, be sure to pack accordingly to enjoy the wealth of hiking in Maine and the trails that dot the Penobscot Bay region. Here are but a few of your choices.
Camden Hills State Park
Right next door to us in Camden, hiking the 25 miles of trails in Camden Hills State Park often leads to spectacular views of Penobscot Bay, Lake Megunticook, neighboring mountains, and the offshore islands. From its signature scenic vista, high atop Mt. Battie, all of Camden’s beautiful harbor lay before you. On a gin-clear day, point your binoculars northeast for a view of Cadillac Mountain in Acadia National Park. It was this view that inspired poet Edna St. Vincent Millay to pen her poem “Renascence.”
All I could see from where I stood
Was three long mountains and a wood;
I turned and looked another way,
And saw three islands in a bay.”
Open year-round, download a trail map for a better idea of what to expect while hiking in the park.
Coastal Mountains Land Trust
Founded in 1986, the Coastal Mountains Land Trust endeavors to conserve land in threat of development in an effort to protect fragile wildlife habitats, wetlands, working farms, and forests. Among their acquisitions, dozens of preserves offer public access to a myriad of recreational opportunities. Most of the preserves feature hiking trails that wind through unusual flora, forests alive with wildlife, and native blueberry fields. A comprehensive trail guide provides a wealth of information about the protected properties, as well as maps and directions for each.
Ragged Mountain Recreation Area
If you’re up for a challenging hike that leads to a broad open summit with fantastic views of Mt. Washington and the White Mountains, make your way to any of the 3 trailheads that lead up Ragged Mountain. A printable trail brochure provides more information about the terrain you’ll encounter, as well as a trail map and directions.
Georges River Land Trust
Another conservation group working to protect midcoast Maine’s natural resources, the Georges River Land Trust provides stewardship of over 50 miles of trails. With 20 diverse preserves within the land trust, recreational activities span the gamut from hunting to fishing, and birding to biking. Embracing the towns of South Thomaston, Rockland, Rockport, Camden, Appleton, Searsmont, and Montville over 3,400 acres of protected land welcome visitors from dawn to dusk.
Clearly, the abundance of hiking trails that visitors can access while staying at our Berry Manor Inn in Rockland, Maine means that avid hikers will have a heyday here. Because some of the best hiking in Maine is right here in the Penobscot Bay region. Happy trails to you!