Join me for a relaxing weekend in the historic town of Camden, Maine.  Camden is a picturesque town on midcoastal Maine, nestled at the foot of Camden Hills on Penobscot Bay. Its slogan is "Where the Mountains Meet the Sea" and is considered by many visitors to be one of the most beautiful places in New England.  We'll camp for the weekend at Camden Hills State Park, a vast 5,700-acre park where visitors are treated to 30 miles of hiking trails with breathtaking views of the surrounding hills, lakes and ocean (Penobscot Bay).

On Saturday we'll hike the ridge between Mount Megunticook (1385'), the highest peak on the Atlantic seaboard, and the popular Maiden Cliff (800').  For the most part this is a loop hike with short segments, which will be re-traversed.  We'll also try to tag Mount Battie (780') on our return.  These are excellent hiking destinations for their views over Camden and the surrounding environs.  This will be approximately 9 miles with about 1300' cumulative elevation gain.

On Sunday, for those who are interested, we'll do a 4-5 hour kayak on Penobscot Bay.  This may include exploring the Curtis Island or Warren Island Parks.  Anyone, participating in the kayaking will be required to have a proficiency in swimming.  Sea kayak rentals are available at $35/day.  This will be arranged during the weekend and will depend on weather and sea conditions.

There will be time to explore downtown Camden Saturday after the hike or on Sunday, depending on what the group wishes to do.

Camping:  We'll camp at Camden Hills State Park Campground for the 2 nights.  Reservations can be made online at www.campwithme.com. (I've already booked Site 95 and there are plenty of nearby sites available).  Maine residents pay $17/site/night; non-residents pay $27 (plus 8% tax).  NOTE:  You will be responsible for your own site reservation, but I encourage and will help coordinate sharing of sites.  A maximum of 6 people (and I'm assuming 2 tents/cars, like at other campgrounds) are permitted per site.  If you would like to join the weekend, but aren't a camper, there are plenty of accomodations in and around Camden.  There are hot showers and bay access from within the park.

Food:  Bring most of what you will need, although there is a Hannafords in Camden.

What to Bring:  Some of the camping supplies to consider would include cooler with food, camp stove, clothing, toiletries, tent, sleeping bag, pad/mattress, camp chair, swim suit, towel(s), aqua socks, hiking boots/shoes, daypack, etc.  No firewood should be brought into the area.  All firewood must be sourced locally.

At the Rt 95/295 split in Portland, turn onto Rt 295.  In 28.2 miles, take Exit 28 and merge onto Rt 1 S (Coastal Route/Brunswick).  At Mill Street, turn left onto Rt 1 N and follow Rt 1 for 42.8 miles.  Turn left onto Rt 90 E.  After 10.8 miles this will re-join Rt 1.  In 3.6 miles the Camden Hills State Park will be reached.

For GPS Users:  44.230185, -69.047284 (Belfast Rd / Route 1; Camden, ME 04843).