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Info: Hike is a 600 ft. incline, 1-mile round trip hike taking an average of 45 minutes to complete. Difficulty: Moderate Description:
The Mount Battie Trail, although short in distance, is long in challenge. This trail, accessible via Spring Street or Megunticook Street in downtown Camden, isn’t for those looking to “shut their brain off” and just hike. From the parking area, a boulder marks the start of the half-mile one-way trail - and the incline. The first brief stretch upward is a bit deceiving. The smoother dirt trail gives way quickly to loose rocks and smooth ledge, all while continuing the roughly 600 foot incline. For those unfamiliar with the trail, constant watch for the blue trail blazers should given. As the hike progresses, they become further spaced apart. At the half-way point is a visual treasure of sorts. Steps created by the twisted roots of an old tree lead you to the last half of your trek. That half is perhaps the trickiest to maneuver. Mostly ledge of the almost completely vertical-type, a hiker will find themselves doing their best Spiderman impression possible as they crawl on their tip-toes and fingers up towards the summit of the mountain. The summit, especially on a clear and sunny day, gives stunning views of the Camden Harbor, parts of Rockport Harbor, views of Islesboro, Vinalhaven, North Haven and more. On the way back down, there are several areas that will seem harder to get down than they were getting up. Small baby steps, the occasional reach for a tree branch and scouting out for rocks, ledge or roots to gain footing on will help a hiker on the decent. FMI: maine.gov/doc/parks/index.html
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October 2010
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The Trails of Camden Hills Featured trail: Mount Battie