Local Attraction
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Attractions:
- Camden Hills State Park: This is an autumn view of the village and harbor of Camden from the top of the Mt.
Battie Auto road.
Camden Hills State Park is less than 2 miles North of the Inn
and has an extensive Trail System. Hiking trail maps are available at the
Inn with descriptions of the various trails (distances and time
estimates).
For the less active, a leisurely car drive to the top of Mt.
Battie offers panoramic views of Penobscot Bay and it's many islands.
The Camden Hills State Park and the George’s Highland Path
provide some of the most spectacular coastal mountain hiking in New England.
Sweeping ocean vistas, rugged coastlines and breath taking seascapes
await and surprise the hiker at every bend in the trail.
Camden’s Mt. Megunticook Range is the starting point for the
ridge trail, a scenic five-mile walk with spectacular cliffs and exposed ledges.
Upon cresting the ridge, you will reach the top of Maiden Cliff, with
dramatic 360-degree views over pristine Megunticook Lake and the Georges
Highlands. The cliff top offers the
perfect spot for picnicking, birding or viewing the magnificent fall foliage.
It is not uncommon to see Bald Eagles, Ospreys or Red Tailed Hawks
soaring, especially during the annual fall hawk migration.
Three miles into the trail lies Ocean Lookout. With an elevation of 1180 feet (the highest point along the
trail) Ocean Lookout provides hikers with outstanding views of Penobscot Bay
with its quaint coastal villages, abundant islands and fleet of old Windjammers.
The trails are well marked and maintained.
There are plenty of access points to the trails and public parking is
available at the trailheads. Maps
and hiking information can be obtained at most trailheads, ranger stations or
from your innkeepers.
Other popular activities at the park are rock climbing, cross
country skiing, snow shoeing, camping, picnicking and bird watching.
Kokadjo Adventures
of Maine
Enjoy an afternoon climbing outdoors with Tim Simpson, climbing instructor and
guide. Climb the famous Barret's Cove cliff across from Megunticook Lake. Gear
will be supplied. 255 Birch Point Rd., Wiscasset, ME 04578. 207-882-4743;
207-841-0576; www.kokadjoadventures.com
- Farnsworth Art Museum and the Wyeth Center: featuring works by some of the great names in 18th and 19th -century art history like Gilbert Stuart, Thomas Sully, Thomas Eakins, Eastman Johnson and Fitz Hugh Lane. The Wyeth center showcases three generations of this first family of American art with a comprehensive collection of Maine-related artwork by N.C. Wyeth, his son Andrew Wyeth and Andrew's son, James Wyeth. The Farnsworth is located 10 minutes from the Hartstone Inn, in downtown Rockland. (207) 596-6457
- Penobscot Marine Museum: the museum complex is comprised of many buildings belonging to the original "townscape" including a former sea captains home, regional watercraft collections, art exhibits, films, and much more. The museum is located in Searsport, about 40 minutes north of Camden. (207) 548-2529
- Owls Head Transportation Museum: known internationally for it's collection of pioneer aircraft, historic automobiles, bicycles, motorcycles, carriages and engines. The museum is located 15 minutes south of Camden in Owls Head. (207) 594-4418
- Merryspring Horticultural Nature Park: a 66 acre park located 5 minutes from the Inn featuring cultivated gardens and preserves of Maine's native flowers, shrubs and trees. The parks varied landscapes, fields, gardens and arboretum are all connected by a network of trails. (207) 236-4885
- Kelmscott Farm: this farm features rare livestock breeds including Cotswold sheep, Nigerian dwarf goats, Kerry cattle, and Gloucestershire Old Spots pigs. Educational programs, farm tours and many special events take place at the farm. Located about 25 minutes from the Inn. (207) 763-4088
- Acadia National Park: pleasant 2 hour drive (78 miles) north of Camden. The park contains over 120 miles of hiking trails, pristine lakes, picnic areas, campgrounds, breathtaking sea vistas, coastal shores and pebbled beaches. Maps and lists of current activities are available at the Inn.
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Activities:
- Rock Climbing
- Tours: A great site to view Maine (and local) lighthouses: www.lighthousegetaway.com/lights/maine.html
Follow our recommended lighthouse tour to 6 local lighthouses:
With its rocky shores and jagged coastline, it’s not surprising that Maine has more lighthouses and beacons than any other state its size. A scenic drive through Mid-Coast Maine from the Hartstone Inn in Camden, down the coast to Damiroscotta offers spectacular views of six unique lighthouses.
Pemaquid Point Light (Bristol) – one of the most picturesque lighthouses on the Maine Coast, the Pemaquid Point Light sits atop a rocky ledge overlooking the Atlantic Ocean and is located just 17 miles south of Newcastle. Built in 1827, this 32 foot high white fieldstone conical tower is still active today. The restored keeper’s house has been turned into a Fisherman’s Museum. The lighthouse is accessible by car.
Marshall Point Light (Port Clyde) – In Thomaston, turn south toward Port Clyde. Marshall Point light, built in 1823 and refurbished in 1858, consists of the keepers house and a foot bridge out to a 26 foot white granite tower. The restored keeper’s house has been turned into a lighthouse/nautical museum and gift shop. The lighthouse is accessible by car.
Owls Head Light (Owls Head) – Near Rockland, you’ll find the village of Owls Head, home to the Owls Head Light. The lighthouse is situated on an elevated peninsula some 65 feet above sea level. A short walk from the parking area brings you past the keeper’s house (still used as quarters by the Coast Guard), and up a weaving wooden walkway to the 20 foot high white granite tower. Built in 1826 to mark the south entrance to Rockland Harbor, this elevated light offers spectacular views over Penobscot Bay.
Rockland Breakwater Light (Rockland) – In the town of Rockland, the tower stands at the end of a 7/8 mile long granite breakwater in Rockland Harbor. Built in 1888 and completed in 1902, the light consists of an 18 foot high white square tower atop a fog signal house. The parking area is a short walk from the beginning of the breakwater. The nearly 1 mile walk to the end of the breakwater offers panoramic vistas and up-close views, as ships sail by.
Indian Island Light (Rockport) – As you descend into Marine Park, the lighthouse is in the distance as you look out to sea. This 31 foot high light was decommissioned in the 1930’s and is privately owned. Unfortunately, you can’t get close to this light by car or foot. A boat ride from the Rockport Harbor does offer one a close up view of this white square tower that was built in 1850 and rebuilt in 1874. Indian Island light is located on the east entrance to Rockport Harbor.
Curtis Island Light (Camden) – The Curtis Island light is still active and is located out on Curtis Island, at the entrance into Camden Harbor. Originally built in 1836, and rebuilt in the late 1800’s, the white cylindrical tower is 26 feet high and offers panoramic views of the Penobscot islands and Camden harbor. Originally known as Negro island, Curtis Island is now owned and maintained by the village of Camden. The island is open to the public, but is only accessible by non-motorized means (kayak, row boat, etc…). The best view of the light (on the mainland) is from Beacon Avenue, and a public access trail leads you down to the shoreline where you’ll find a small sitting area, perfect for a picnic.
A detailed map with driving instructions is available at the Inn from the innkeepers. - Boat cruises: A trip to Camden is never complete without a day sail on one of the
many windjammers in the Camden harbor.We highly recommend the Schooner "Surprise"
for
a 2 hour day trip out into Penobscot Bay.Captain Jack and Barbara offer wonderful
hospitality on their 57 foot Schooner.With a maximum of 18 passengers (children
over 12 years old only), the "Surprise" experience is very intimate allowing
passengers to hoist sails and listen to some of Jack and Barbara's sailing adventures.
They have some stories to tell!!!!The "Surprise"
sails from May to October and
snacks are offered during the sail.
Schooner
Surprise
visit their web site: www.camdenmainesailing.com
PO Box 450, Camden, ME 04843
(207)236-4687 - Golf: There are a number of terrific fishing guides in the Camden area. Lake Megunticook, located five minutes from the Inn, offers great fresh water fishing. Local guides will provide all of the necessary equipment and licensing.
- Biking: There are many scenic bicycling routes in and around Camden.
We have mapped out various trips ranging from 3 mile local Camden trips to 15, 20,
30, and 40 mile trips and more in the region. Maps include specific directions of
where to turn, mileage along the way, landmarks and areas of special interest. Maps
Bicycle RentalBicycle rental is available from "Brown Dog Bikes", a 3 minute walk
from the Inn.
Visit their web site at: www.browndogbike.com or
call them at (207) 236-6664
Tour
1 - Camden, Rockport and Islesboro
The seaside villages of Camden, Rockport and the island of
Islesboro are the perfect place for a seacoast adventure.
The Maine Coast, with its rocky shoreline, picturesque villages and
lighthouses afford the cyclist plenty of opportunities for discovery.
Gentle terrain to moderate rolling hills challenge the bicyclist.
There are several recommended bike routes for all abilities
to choose from. The biker should
plan an average of ten miles an hour for biking in this terrain.
The classic short trip loops through the historic villages of
Camden and Rockport. Highlights of
this trip are two beautiful harbors, Camden’s Mt. Battie, the Windjammer
fleets, and unique shops and galleries. This
trip is an easy 1-1 ½ hours, depending on how much exploring you do along the
way.
For a more challenging ride you can bike around Lake Megunticook.
Located just West of Camden, this route abounds with rolling and steep
hills. Beautiful views of the lake
and Megunticook Mountain are the prominent features of this ride.
Previous cycling experience is recommended; as this is a
twenty plus mile ride with some vertical challenges.
Pack your swimming suit and take advantage of the many fresh-water
swimming opportunities along the route.
Another popular ride involves taking a ferry to the island of Islesboro,
and spending a half-day biking around the island.
There are several nice spots for picnicking and taking in the views of
the Bay.
This trip should be planned ahead as advance ferry
reservations, proper clothing and a bike repair kit may be needed.
There are several good bike shops in the area where you can go for
repairs or rentals.
There are also local outfitters who offer guided tours and
shuttle service. - Canoeing/Kayaking: Kayak rentals, instruction and guided tours are all available in
the Camden area. Few moments are as breath-taking as the rising sun over Camden
harbor, and an early morning paddle, dodging the moored sailboats and windjammers, is the
perfect way to take it all in. Whether you're looking for a sea kayak tour up
Maine's scenic coast or a family tour of beautiful Lake Megunticook, the perfect tour is
out there waiting for you.
Riverdance Outfitters (207) 230-0033 (terrific
guide with interesting tours)
Ducktrap Sea Kayak (207) 236-8608 - Skiing - Cross Country: Camden Hills State Park has cross country ski trails that extend for miles, winding through forests and up mountainsides.
- Skiing - Downhill: There are many ski areas within a short drive of Camden. We even have our own ski mountain located right here in Camden. Camden Snow Bowl offers 10 trails from beginners to expert. It also has the only toboggan chute in the state of Maine which hosts the U.S. National toboggan championships. Night skiing, group/private lessons, ski rentals, toboggan/tube rentals and snow board rentals are also available.
Contact: Camden Snow Bowl at (207) 236-3438
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