Mount Megunticook (via Maiden Cliff)

I am sure the Memorial Day weekend was important to many of us physiologically as the effects of the Coronavirus continue to require us to change our habits in order to protect each other. As we continue to learn more about the virus its becoming clear that outdoor activity is far less risky than indoor activity. We certainly can be thankful that we have so many different options when it comes to being outside.

One of those options include the Camden Hills State Park. With several criss-crossing trails and multiple mountains/hills to climb it offers lots of different options for individuals of all experience and physical levels. Many of the trails offer breathtaking views of Penobscot Bay and the surrounding hills.

Surprisingly this was my first trip up the Megunticook and it didn't fail to meet the expectations that everyone said it would. While the western mountains still have snow and ice making those treks more difficult (and dangerous) Megunticook was in fantastic shape for the "first weekend" of Summer. We started up the Maiden Cliff trail from Route 52 (parking lot up short incline on right side of the road) and followed it about 0.5 mile to a junction. There are a number view points along this first 0.5 mile part of the trail that offer sweeping views of Megunticook Lake, Bald Mountain and Ragged Mountain to the west (see above).

Staying right at the signs (Scenic Trial and Summit) will take you up a pretty steep incline to the ridge you will follow to reach the summit of Megunticook. The trails were in great shape (as you can see from the pictures) with very little water on the trails. The bugs also hadn't realized yet it was the time of year they should be following us around. Once you are up on the ridge the hike becomes pretty easy as you follow the ridge south east towards the summit of Megunticook. There is a junction with Zeke's Trail (which goes north) about 1.3 miles from the trail head.

Continue on Ridge trail for about another 0.9 mile and you find yourself at a large cairn which marks the summit of Mount Megunticook. Snap yourself a quick picture for proof you made it to the top but continue on following the sign for Ocean Lookout. You will find plenty of space to sit and relax on the rocks (socially distant of course) and enjoy the various views including Mount Battie, Penobscot Bay, Deer Isle and Vinalhaven. On a clear day you can see all the way to Cadillac Mountain just under 50 miles away as the crow flies.

After eating snacks and chatting with the others who also made the trip up Megunticook, we re-trace our steps back to the trail head. There are plenty of other ways to get back down if you decide you want to spend more time hiking about. Once back at the car, we ordered some take out from Long Grain (thought of generally as Thai but really includes inspirations from many Asian countries) and ate in Harbor Park right in downtown Camden. It was really nice to get to experience Memorial Day weekend in Camden.