Camden is a picture postcard town on Maine’s mid-coast. Located on Penobscot Bay at the mouth of the Megunticook River, Camden is one of the few places on the Atlantic seaboard where mountains meet the sea. The town features lovely bay views, and quaint streets lined with historic buildings, shops, and restaurants. There are some excellent options for running in Camden, ranging from a ‘town and views’ tour, extensive trails in nearby Camden Hills State Park, and a fun loop down to Rockport. We also recommend taking the short ferry to Isleboro, which has some nice running options.
Camden Main Streets Tour
The village of Camden has scenic coastal roads with harbor views and a nice Main Street with good shopping and restaurants. We’ve mapped a 3 mile route along Bay View, which runs along the harbor, circling back onto Chestnut Street which will carry you back to town. Bay View features some nice water views for the first 0.5 miles, then becomes more residential and then more wooded (note: no sidewalk after first 1/2 mile, but not much traffic). Chestnut St. features some lovely homes and a sidewalk. Winter Note: the sidewalks in Camden are maintained in winter.
Camden Hills State Park & Mount Battie
There’s something for every runner in Camden Hills State Park. Located only 2 miles from Camden, the park features 30 miles of trails. Mt. Battie rises 800 feet and features an iconic stone tower and great views. Mt. Megunticook, also located in the park, rises to 1,385 feet. There are trails for every ability. Easiest is the 5-mile multi-use trail, which runs the length of the park. A treat in fall. BROCHURE & TRAIL MAP
For Mt. Battie, you can run on trails, or on the Mt. Battie Auto Rd. It’s 1.4 miles, and quite steep, rising 540 feet. There’s a decent shoulder so it’s safe for running. Pro Tip: In winter, the road is closed to cars but is cleared of snow.
Camden to Rockport Loop
For variety, we’ve mapped a 5-mile run to Rockport. See this route for full description.
Camden is a picture postcard town on Maine’s mid-coast. Located on Penobscot Bay at the mouth of the Megunticook River, Camden is one of the few places on the Atlantic seaboard where mountains meet the sea. The town features lovely bay views, and quaint streets lined with historic buildings, shops, and restaurants. There are some excellent options for running in Camden, ranging from a ‘town and views’ tour, extensive trails in nearby Camden Hills State Park, and a fun loop down to Rockport. We also recommend taking the short ferry to Isleboro, which has some nice running options.
Camden Main Streets Tour
The village of Camden has scenic coastal roads with harbor views and a nice Main Street with good shopping and restaurants. We’ve mapped a 3 mile route along Bay View, which runs along the harbor, circling back onto Chestnut Street which will carry you back to town. Bay View features some nice water views for the first 0.5 miles, then becomes more residential and then more wooded (note: no sidewalk after first 1/2 mile, but not much traffic). Chestnut St. features some lovely homes and a sidewalk. Winter Note: the sidewalks in Camden are maintained in winter.
Camden Hills State Park & Mount Battie
There’s something for every runner in Camden Hills State Park. Located only 2 miles from Camden, the park features 30 miles of trails. Mt. Battie rises 800 feet and features an iconic stone tower and great views. Mt. Megunticook, also located in the park, rises to 1,385 feet. There are trails for every ability. Easiest is the 5-mile multi-use trail, which runs the length of the park. A treat in fall. BROCHURE & TRAIL MAP
For Mt. Battie, you can run on trails, or on the Mt. Battie Auto Rd. It’s 1.4 miles, and quite steep, rising 540 feet. There’s a decent shoulder so it’s safe for running. Pro Tip: In winter, the road is closed to cars but is cleared of snow.
Camden to Rockport Loop
For variety, we’ve mapped a 5-mile run to Rockport. See this route for full description.
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