Hiking Up To The Cross

The trail to the summit is only 1 mile and affords scenic views of Megunticook Lake, the interior and coastal mountains with distant views of Penobscot Bay.

Trailhead

Access to this trailhead can be found off route 52 in Camden, however you may take longer hikes through various trails within the Camden Hills State Park trail system to reach Maiden Cliff.

Starting Off

The trail is not difficult yet steadily climbs upward through the woods over rocks and tree roots.

Over Some Rocks And Roots

Footbridge Over A Seasonal Stream

Along the  way  you will cross over a wooden footbridge. This time off year it is relatively dry however in the spring there is usually a steady flow of water rushing under the bridge.

Trickling Water

Water Under Footbridge

Lots Of Tree Roots Along The Way

Plenty of exposed tree roots along this part of trail.

Half Way There

Halfway along this trail one of the other trails intersects. We stay on course to the cliff.

Continuing Along The Trail

A Westerly View

At the summit gazing at interior mountains and pristine Meguntiook Lake.

Southerly View

Distant views of Penobscot Bay and Islands to the south. The cross was erected some years after Elenora French fell off the cliff and died in 1864.

Osprey Flying Just Above Us

Incredible opportunity to see Osprey, Eagles and Turkey Vultures soaring just above, below, and at eye level.

Cedarholm Garden Bay Inn is on the oceanside and just 1 mile from the incredibly beautiful Camden Hills State Park. To download a trail map click  here.

Another one of the “Jewels” in Midcoast Maine is the picture perfect views atop Beech Hill in Rockport. The setting is special, and after a short and easy walk to the top of this 295-acre preserve you’ll see why. If the pastoral landscape of the beautiful grasslands with the Camden Hills as a backdrop don’t grab you while your walking along, than surely the scenic ocean vistas at the top will.

After a few paces the trail quickly opens up to views of low bush wild blueberry’s growing in the grassy field.

Starting Out

Protecting The Blueberries

A Colorful Field Of Wild Blueberries

Trail

Looking Back At The Camden Hills

Soon after the half way point views of Chickawaukie Pond then Penobscot Bay appear.

Chickawaukie Pond

Chickawaukie Pond(Rt) and Penobscot Bay(Lft)

Fall creates it’s own special beauty in Maine and especially so here. The preserve’s field of golden grasslands dappled with the fiery red leaves of wild blueberry shrubs is reminiscent of a painting. At the top of the hill sits a beautifully restored stone house known as “Beech Nut” handsomely adorned with a sod roof.

Beech Nut

An Easterly View

Mountains Of Acadia National Park(Background-Rt)

Beech Nut

Restored Sod Roof

Although the preserve is open year round, Beech Nut’s open house dates for the remainder of the year is Sat. Sept. 11, Wed. Sept. 22, Sat. Oct 2, and Wed. Oct 13 2010. For more information on this beautiful preserve you can visit www.coastalmountains.org.