Yes, it’s cold, yes it’s icy, yes the trail markers are covered in snow, yes you still should get out and hike! I compiled a list here of “safe” winter hikes. The hikes have gradual slopes and little chance of getting lost even if you can’t see the markers. Good Luck and always bring a cellphone with you. Remember “humans were not meant to hibernate.” Dress warm, wool socks, baliclava, good gloves, & extra granola bars in your pockets!
Here is a link to the Camden Hills Hiking map: http://www.maine.gov/doc/parks/parksinfo/camden/camdentrails.pdf
Winter Hiking in Camden and Rockport
Mt. Battie Camden Hills – Camden Maine
Suggested hikes:
Bald Mountain – start #11 on map, this is a multi use road that has trail heads. The road is wide and gradual. Take Trail #8 Bald Rock. The hike on Bald rock is a gradual hike. Not too steep. The overlook at the top is the ocean. There is a neat old lean- to at the top, if you can find it.
MerrySpring Park, Camden: This field is very popular with cross country skiiers, but also with winter hikers. This is a favorite of locals, a hidden gem. Here is a link to the trails: http://www.merryspring.org/Parkmap/parkmap%20home.html
Rockport
Beauchamp Point:
Gradual and easy hike.
From Camden, make a left on Union Street, drive to the end, make left on Russell Avenue, make 1st right on Mechanic Street, drive to end and park. You will see signs for the trail. This trail is an old dirt road. It is wide and has views of Rockport Harbor. I usually walk for a while sit on some rocks overlooking the harbor and then walk back. Very casual and easy walk.
Beech Hill, Rockport
Take rt 1 to Beech Road. Make a left on Beech road, Prism Gallery restaurant is the landmark on RT 1 to turn rt. Drive about a mile, if you got to South Street, you went too far. There is a sign on Beech Street for parking. The hill is a big blueberry field, so there are very little trees. Beech hill has big open fields with views of the ocean. At the top of the hill there is a beautiful old stone tea house. The tea house is only open select times in spring, summer, and fall, but is wonderful to look at and look in the windows.
This hike is very gradual and easy. Article about this hike: http://new.bangordailynews.com/2011/03/02/outdoors/favorite-places-in-maine-beech-hill-rockport/