Bald Mountain Preserve — Attraction in Camden

This review is for our hike up Bald mountain accessed from 325 Barnstead road in Camden Maine. I specify that as you can access Bald mountain from more than one area.

This is a great hike with one of the best views of Penobscot bay and the surrounding area I’ve seen!

As you are driving from Camden the parking area will be on your left . There is parking for quite a few vehicles so I’d say it’s a decent size parking lot. In the parking area there is a sign with a trail map and information on the hike.

As you start the hike you will need to cross Barnstead road and the cars do tend to move fast on that road so use caution. You’ll follow the path along the road and then adjacent to a field before you turn right and head into the woods.

You’ll travel less than a quarter mile before your first sign. It will indicate Bald Mountain to the left and Ragged mountain to the right. I have not hiked Ragged mountain from this access point so don’t have information on that.

As you turn left and head up Bald mountain you’ll quickly learn this hike is all up! It’s a good climb that will give you some decent cardio depending on your speed. There are rock scrambles and just flat rock surfaces that you’ll climb up so wear something on your feet with good traction!

If your doing this hike on a rainy day or a day or two after rain please use caution as it’s a lot of rock that is steep and when wet very slippery!

The elevation of Bald mountain is 1280 feet. The hike from the parking lot with a bit of walking around at the top is 3.12 miles. The area on top is great, there is s lot of rock face , cleared areas that allow for sitting and exploring. Plus amazing views of Penobscot bay and the surrounding area!

This hike is a beautiful one and extremely rewarding in many...

I have been hiking Bald Mountain since 1982. The preservation of this precious summit is a blessing, as can be seen by looking around at the the damage done to the surrounding ones, including the legendary Hatchet Mountain in Hope. Hopefully no one else will build fires up there either, the damage to the summit stone will endure for centuries. It is a sacred place with a nearly forgotten history, and one that rewards quiet contemplation and listening. From the summit it is possible on a clear day to see Mount Washington in New Hampshire! There are few other places that allow for such a view, and much of the coast of Maine and many islands are clearly visible. It is also a spectacular place to view events such as lunar eclipses. I will be forever grateful for the preservation of this extremely special mountain. Oh, Ragged Mountain is cool...

Bald rock is a nice hike. It's not to long and fairly easy going. Access is also easy to find. There is a bit of a steeper section but not bad . I managed it with snow and ice still on the ground. Once you make the hike to the top you are awarded with spectacular views of camden harbour and beyond. There are other plenty of other hiking destinations from the same trail head if you want to make it a longer day. The hiking in this area is some of the easier hikes I've done. Suitable to bring kids! Pets are welcome on leashes. Go in to Belfast or Camden for some good eating options .. oh yeah and drinks of course. If this was helpful click the...