Mount Battie Summit and Tower
Climb the historic tower for stunning panoramic views of Camden Harbor and the islands. A must-visit in Maine!
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Best light, fewer crowds
Mount Battie Summit and Tower
Best Time
Best light, fewer crowds
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Climb the historic tower for stunning panoramic views of Camden Harbor and the islands. A must-visit in Maine!
"Beautiful spot with breathtaking views over Camden, the bay and islands beyond."
Drive or Hike Up
Choose between a scenic drive or a rewarding hike to the summit. Both offer unique perspectives! :hiking_boot:
Check the Weather
A clear day is essential for the best views. Pack layers as it can be breezy at the summit. :cloud:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Mount Battie Tower
Summit
Climb the historic stone tower for unparalleled 360-degree views of Camden, the bay, and distant islands.
Camden Harbor Overlook
Summit
Marvel at the picturesque harbor dotted with sailboats and the charming town of Camden below.
Edna St. Vincent Millay Quote
Tower base
Reflect on the poignant words of the famous poet inscribed on a plaque, adding a literary layer to the visit.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Everything
Access & Fees
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Drive or Hike Up
Choose between a scenic drive or a rewarding hike to the summit. Both offer unique perspectives! :hiking_boot:
Check the Weather
A clear day is essential for the best views. Pack layers as it can be breezy at the summit. :cloud:
Entry Fee
Non-Maine residents pay an entry fee. Plan accordingly! :moneywithwings:
Kid-Friendly Views
Kids love the views and the tower! A great spot to get them off their devices. :child:
Proposal location help? Looking to propose on a hike near a cute town?
Tips
from all over the internet
Drive or Hike Up
Choose between a scenic drive or a rewarding hike to the summit. Both offer unique perspectives! :hiking_boot:
Check the Weather
A clear day is essential for the best views. Pack layers as it can be breezy at the summit. :cloud:
Entry Fee
Non-Maine residents pay an entry fee. Plan accordingly! :moneywithwings:
Kid-Friendly Views
Kids love the views and the tower! A great spot to get them off their devices. :child:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Mount Battie for its absolutely breathtaking views of Camden Harbor and the surrounding islands. The historic stone tower is a charming addition, and the well-maintained park and paths make it easily accessible. Many appreciate the blend of natural beauty and historical/literary elements, making it a memorable stop.
"We took the scenic loop, but there were also plenty of wonderful hikes. On a clear sunny day in early October, you can climb the tower, learn the history of the site, and marvel at the view, both sea-ward and forest-ward. What a great experience!"
EILEEN FREDRIKSEN
"Beautiful spot with breathtaking views over Camden, the bay and islands beyond. The stone tower adds a charming historic touch and the Edna St. Vincent Millay quote makes the place feel even more special. Easily accessible by car or a nice hike. Definitely a must-see if you're in Maine!"
Marie
"Beautiful. Very well maintained park, road, sidewalk. The stairs in the tower are perfect. Might be the best maintained "viewing site" we've ever experienced.
The view is fantastic. Our day was warm and sunny. We hiked the trail up and it was reasonable effort but lots of rocks and roots. So be careful, but definitely worth it. The view of the bay and Camden was great. We walked down via the road and it was a little steep. Of course you can drive up, but we enjoyed the hike."
Jim Overbeck
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
You can reach Mount Battie via a scenic paved road that leads directly to the summit and tower, or by hiking one of the park's trails. The park is located within Camden Hills State Park.
Yes, there is parking available at the summit near the tower, making it easily accessible for those who drive.
Absolutely! Several trails lead up to the summit, offering a more active way to experience the park. Be prepared for rocky and root-filled paths.
The most direct route is via the park road. For hikers, the Mount Battie Trail is a popular choice, though other trails also connect to the summit.
The paved road and sidewalks to the tower are well-maintained, and the tower itself has wide, firm steps, making it accessible for many.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
There is an entry fee for Camden Hills State Park, which includes access to Mount Battie. Non-Maine residents typically pay around $6 per person.
Tickets are usually purchased upon arrival at the park entrance. It's always a good idea to check the official Camden Hills State Park website for the most current information on ticketing and hours.
Mount Battie is part of Camden Hills State Park, which generally has seasonal operating hours. The tower itself is typically open during daylight hours when the park is accessible.
Maine residents may have different fee structures or state park passes. Check with the park for specific details on resident discounts.
Yes, if you have a valid Maine State Parks Pass, it typically covers entry to Camden Hills State Park and Mount Battie for the pass holder.
📸 📸 Photography
The summit of the tower offers the most iconic panoramic shots of Camden Harbor and the islands. The overlook points along the road also provide stunning vistas.
Early morning or late afternoon light is ideal for photography, offering softer shadows and beautiful colors. Clear days are a must for the best visibility.
Drone usage is typically regulated within state parks. It's best to check the specific rules and regulations for Camden Hills State Park regarding drone operation before flying.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive views. A telephoto lens can be useful for zooming in on distant islands or boats.
Yes, the stone tower itself is a photogenic structure, and the plaque with the Edna St. Vincent Millay quote offers a unique detail to capture.
🎫 🚶 Onsite Experience
A visit can range from 30 minutes to a couple of hours, depending on whether you drive up, hike, and how long you spend enjoying the views and exploring the tower.
You can climb the historic tower, read about its history, enjoy the panoramic vistas, and explore the surrounding park trails.
Restroom facilities are typically available within Camden Hills State Park, often near the main parking areas.
The paved road and sidewalks are generally stroller-friendly, but the hiking trails are not. The tower stairs are not suitable for strollers.
Comfortable walking shoes are recommended, especially if you plan to hike. Layers are advisable as it can be windy at the summit.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
🚶 Hikers and Nature Enthusiasts
📸 Photographers
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Iconic Mount Battie Tower
Many visitors find the tower to be a highlight, appreciating its well-maintained condition and the sense of history it evokes. The panoramic vistas from the top are consistently praised, encompassing Camden Harbor, the surrounding islands, and the vast expanse of the Atlantic Ocean. It's a perfect spot for capturing memorable photos and simply soaking in the natural beauty of the Maine coast.
Hiking vs. Driving to the Summit
For the more adventurous, hiking trails provide a more immersive experience. Trails like the Mount Battie Trail are well-trodden but can be rocky and root-filled, requiring sturdy footwear and a reasonable level of fitness. The hike offers a chance to appreciate the natural surroundings more closely and adds a sense of accomplishment to the visit. Many reviewers mention enjoying the hike and finding it a worthwhile effort for the stunning reward at the top.
Regardless of your chosen method, the journey to the summit is part of the adventure. Whether you prefer the ease of driving or the challenge of hiking, both routes lead to the same spectacular payoff: unforgettable views of the Maine coastline.
A Glimpse into History and Poetry
A particularly poignant element of the Mount Battie experience is the inscribed quote by renowned poet Edna St. Vincent Millay. Her words add a layer of reflection and emotional depth to the already breathtaking scenery. Visitors often pause to read the inscription, connecting with the poet's perspective on the natural world. This blend of natural beauty and cultural heritage makes Mount Battie a uniquely enriching destination.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit