Outdoor Activities in Camden, Rockland and Rockport
The unpredictability of the coast of Maine resulted in the
construction of a flotilla of lighthouses, some of which are considered among
the most historically significant in America. Consult both sides of the
Camden-Rockland Discovery Map and start charting your tour. Wear good walking
shoes to maximize your visiting. From the water, you can take a lighthouse tour
with Monhegan Boat Line and Camden Harbor Cruises.
Monhegan Boat Line also offers puffin tours. For added info. on
these cute little birds, go to the Project Puffin Visitor Center. You can do
more bird watching as well as seal viewing, lobstering and sunset touring with
the aforementioned Camden Harbor Cruises. Their narrated tours are conducted in
a traditional wooden lobster boat.
If sailing is your preference, book an excursion with Schooner
Olad or Cutter Owl, a reputable company that offers two sails daily. Looking to
hoist the sails yourself? Take a class at The Apprentice Shop. Here you can
even take a workshop in how to craft your own oars or learn how to do
decorative knot work. One way or another, they’re sure to make a seaman out of
you–or at least help you on your way.
Know that there are many other boat tours–in everything from a schooner
to a sloop to a yacht–from which to choose. The main thing is to get out on the
water in Penobscott Bay!
What about the bucolic interior of Camden and Rockland? Well,
there’s much to explore there as well. Georges River Land Trust rates as an idyllic
place to start. You can bike, hike, paddle or snowshoe within this scenic
preserve. Experience wetlands, mountains, ponds, lakes, streams, salt water
tidal estuaries and even blueberry barrens within this national treasure. (I’ll
spare you from looking up the latter: Glaciers formed expansive stretches of
sandy soil, perfect for raising blueberries. So go ahead and tell your friends
you went to see some Maine blueberry barrens and you’ll sound like quite the
tour guide.) Beech Hill Preserve, also a fun place to hang, offers spectacular
views and lots of organic blueberry barrens.
Ever hear of a water trail? Check out the Maine Island Trail, a
375-mile water trail for small boats that passes
through Maine, extending from the New Hampshire border up to Canada. It
connects over two hundred wild islands and there are plenty of
specially-designated places to stop at including sites open for day use or
overnight camping–what fun!
If you’re looking to find out more about the wildlife in the
area but don’t want to get dirty, go to the National Wildlife Refuge Center in
Rockland. Make sure a stroll along the Rockland Harbor Boardwalk is worked into
that program as well. It will take you almost as far as the Maine Lighthouse
Museum, just a few blinks away from Middle Pier. The Rockland Breakwater Trail
& Lighthouse also thrills, mostly because you’ll feel like you’re
practically walking right out into the ocean. The views of the boats are pretty
sweet here, too.
And what about the beaches? Well, if you take one look at the
craggy coast, you know that most are rustic. And this being Maine, the water
can be as cold as a lobster pot is hot. But they are wonderfully scenic and
delightfully unspoiled, especially if you’re lucky enough to visit one outside
of the busy summer season. Locals’ favorites include Shirt Tail Point in
Camden, Laite Beach in Camden, Lincolnville Beach in Lincolnville, Glen Cove Beach in Rockport, Johnson Memorial Park in
Rockland, and Lucia Beach/Birch Point State Beach in Rockland. Bring a bucket
if you go at low tide to collect lots of shells, sea urchins, crabs and sand
dollars.
Want to see some real Oreo-cookie cows? If yes, you must check
out the belties at Aldermere Farm, a program of the Maine Coast Heritage Trust.
You can do this by attending one of the programs held at this historic farm
including art workshops, their annual Art Show and Sale (held every August), a
nature walk or even a moonlight ski tour, to name a handful. (Not sure if the
cows are out at night in winter but if they are, I’m sure their white
midsection–also known as belts of these black-and-white Galloway cows–makes
them easy to spot.)
How about taking in one of the best views in Maine and working
your body while you’re at it? You can hike Bald Rock Mountain year-round (OK,
you might need snowshoes in the winter) and take in some spectacular vistas of
this magnificent part of America. It’s about a three-mile-loop and fairly
challenging as you summit but it’s worth it. For more unparalleled views of the
the bay, islands and mountains, drive up to the top of Mount Battie in Camden
Hills State Park.