Ridgeline Traverse at Ragged Mountain

Ragged Mountain in Camden/Rockport is a well-known and beloved hiking destination within easy driving distance of Portland, Augusta, Lewiston, and Bangor. It offers varied terrain and open ledges with views of the ocean, islands, lakes and ponds, and inland views of mountains near and far. It also offers no less than five separate trails that lead to the summit so there are many different combinations of routes, each with its own unique charm. When trip planning for this hike I was looking for a new twist. While thumbing through guidebooks I discovered a route I’d never done before in the AMC’s Best Day Hikes Along the Maine Coast https://www.outdoors.org/resources/books-and-maps/. When I pre-hiked this circuit I found the beauty of this option, unlike other options, is that it spans the entire ridgeline of Ragged Mountain and it’s a loop, so no need to spot cars at both ends.
This route begins at the Thorndike Brook Trailhead of the Round the Mountain Trail (RTM), 223 Hope Street, Camden, ME. It quickly meets the Georges Highland Path (GHP) and ascends through the woods along the GHP to a junction with another section of the GHP that comes up from the Barnstown Road Trailhead. From there it follows the entire ridgeline of the mountain with expansive and sweeping views. At a spot known as Sundown Ledge there is a turnoff that leads to the summit. Coming down from the summit, the route begins to descend along the section of the GHP that originates on Route 17, with more ledges and overlooks, as it heads into the woods again. At a junction, the route switches to the Round the Mountain Trail for the final leg to close the loop. Up to this point, the trail has been a foot path with roots, rocks, and ledge.
The RTM trail is a different treadway. If a hiking trail and a carriage road had a baby, that describes the RTM. It’s a 6-foot-wide gavel path like a carriage road but it meanders up and down and side to side like a trail.
There’s a lot to see here. Woods trails, the Round The Mountain trail, a couple of lichen gardens, stream crossings on bridges and over rocks, historic stone fences, and spectacular views from the extended time on top. And who knows, maybe there will be a surprise along the way. This is a fun hike. About 7.5 miles with about 1,300’ of elevation gain, variable terrain with some steep up and down sections, but no serious bouldering or rock scrambling. The pace will be slow to moderate with 5-6 hours of moving time and total time with lunch and breaks of 6-7 hours. Rating is vigorous. This outing is appropriate for strong hikers and for those with less experience who want to up their game in the comfort of a group setting. There is no cost to attend. No kids or dogs. Sorry. The following links provide more information about hiking in this area.
https://www.georgesriver.org/ragged-mountain
https://www.coastalmountains.org/preserves/ragged-mountain-preserve/
https://www.coastalmountains.org/preserves/ragged-mountain-hiking-trails/
You will need a day pack to haul lunch, snacks, and at least 2 liters of water. You will also need sturdy hiking boots or shoes and hiking socks. Wear wick away clothing. Bring an extra shirt, a hat, sunscreen, and bug repellent. Optional: trekking poles.
If you are interested in participating but the cost of outdoor gear is a barrier, use this link to learn about our partnership with Maine GearShare: https://amcmaine.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/AMC-MGS-1-Page-flyer.pdf
This event is free, but registration is required. Register here: https://activities.outdoors.org/s/oc-activity/a5UVX0000017hsT2AQ/act00020814. Thank you.