Bar Island Trail, Acadia National Park, Hancock County, ME

Bar Island Trail (ANP trail database #1) is an easy and heavily used coastal and woodland trail that is accessible by land only a few hours during low tide. The trailhead is reached by crossing the natural bar that extends from the town of Bar Harbor’s Bridge Street to Bar Island. The lower half of the trail travels along an old gravel road, approx. 10' width, and gradually winds through woods and open fields. The upper portion of the trail is a woodland path leading to the rocky summit with excellent views to Bar Harbor. The upper end of the trail is steep and highly eroded. With the exception of the road bed, there are no built features on the trail.

Significant Dates

1867

Distance (e.g., miles)

0.7 miles

Route (e.g. trail)

From Bar Harbor across gravelbar at low tide to a loop on the west side of Bar Island, partially on old roadbeds.

Latitude (decimal)

44.3981348

Longitude (decimal)

-68.2072352

Statement of Significance

The historic trail system of Acadia National Park is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, recognized for its national significance and ties to the history of Mount Desert Island and establishment of the park. The system's period of significance starts in 1844 and ends in 1942. The listing encompasses 109 trails traversing 117 miles on Mount Desert Island (some extending outside the park) and includes 18 memorial plaques, 12 viewpoints, and unique engineering features.

Authority

Microsoft Access database used in preparation of report Pathmakers: Cultural Landscape Report for the Historic Hiking Trail System of Mount Desert Island by Coffin Brown, Margaret, Jim Vekasi, et. al. U.S. Department of the Interior, National Park Service, Washington, DC (2006); accessed June 2024. Entry updated and revised by Gary Stellphflug and Terese Miller (March, 2025) utilizing orignal research and personal knowledge.