Bear Brook Trail, Acadia National Park, Hancock County, ME

An ascent trail to the summit of Newport [Champlain].  One of the oldest trails in the Bar Harbor VIA trail system.  Originally the Bear Brook Trail was part of the Black Path.  The Black Path was constructed in several sections over many years.  First up the north ridge of Newport in circa 1890 [now the Bear Brook Tr.], then down to the Bowl in circa 1892, and finally over Gorham Mt. then along the base of Cadillac Cliffs and down to Otter Creek in 1906.  The 1890 BHVIA 1st An. Rpt. describes a trail "from Schooner Head to Newport Mountain."The section of the trail from the summit of Newport [Champlain] is described as a new path in the 1892 BHVIA 3rd An. Rpt, "along the southern ridge of Newport Mountain, via the Beehive and Bowl to the Schooner Head and Otter Creek Roads respectively."  The report indicates that "Mr. J. Biddle Porter has taken executive charge of this work, hitherto conducted by Mr. F. H. Peabody." As reported by Mr. G. M. Wheeler.  The path is shown on a map in the 1894 BHVIA 5th An. Rpt.In the 1896 BHVIA 7th An. Rpt, George Dorr in his report of the Special Committee on Bicycle Paths, states, "The length of the combined system of wood roads and of the bicycle path, from which, moreover, two foot-paths lead up Newport Mountian and one upon Picket, cannot be far from a mile and a half in all, though probably somewhat less than this; and its nearness to the village, its connection with two town roads and with the mountain paths, make some supervision...necessary."A 1932 National Park Service detailed existing conditions and topography map of the Bear Brook area shows the trail head as starting on the south side of the Beaver Dam Pool and travelling up the ridge of Champlain [Newport].  This section of trail can be found in the field and contains a series of steps.  It is likely that the current trail head, located to the east, was constructed at the time when the last portion of the park's motor road was built in 1958.The 1934 records of the CCC McFarland Field Camp describe the following work: "Public Campground Development - Future plans for Acadia Park development call for a very beautiful and useful combination camp ground, parking area and entrance to trails on Newport and Pickett mountains.  The area to be so treated lies at the base of these two mountains and lends itself to the proposed plan admirably....The new entrance leading from a proposed parking area to an old main trail was made thereby tying in this area with the trail system covering these two mountains. (CCC records, National Archives).

2.6 miles

From the Park Loop Road, up north slope of Champlain Mtn., over summit, down to south end of the Bowl and junction with Gorham Mtn.Trail.

44.3573

-68.197

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.

1911393

100007602

10

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.