Beech Cliff Loop Trail, Acadia National Park, Hancock County, ME

From collection Place

An easy, highly used summit loop offering great views from cliffs actually makes figure-eight shape - begins from Beech Mountain parking to intersection with Canada Cliffs, leads north, and returns to same intersection. Trail begins as woodland path with tread up to 10’ wide, then becomes mostly open ledge where tread narrows to 2-4’. There are some 2’ wide slab-laid steps with retaining wall, as well as a section of single-tier retaining wall. Old steps and wall connecting loop in middle have been discovered. Recent NPS maintenance includes log waterbars, log checks, a ditch and fill, and water dips.

Significant Dates

1871 - 1906

Historical Context

A portion of the trail above the cliff is shown on the 1906 path map. This section traveled along the upper edge of the cliff and then swung to the northwest back to the Beech Hill Road.In circa 1916 the path was extended down the north side of the Beech Cliff to the pond. On the 1916 path map, the trail is #28 and is described in the 1915 path guide as the Echo Lake Trail, which is no longer marked (see trail #623). Its route was "From Beech Cliff Trail, north of Beech Cliff, down to Echo Lake and to Beech Cliff Trail, south of Canada Cliff.Work on this trail may be described in the 1915 Seal Harbor VIS 15th An. Rpt. as new trail work done between Echo Lake and Beach Cliff.In a progress report dated Progress report November 1935, the parks landscape architect, B. L. Breeze reports, "The Beech Cliff trail, including the loop on top of the cliffs with access to the parking are on Beech Hill Road and the route following down the cliffs from this loop to the MDI Camp on Echo Lake will be brought to such a detree of completion this winter that only dressing up operation will be required for the completion in the spring" (CCC records, National Archives).A report by B. L. Breeze, dated December 16, 1935 describes the following work on Beech Cliff Trails: "work on the summit trail about 80% complete....the ladder trail from the Boy's Camp is complete....the new trail leading from the Boy's Camp entrance road to connect with the Ladder Trail has been started. Starting from the same point, it is proposed to carry another trail around the other end of Beech Cliff to connect with the new trail around Beech Mountain to Long Pond" (CCC records, National Archives).CCC records, from the 1930s describe work on the "Beech Cliff Trail....improvement of forest stand, preparatory to the construction of a trail. The trail itself will carry the majority of persons walking from the Beech Hill Road to observe the views from Beech Cliff. Approximately 18 acres were included in the forest cleanup"(CCC records, National Archives).

Distance (e.g., miles)

0.6 miles

Route (e.g. trail)

A loop from the Beech Cliff parking area, past junction with Canada Cliff Trail, around Beech Cliffs.

Latitude (decimal)

44.31591

Longitude (decimal)

-68.3411

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.

GNIS/GNS Feature ID

1911400

NRHP Property ID

100007602

ACAD Trails ID

114

Authoritative Source

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.