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

Moderately difficult, popular, summit path from Beech Cliff parking up northwest side of Beech Mountain. Ascending western leg of loop (Mission 66 construction) offers views north/northwest for much of the way, with spectacular views of Long Pond as trail turns to head for summit towards. Tread is up to 5' and often gravel except for more narrow woodland traverse near summit. Beginning has laid retaining walls, some copoing with sporadic AMC steps, then section of log steps near top. Wide benching is lined with waterbars and dips, and there might have been metal culverts. Someone built stone chair on western side for great sunset vantage point. Descending on eastern half of trail- older section - just below Mission 66 fire tower is short, quite open, easy scramble down granite ledge. Possibly some old steps, a few AMC steps now, and one section near base of trail is rock box steps (log boxes with rocks set inside).

Creation Date/Range

1906

Historical Context

A portion of the trail is shown on the 1906 path map. This section traveled from the summit of Beech Mountain to the northeast to Beech Hill Road.In the 1915 path guide this section is refered to as part of the Beech Mountain Trail. It is shown on the 1916 path map as trail #25.The loop may have been built by the CCC in the 1930s.

Distance (e.g., miles)

1.2 miles

Route (e.g. trail)

A loop from Beech Cliff parking area, up northwest side of Beech Mtn., to summit and firetower, down north side.

Latitude (decimal)

44.31147

Longitude (decimal)

-68.3461

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

1911405

NRHP Property ID

100007602

ACAD Trails ID

113

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.