Beehive-West Trail, Acadia National Park, Hancock County, ME

Once part of the colored path system, this summit and woodland trail connects the Beehive Trail (#7) to Bowl Trail (#6) and Bear Brook Trail (#10), and crosses the abandoned Blue and White Path (#337). It terminates at the Bowl, a small beaver-dammed mountain pond. The terrain of this heavily used trail is rocky, direct, and similar to many of the early pre-VIS summit paths. All present stonework was added in the 1990s for guidance and stabilization. There are some old steps under water at the Bowl, and various pins on rocks as the trail turns eastward and leaves the Bowl shore. One hundred feet of the trail at the intersection with Bowl Trail (#7) was rerouted mid 1990s fifty feet to the west, reducing confusion and social paths.

Significant Dates

1874

Historical Context

This is a connector trail between the top of the Beehive and the Bowl. Historically this section could have had several names, as part of the Black Path, the Green and White Path, and the Brown Path. The section of the trail along the south shore of the bowl is shown on the diagram in the 1894 BHVIA 5th An. Rpt. The section of trail from the Bowl to the top of the Beehive is shown on the 1916 path map.

Distance (e.g., miles)

0.3 miles

Route (e.g. trail)

From the summit of the Beehive, west to the southwest end of the Bowl.

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.

NRHP Property ID

100007602

ACAD Trails ID

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.

External URL2

https://edits.nationalmap.gov/apps/gaz-domestic/public/search/names