Black and White Path, Acadia National Park, Hancock County, ME

The unused steep route can be followed from old road, possibly campground road or original Bicycle Path (#331), across from the Bear Brook Picnic area. Route begins as flat woodland route south of Wild Garden Path (#354). Two sets of steps between boulders may be part of original route and serve more for guidance than for ascent. Long section with no discernable features, then route turns south and ascends notch between between Champlain and Huguenot. Trail ascends section with very old stonework. As route enters notcht there are no discernable built features until intersection with Beachcroft Path (#13). Original Black & White Path is now marked as upper end of Beachcroft Path to Champlain summit. Junction in notch overgrown, but immediately becomes decent trail and then woods road - trail parallels brook for most of the way.

Significant Dates

circa 1890

Historical Context

Shown in the 1891 BHVIA 2nd Annual Rpt. may be described in the 1890 BHVIA 1st Ann. 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."Shown on the 1896 path map with loop over summit of Picket [Huguenot Head].The trail and loop over the summit of Huguenot Head is shown on the 1941 "NPS Master Plan of the Bar Harbor Area" but not on the 1951 NPS Road and Trail System Plan (part of a master plan).

Distance (e.g., miles)

0.4 miles

Route (e.g. trail)

From the south side of Beaver Dam Pool (from the Bicycle Path) to near the top of Huguenot Head.

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

326

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