Black Woods Trail, crosses Acadia National Park, Hancock County, ME

Western end is hard to find, middle section passes through a stripped area and gravel pit owned by COA, and northeastern end is now a powerline corridor. This area was impacted by the 1956 hurricane with extensive blowdowns.

Significant Dates

circa 1915

Historical Context

Built under the direction of Joseph Allen, Seal Harbor VIS President and Path Committee Chairman as recorded in the 1915 An. Rpt. Also recorded in his trail chronology. Recorded in the 1923 Seal Harbor An. Rpt. by Joseph Allen, Path Committee Chairman, "the trails through Black Woods, between Hunter's Beach and Otter Creek have been given more attention than usual, and are commended to visitors as a pleasant variation from mountain trails."

Distance (e.g., miles)

1.5 miles

Route (e.g. trail)

From the east end of Sea Cliff Drive near the Hunter's Beach Trail, easterly through the Black Woods to the Otter Creek Bridge Road, with various branch trails leading to the shore.

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

440

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