Blue Path, Acadia National Park, Hancock County, ME

A lightly used, easy route that cuts straight from Schooner Head Road to the park loop road, just south of Precipice parking area. This path was the former primary entrance to Precipice Trail before park loop road construction. The well-graded narrow wooded trail (formerly gravel tread) between two bogs in middle. Trail is roughly 2’-3’ wide and somewhat raised as it cuts through more meadow-like terrain where trees thin out a bit – tread is organic debris and soil. Some retaining wall might form sections of raised treadway through meadow area.

Historical Context

In the 1894, BHVIA 5th An. Rpt, Mr. Herbert Jaques, Charirman of the Committe on Roads and Paths, states, "the Red path, the Blue path, and that portion of the White path between these two are now open to horses. This work has been recently done and nature has not yet had a chance to cover the tracks, and the public will have to expect more or less newness. I want, another year, to plow these paths and shall hope for an appropriation at the proper time."The path is still very walkable, and appears maintained.

Distance (e.g., miles)

0.3 miles

Route (e.g. trail)

From Schooner Head Road at Cranberry Hill to the White Path, with a fork at the White Path end.

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

330

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.