Bracken Path, Acadia National Park, Hancock County, ME

From collection Place

One of the first paths constructed by the BHVIA, but no longer evident. East end likely obliterated during Route 233 and motor road bridge construction. By the eastern end are remnants of an estate destroyed in the 1947 fire. After the fire, trails in this area fell into disuse so western end may be difficult to find. There are lots of social trails by the intersection of the motor road and Route 233 because of its popularity as a blueberry picking area.

Historical Context

Original route of this path described in the 1891 BHAR as from Eagle Lake Divide to Reservoir Corner and shown on diagram. Described as one of a group of trails that were 'cleared, repaired and made passable.' Route changed as described in the 1895 BHVIA 6th An. Rpt. "The [east] end of the Bracken path has been turned, so that it now starts at the old spring just beyond Cromwell's Harbor road, instead of opposite the Green Mountain road as formerly. A branch has also been cut from the Bracken Path coming out at Eagle lake." The 1895 Report also notes that Mr. A. Howard Hinkle has offered to build seats on the Bracken and Royal Fern paths. Altered route is shown and labelled on 1896 path map. Route described in the 1915 path guide, p.7. The path may have been altered when a carriage road was constructed in the vicinity. In the 1941 BHVIA 50th An. Rpt, John DeWitt Peltz, Chairman, Committee on Paths, states "various bridges to the Bracken path have also been repaired." The path is shown on the 1942 "NPS Master Plan of the Bar Harbor Area." The path is no longer marked on the 1951 NPS Road and Trail System Plan (part of a master plan).

Distance (e.g., miles)

0.8 miles

Route (e.g. trail)

From intersection of Cleftstone Road and Eagle Lake Road, west along base of Great Hill to Champlain Road/ New Eagle Lake Road at Duck Brook Meadow.

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

307

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.