Cadillac Cliffs Path (part of), Acadia National Park, Hancock County, ME

This section of trail, from the southern end of the Cadillac Cliffs at the Waldron Bates tablet to Thunderhole, first appears on the 1906 path map as one of two trail ends, the other travelling southwest to Otter Creek (see trail #346).All path maps, from 1906 to 1941 show the same trail ends.At the upper end, the path has a plaque placed in memory of Waldron Bates, a chairman of the Bar Harbor VIA path committee.In the 1906 BHVIA 17th An. Rpt. Waldron Bates, Chairman of the Committee on Roads and Paths, states, "The following new paths have been made:  Cadillac Cliffs Path,..."The 1906 BHVIA 17th An. Rpt. contains a photograph of a cairn on the Cadillac Cliffs Trail.  It is used to illustrate an example of cairn construction in Waldron Bates' "Instructions for work on the paths."In the 1910 BHVIA 21th An. Rpt, Report of the Com on Roads and Path, by S. Weir Mitchell, Chairman, he states, "the bronze memorial of Waldron Bates is completed and is on exhibition at Bar Harbor.  It will probably be placed on some part of the Cadillac, this trail being chosen because it is perhaps the best illustration of engineering skill in path making shown by our late lamented friend."  The 1913 BHVIA An. Rpt., Report of the Com on Roads and Path by Rudolph E. Brunnow, Chairman, September 11, 1913, states, "A new approach to the Cadillac path was opened through the forest so as to lead directly to the Bates Memorial Tablet, thus avoiding the open space to the east of it, through which visitors were frequently tempted to turn into the Cliff Path before they had reached the Tablet.  ....thanks are due to Liscomb for the skillful and intelligent manner in which he has carried out his instructions..." The 1922 BHVIA 31st An. Rpt. states, "Much attention was given to the Cadillac Cliff Trail, as this is a region of remarkable geological interest over which there has been lately some cutting for timber.  Steps in the descent were replaced, twenty new pointers put in place, fallen trees cut out, and debris from the tree-cutting burned as it was a menace."This section is shown on the 1951 NPS Road and Trail System Plan (part of a master plan) as the route to the Cadillac Cliffs and Gorham Mountain.  It indicates the trail as the "Black Trail."This section of trail is no longer marked, however a water-pipe runs down the old trail so it is easy to follow.

0.2 miles

From Thunder Hole to the Waldron Bates tablet, along the base of the Cliffs.

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.

100007602

345

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.