Cadillac South Ridge Trail, Acadia National Park, Hancock County, ME

From collection Place

The longest trail in Acadia National Park, this gradually ascending, ridgeline trail extends from Blackwoods Campground to the summit of Cadillac Mountain. Described in Martin's 1870s guidebooks, this early route is an important spine in the trail system that crosses many marked and unmarked trails, including unmarked Potholes Path (#342), Green Mountain Trail (#452), and East Ridge Trail (#350). At its southern end at Blackwoods Campground, the route begins in very wooded and flat area with some bogwalk, then starts to ascend toward Eagles Crag on 2-3' wide soil and heavily rooted tread. A minor reroute made in 1990s south of Eagles Crag. Around Eagles Crag Loop (short detour offers views of east side) trail travels over granite ledges and is marked with cairns and blazes. Varied granite landscape is broken by boggy and wet area called the Featherbed (in notch north of Dike's Peak) - then more granite ledge leads up to continue long, open ascent up ridge to Cadillac summit. The trail originally terminated near the Blue Hill Overlook, it now heads slightly east, crosses an abandoned road and terminates near the summit gift shop. Prior to reaching the summit, the trail climbs several short sections of VIA stone steps near old concrete walls that likely date back to the Green Mountain Railway, the summit house, or 1940s military installations. Heavily used, width varies from 2 to 15 feet with only minor constructed features and cairns.

Creation Date/Range

1874

Historical Context

Shown on the 1896 map, the trail extends from the summit of Cadillac Mountain, over Dike Peak, down to Rt. 3 [Old Bar Harbor Road/ County Road] across and further south to Little Hunters Beach Cove.1900-1945: The southern section of the trail was the dividing line between the Bar Harbor VIA and Seal Harbor VIS Path Committee districts. From the Featherbed south, the trail was the responsibility of the Seal Harbor VIS. (1928 Path Guide)

Distance (e.g., miles)

4.2 miles

Route (e.g. trail)

From summit of Cadillac Mtn., over Dike Peak, to Rt. 3 near Blackwoods Campground (with an extension into the campground).

Latitude (decimal)

44.32925

Longitude (decimal)

-68.2217

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.

GNIS/GNS Feature ID

580669

NRHP Property ID

100007602

ACAD Trails ID

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.