Cadillac West Face Trail, Acadia National Park, Hancock County, ME

From collection Place

Very steep, direct ascent largely on open ledge from north end of Bubble Pond to Cadillac South Ridge Trail. Mid 1990s bridge crosses outlet of Bubble Pond. Hikers must scramble up steep ledges and boulders to reach Cadillac south ridge. After steepest ledges, trail begins to cut in southerly direction through pine and brush before cairns lead up again to intersect Cadillac South Ridge. Original route headed more northerly and straight to Blue Hill Overlook (Sunset Point). Re-route is post 1960. At eastern end, near Cadillac South Ridge Trail a 22”x1.5” steel pin marks a Greek Cross, 12”x13”x2.5”deep, carved into the ledge and is one of three on Cadillac Mountain. Despite low use, lower wooded areas are up to 10’ wide and experiencing erosion where trail is mostly talus and organic material. This may be the steepest trail in the park without constructed features.

Historical Context

The 1908 BHVIA 19th An Rpt, Waldron Bates states, "A path has been suggested from the top of Green Mtn to the foot of Bubble Pond." However Bates died this year which may have delayed progress on this project.The 1918 BHVIA 29th An. Rpt., Report of the Roads and Paths Committee by Frederic Delano Weekes, Chairman states, "it has been suggested that other connections may be advantageously carried out, including ... a trail bordering Bubble Pond on the east side, and ascending Green to join the South Ridge path, the present approach to this Mountain by way of Dyke's Peak not being a popular one."The 1919 BHVIA 30th An. Rpt. states, "During the past season two new trails have been marked out on Green Mountain, one starting from a point on the Northern Ridge near the summit, and running down the western side of Green to the foot of Bubble Pond, and the second also from the summit but proceeding to the south along the Eastern Slope to the Feather Bed. The former will be found a desirable approach to the Jordan Pond district in preference to the old path by way of Dykes Peak, while the latter re-opens a long forgotten trail that has been in existence for many years and affords an opportunity of enjoying the extended and beautiful view over the Otter Creek Valley."

Distance (e.g., miles)

0.9 miles

Route (e.g. trail)

From the north end of Bubble Pond to the Cadillac Mtn. South Ridge Trail.

Latitude (decimal)

44.34925

Longitude (decimal)

-68.2358

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

1911454

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.

External URL2

https://edits.nationalmap.gov/apps/gaz-domestic/public/search/names