Cadillac-Dorr Trail, Acadia National Park, Hancock County, ME

An early, short, steep, difficult, direct summit trail from Cadillac gorge to Dorr Mtn summit, described as a scramble in the 1870s, which was later marked but not improved by the VIA. In 1976 the path was rerouted to form an intersection with the Gorge Path (#28) and A. Murray Young Path (#25). The old route began about 200' to the north of the current route. Tread is ledge, boulders, and stone with some loose gravel sections, but no discernable built features. The heavily used route is 2-3' wide, marked with cairns and blazes, and offers good views of Cadillac Mountain.

Creation Date/Range

1871

Historical Context

Benjamin F. DeCosta writes in 'Rambles on Mount Desert,'published in 1871, "we were on the top of ...Dry [Dorr] Mountain, picking blueberries and seeking for the best way across the ravine which separated us from Green [Cadillac]. We finally decded to take the most shallow part of the ravine and push straight across....while at every step we were in danger of dislodging huge masses of rock that needed scarcely more than a finger's touch to send them thundering below. Where the operation was safe we found it capital sport, but prudence taught us on these occasions to keep close together, lest some flying boulder should sweep one of us into the black ravine."The 1891 BHVIA 2nd Annual Report may describe and illustrate the trail. The trail is shown on the 1896 path map.The trail is now also called the Dorr Mountain Notch Trail (AMC Guide, 1993).

Distance (e.g., miles)

0.2 miles

Route (e.g. trail)

From the top end of the Gorge Path to the summit of Dorr Mtn.

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

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