East Ridge Trail Acadia National Park, Hancock County, ME

A lightly used, unmarked trail, just below South Ridge Trail (#26). Mostly granite outcroppings and small areas of trees, brush, blueberry bushes. Several faint steps mark the beginning of this trail about 30-40 yards down the Canon Brook Trail (#19) from the featherbed. There are a few more steps and small sets of steps in the 1st 3/4 mile or so, including where the trail crosses the outlet of the Beaver Pond. The trail is mainly marked by cairns (including occasional Bates-style cairns). There appear to be multiple routes marked with cairns. At the upper end the trail becomes hard to follow. NPS likely closed route in the 1950s and it has remained closed. NPS obliterated the ends of the trail to reduce hiker confusion. VIS path maps indicate that trail ends at summit. CJ, SB, MB

Place Class

Trail

Distance (e.g., miles)

0.9 miles

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

350

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