Gorham/Cadillac Cliffs Trail, Acadia National Park, Hancock County, ME

A woodland path that extends from the 1910 Waldron Bates Memorial Plaque, below the intriguing ancient sea cliffs, and connect at both ends with the Gorham Mountain Trail (#4). At its southern end, the path also connects with the unmarked trail to Thunderhole (#345) and the former southern end of the Black Path to Otter Creek (#346). A very heavily used trail with many original slab-laid steps in poor condition. Much of the trail may have been benched with piled retaining walls but now tread is more boulder like and rough walking. A wooden bridge is located on the edge of the sea cave. Three iron rungs were added in the 1990s. KJ, TS, MB, GJS

Place Class

Trail

Distance (e.g., miles)

0.5 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

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