Harbor Brook Trail, Mount Dessert, Hancock County, ME

A woodland, easy, lightly used trail along the edge of Little Harbor Brook through mossy evergreen then upland forest. Starts at Route 3 and crosses over recent unstable plank bridge. Very narrow trail, 2' width, winds with stream and is wet and eroded, with exposed roots. The fragile trail could not withstand higher use. Crosses a second plank bridge and at intersection of Eliot Mountain Trail (#517) there are both SHVIS and NEHVIS trail signs. Other than bridges, no built features. Connects on north end with Asticou Trail (#49). MB, GJS

Historical Context

The 1915 path guide describes the trail as extending to "Savages Point."

Place Class

Trail

Distance (e.g., miles)

2 miles

Route (e.g. trail)

From the Asticou Trail, along Harbor Brook to Rt. 3.

Latitude (decimal)

44.30064

Longitude (decimal)

-68.2675

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

1911673

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