Western Mountain Trail, Acadia National Park, Hancock County, ME

A moderately difficult, lightly used summit path that begins at Pine Hill parking area on Long Pond Fire Road [Hodgon Pond Road] to Great Notch. Woodland path with intermittent wet areas follows what is possibly old road bed approximately 3-5’ wide and crosses low elevation ledge. Some single-tiered wall and rubble-laid wall using field stones line trail. Many bogwalks, stepstones, and drainages - rock water bars with steps or ditch and fill work - added in 1996. Upper section mostly featureless with tread of roots and exposed rocks. KJ, DK, SB, MB

Significant Dates

1911

Historical Context

Approximate route shown on 1911 path map, described as #22 in 1915 path guide.In 1934 Dorr proposed reconstruction of this trail, with work to be carried out by the CCC. Initially, the project was not approved.

Distance (e.g., miles)

1.5 miles

Route (e.g. trail)

From near the Pine Hill parking area on Long Pond (Great Pond) Fire Road (Hodgon Pond Road), up the northwest side of Western Mtn., ends in the Great Notch.

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

120

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