Bubbles-Pemetic Trail, Acadia National Park, Hancock County, ME

A mostly wooded, short, direct and steep Pemetic summit trail starting from park loop road at Bubble Rock parking area, ascending the northwest side to the summit to intersect with the Pemetic Mtn Trail (#31). Varying tread width over the .6 mile length. Almost all constructed features are replacements or additions. An NPS bridge near the trailhead is 8 feet long and 30 inches wide with cedar stringers and decking. Also some stone paving, post 1979, with steps through lower wooded section. As trail steepens, there are pinned log hand rails and pinned steel cables to hold wooden ladders in upright position. The pinned wooden hand rails and ladders in the ravine portion of the trail were replaced in the late 1990s and 2001. Two wooden ladders lead up through chasm in ledge rock, with an alternate route around on the ledges above the ravine, then trail reaches stretch of wide log crib steps (some filled with rock and soil) through pines. Tread then turns to soil and scree tread with cairns as trail reaches granite ledges near summit.

Significant Dates

circa 1926

Historical Context

First marked in the 1926 path map. (Path in vicinity described in 1874 Martin guide.)

Place Class

Trail

Distance (e.g., miles)

0.6 mile

Route (e.g. trail)

From Bubble Rock parking area, to junction of Pemetic Mtn. Trail, north of summit.

Statement of 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.