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Acadia National Park's Trail System Added To National Register Of Historic Places

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By Compiled From N... - April 15th, 2022

Emery Path in Acadia National Park is one of the park trails listed on the National Register of Historic Places/NPS file

Take a hike in Acadia National Park in Maine and you'll be walking through various chapters of history, a fact recognized officially this week with addition of the park's trail system to the National Register of Historic Places.

The park’s trail system was recognized for its national historic significance and ties to the history of Mount Desert Island and the establishment of Acadia National Park. The listing recognizes the 109 historic, maintained trails which cover 117 miles and include 18 memorial plaques, 12 viewpoints and unique engineering features. The listing includes trails that extend outside the park boundary on Mount Desert Island.

“Acadia National Park now has the largest system of trails to be listed in the National Register of Historic Places,” said park Superintendent Kevin Schneider. “This recognition is a testament to not only the historic significance of these trails, but also the incredible dedication of the National Park Service staff, partners and volunteers who continue to preserve them.”

The National Park Service has been working on the National Register nomination for several years and it was approved last week. Friends of Acadia helped fund the research and writing for the nomination.

Acadia's trail system evolved over centuries of human use, settlement and recreation on Mount Desert Island. From Wabanaki who blazed early trails, to the Village Improvement Associations and the Civilian Conservation Corps members that built or maintained many of the trails visitors enjoy today, Acadia’s trail system has been shaped by many people.

The National Register listing focuses on the period of significance for the trail system starting in 1844, when artist Thomas Cole first documented views of the island landscape that influenced the trail system’s development, and ends in 1942, when the CCC work at Acadia National Park concluded.  

The NPS, partners, and volunteers preserve Acadia’s historic trail system today and continue to tell the stories of the many people who helped shape it. 

Acadia has several historic places listed on the National Register, including the Schoodic Peninsula Historic District, Blackwoods and Seawall campgrounds, and the historic carriage roads and gatehouses.

The National Register of Historic Places is the official Federal list of districts, sites, buildings, structures and objects significant in American history, architecture, archeology, engineering and culture. The NPS administers the National Register of Historic Places.

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