Trail

The Black House Museum at Woodlawn

Trail★ 4.7
Black House Museum at Woodlawn, a red-brick historic house with white columns and wraparound porch in Acadia National Park.

Forested and field trails around Woodlawn offer a low-impact walk with a museum stop. Weather can shift; wear sturdy shoes and bring water. The payoff is learning about the Black House Museum and the Woodlawn grounds while moving at a comfortable pace.

Quick facts

Distance Miles
2
Route Type
Loop network of forested and field trails around the Woodlawn estate
Difficulty Level
Easy to Moderate
Elevation Gain Feet
100

Trail profile

Distance Miles
2
Route Type
Loop network of forested and field trails around the Woodlawn estate
Difficulty Level
Easy to Moderate
Elevation Gain Feet
100
Estimated Time
1–2 hours for a relaxed loop and museum visit
Trail Surface
Packed dirt and natural terrain
Trail Features
  • Forest trails
  • Open-field paths
  • Historic Woodlawn estate grounds
  • Wildlife sightings along the grounds
Trail Highlights
Historic Black House Museum and expansive Woodlawn grounds; easy paths through trees and fields

Trailhead & access

Trailhead Location
19 Black House Drive, Ellsworth, ME 04605
Parking Lot Size
Large parking area adjacent to the museum with space for many vehicles; on busy days expect crowding and occasional overflow spots.
Parking Fill Time
Parking fills quickly on weekends and holidays; plan to arrive early to secure a spot.
Shuttle Required
0
Shuttle Details
N/A. No shuttle service listed; access by car or on foot

Permits & conditions

Fees
Museum entry fees may apply; grounds access free
Trail Status
Open
Seasonal Closures
Black House Museum has seasonal hours; typically closes around early October

Facilities & rules

Restrooms At Trailhead
0
Water Sources
No on-trail drinking water; bring enough water for the loop.
Accessibility
Family-friendly with some uneven terrain; not fully accessible

Safety & strategy

Hazards
  • Wet or muddy ground after rain
  • Ticks and insects
  • Limited cell service
  • Uneven natural terrain
Hazard Details
Watch for slick roots after rain; use insect repellent; stay on marked trails; connectivity may be limited
Cell Service
Spotty; plan accordingly
Crowd Level
Low
Peak Crowd Times
Midday weekends; museum visitation times influence crowds
Best Season
Year-round grounds; museum operates seasonally with typical closure around early October
Best Time To Visit
Museum hours vary by season; grounds open year-round.
Tips Advice
  • Carry at least 2L water.
  • Wear sturdy shoes.
  • Check museum hours before visiting.
  • Bring sun protection for open fields.

More details

Park Area
Acadia National Park – Woodlawn estate, Ellsworth, Maine
Trail Markers
Estate signage and well-marked trail connections
Dogs Allowed
Leashed dogs are welcome on the grounds and trails.
Biking Allowed
Bicycle access is not documented in the trail notes. The Woodlawn Trails are described as easy to walk on dirt and forest floor, with some bog-bridging that can be slippery when wet. There is no stated permit for bikes and no bike facilities are mentioned; treat biking as not officially supported unless staff confirm.
Shade Level
Moderate to high due to forest cover
Emergency Contacts
911; Woodlawn estate staff during operating hours
Map Recommended
1
Snow Dates
Winter use includes ungroomed cross-country skiing and snowshoeing when there is snow on the ground.
Mud Season
Some trails drain poorly and can be muddy after rain; expect wet sections.
Wildflower Peak
Not documented in the notes.
Fall Colors Peak
Not documented in the notes.
Bug Season
Not documented in the notes.
Insider Tips
  • Combine a museum visit with a short trail loop for a complete estate experience
  • Verify Black House Museum hours before going
  • Wear sturdy shoes, bring water; cell service may be spotty
  • Park at the Black House Drive entrance; if lot is full, consider nearby Ellsworth options
Recent Updates
No recent updates available.
Family Friendly Notes
Trails are suitable for families; keep kids close on open fields and forest edges
Nearby Facilities
Woodlawn grounds; Ellsworth amenities at town center
Review Summary
Visitors appreciate the historical charm of the Black House Museum and the quiet Woodlawn grounds. The trails offer a gentle, accessible experience with low effort and modest crowds, making it a practical history-and-nature outing.

Location

The Black House Museum at Woodlawn, brick Georgian-style house with white columns, sits on a green lawn in Acadia National Park.Black House Museum at Woodlawn in Acadia National Park stands white and weathered against a snowy landscape.Forest trail at Woodlawn in Acadia National Park, a pine-and-maple path shaded by tall trees.Stone museum ruin at Woodlawn in Acadia National Park, a forested stone structure surrounded by green trees.

Frequently asked questions

Are there restrooms at the trailhead?

Restroom availability in this area isn’t clearly listed; plan for limited facilities and use museum amenities when open.

Is a permit required to visit the grounds?

No permit is required for the grounds; museum entry may have its own fees.

Can I bring a dog or stroller on the trails?

Policy on dogs and strollers isn’t specified; use caution on uneven paths and verify with Woodlawn staff before visiting.

What is the best way to combine history and nature here?

Pair a museum tour of the Black House with a short loop through the estate trails for a balanced mix of cultural insight and quiet woodland walking.

How crowded does it get?

Expect low crowds outside peak museum hours; grounds are typically tranquil with limited foot traffic.

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Sources

Information is compiled from official sources, verified traveler reviews, and editorial research. Learn how YourNPGuide works.

Last updated January 2026. Report an issue.