Bigelow Mountain Range Trail
| Location: | Rt. 27 Stratton, ME |
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| Services: | A part of the Appalachian trail, a hard climb, not for young children, with views of Arnold’s Well and Lookout. This massive range extends 17 miles. Four peaks can be accessed by a network of trails. Bigelow Range Trail to Cranberry Peak (3.25 miles), attractive, steep route ascends to an open summit and an outstanding 360 degree view of northern Franklin County; descends around boulders to picturesque pond, allow four hours for a round trip hike, the trail head is at the end of Currie Street in the village of Stratton, in Eustis township, off Route 27, if coming north from Carrabassett Valley, just before the Eustis town line, you will see Currie Street on the right. It is not a prominent street, so watch closely. There is a small blue and white sign with a hiking symbol, and an even smaller brown sign pointing to the trailhead. Follow Currie Street as it turns to gravel, and go to the very end. There you will find a parking area, and sign for the trail to Cranberry Peak. Please do not block the gated fire road. Cranberry Peak is within the Bigelow Preserve. Near the end of the second mile, the trail reaches a series of ledges. At the foot of the ledges there is a sign for Arnold's Well, a rock feature just 50 feet off the trail and worth a look. The last mile contains a fair amount of up and down, and some scrambling over ledge outcrops. A hiking staff or trekking poles can be helpful here, particularly when letting yourself down over a steep pitch. Views of Flagstaff Lake to your left become more and more frequent. Finally the trail turns right and makes a bee line for the summit, breaking out of the woods. The top is marked by a rock cairn and a sign that shows the distances to Cranberry Pond, Horns Pond and the peaks of Bigelow. The view is extraordinary. The trail continues to Horns Pond (5.25 miles), Firewarden's Trail to Avery Peak (3.75 miles) is shortest route to main peaks, well blazed, with some steep pitches; dramatic views (abandoned fire tower). Return, or continue 0.5 mile to West Peak (highest) and alpine views. Circuit route for strong hikers continues to The Horns, then descends to Horns Pond and follows Horns Pond Trail through mixed woods to junction. Road to West Peak, 6.25 miles; elevation gain: 3,100 feet. General location: East of the town of Stratton, between Flagstaff Lake and Maine Routes 16/27. |
