Bigelow Preserve - Little Bigelow

This relatively short and accessible section of the Appalachian Trail affords users some wonderful views of the Bigelow Range and eastern end of Flagstaff Lake. A lean-to and nearby series of pools also provide interest along the trail.
Trail Activity
Hiking
Length
6.20 miles, Round Trip
Difficulty
Moderate, Advanced
Town
Dead River Twp
Surface
Dirt/Forest Floor, Rock/Ledge
Pets
Permitted
Fees
No

Description

This is one of the more family-friendly hikes within the preserve, with several good views, resting spots, and turn around  on the way up to the 3040 foot peak of Little Bigelow.

From the trailhead, hikers steadily climb through a dense, mixed hardwood forest, following a fast moving brook. The trail to the Lean-to leaves to the north (right) side of the trail at 1.4 miles above the East Flagstaff Road. Continuing past the Lean-to trail, it is another 1.7 miles upward to the East Peak of Little Bigelow. This section of the trail is steeper climbing but ledges provide good resting points with nice views towards Flagstaff Lake. After another steep section, hikers arrive at the summit of the East Peak of Little Bigelow (3040') where there are great views south and west towards Sugarloaf and the rest of the Bigelow Range. From here, the Appalachian Trail continues southbound along the ridge of Little Bigelow to eventually join with the Safford Brook Trail and onward to Avery Peak.

On a hot day, it may be worth the trip to the Little Bigelow Lean-to where another short side trail leads downhill, following a small brook which flows through a number of pools or "tubs" cascading downhill.

View BPL's map and guide for the Bigelow Preserve & Flagstaff Lake Public Lands.

Other Information

The Bigelow Preserve is a public land managed for multiple uses including wildlife and timber management along with its recreational uses. Part of the Bigelow Preserve, mostly the upper elevations, lies within a state Ecological Reserves specifically set aside to protect and monitor natural ecosystems.

Do not underestimate the difficulty of hiking the mountains of Western Maine. Be sure to carry equipment and supplies necessary for this undertaking. If you do not have the information or skills, be sure to research and educate yourself in order to have an enjoyable and safe hike. Be very aware of past, present, and predicted weather. Though the preserve is managed only for summer-time uses, winter uses like cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and winter camping are allowed and popular.

Fires are only allowed in the provided fireplace ring at the Little Bigelow Lean-to. In the state of Maine, it is illegal to build a fire anywhere except within a certified fire ring. Camp stoves are permitted. Camping is not allowed above the tree line (a very delicate and vulnerable area to hike in), please stay on the trail.

The Maine Appalachian Trail Club (MATC) is an all volunteer organization that exists to maintain and protect the 267-mile section of the Appalachian Trail in Maine extending between Katahdin in Baxter State Park and Grafton Notch at ME Route 26. In addition, MATC maintains over 60 miles of side trails as well as a system of regularly spaced shelters and campsites in order that wild, backcountry hiking remains accessible in Maine. MATC publishes The Official Appalachian Trail Guide to Maine, which includes seven maps, please visit their website for information on how to purchase the guide or to learn more about becoming a member of MATC.

Please contact the Bigelow District Overseer by email (bigelow@matc.org) to report any trail or shelter conditions that may require maintenance or special attention.

Trail Manager

Visit Maine Appalachian Trail Club or the Maine Bureau of Parks and Lands online (detailed trail guide) for more information or contact:

Maine Appalachian Trail Club (MATC)

Maine Appalachian Trail Club (MATC)
PO Box 7564
Portland, ME 04112
info@matc.org
View website

Maine Bureau of Parks and Lands, Western Public Lands Office

Maine Bureau of Parks and Lands, Western Public Lands Office
PO Box 327
Farmington, Maine 04938
Phone: (207) 778-8231
Tim.Post@maine.gov
View website

Nearby Events

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Trail Tips

Respect Wildlife
Avoid unwanted animal guests: store your food and trash securely and keep your camp clean of crumbs and spills.
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Trailhead Information

To access the north and east side of the Bigelow Preserve is via the paved Long Falls Dam Road. From North New Portland and ME Route 16, turn onto Long Falls Dam Road and follow it 17.4 miles north and then turn northwest (left) onto the gravel Bog Brook Road. At 0.7 miles take the left fork on to the East Flagstaff Road which intersects the A.T. in 0.1 miles. Park in the gravel pit on the right, just before the A.T. intersects the road. Additional parking, on the left, is just beyond where the A.T. heads southbound from East Flagstaff Road.

Click on a parking icon to get custom directions
Please Log In or Create Account to add comments.
kmo8380
November 18, 2017
Hiked this today. Really nice trail, views are great for a relatively modest effort. The first mile or so is not much more than a pleasant walk in the woods along a stream, and after the lean-to it is still only moderately steep. Took about 4 1/2 hours in the snow. Definitely recommended.
bigeloafah
October 16, 2016
Hiked this one mid-October 2016: five-star quality for three-star effort. Spectacular foliage and rewarding 6-mile out-and-back - moderate-easy exertion with a stream and views along the way, about 4 hours roundtrip for us with breaks, lunch, and side trip to Flagstaff shore.

Parking is in a large gravel pullout on the right side of East Flagstaff Rd, near where Bog Brook Rd branches off Long Falls Dam Rd. Side trails from parking area take you to toilets, campsite, and Flagstaff shore.

Small AT sign marks the Little Bigelow/Avery Peak trailhead on left just beyond the parking area. Full trail sign with distances to peaks is just up the trail.

Trail is easy going through mixed hardwoods and follows a fine stream for the first third or so. At 1.3 miles or so there's a quick side trip to an AT lean-to and swimming hole called The Tubs.

From the lean-to/Tubs junction, the trail climbs moderately with some open ledges and views to Flagstaff and mountains beyond. Spectacular views from the top ledges: the Bigelow Range peaks, Flagstaff, Sugarloaf, Katahdin and distant peaks. Descent is fast and easy.

In short, Little Bigelow from AT trailhead on East Flagstaff Rd. offers lots of bang for a modest amount of time and effort.
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