Things to Do in Bigelow Preserve

Bigelow Preserve offers opportunities for hiking, touring cycling, mountain biking, and jogging. The preserve features an extensive trail system, including a significant portion of the Appalachian Trail. These activities allow exploration of its diverse landscapes, from mountain peaks to Flagstaff Lake.

Bigelow Preserve is characterized by the Bigelow Mountain Range, which includes seven summits like West Peak (4,150 feet [1,265 m]) and Avery Peak (4,088 feet [1,246 m]). Flagstaff Lake, a 20,000-acre body of water, borders the preserve to the north. A 17.6-mile section of the Appalachian Trail also traverses the preserve's craggy peaks.

Bigelow Preserve offers hiking trails suitable for various skill levels, including family-friendly options. Routes like Little Bigelow provide less strenuous paths through forested areas. For more details on suitable routes, refer to the Family-friendly hikes in Bigelow Preserve guide.

Popular hiking routes in Bigelow Preserve include sections of the Appalachian Trail, which crosses several peaks in the Bigelow Range. Other notable options include the 12.3-mile (19.8 km) Fire Warden's Trail, Appalachian Trail, and Horns Pond Trail loop. More information can be found in the Hiking in Bigelow Preserve guide.

Yes, mountain biking is available in Bigelow Preserve on shared-use roads and dedicated trails. The Esker Trail is one such option, maintained by the Carrabasset Region Chapter of NEMBA. For more information on mountain biking opportunities, consult the MTB Trails in Bigelow Preserve guide.

Bigelow Preserve provides routes suitable for touring cycling, particularly on its shared-use roads. These roads offer varied topography for cyclists. Details on these routes are available in the Cycling in Bigelow Preserve guide and the Traffic-free bike rides in Bigelow Preserve guide.

Trails in Bigelow Preserve range from moderate to strenuous. The Bigelow Mountain Range peaks offer challenging ascents with significant elevation gain. There are also less demanding paths, such as Little Bigelow, suitable for easier excursions. The extensive trail system caters to various experience levels.

The Stratton Brook Hut, located on the Oak Knoll Trail, provides accommodation and a cafe. Bigelow Col Campsite is noted as the highest campsite in Maine, accessible via the Fire Warden's Trail. Primitive camping is also available in designated areas within the preserve.

Bigelow Preserve features 11 routes on komoot, with an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars. More than 400 visitors have shared their experiences in the preserve. The community has contributed to the high ratings for the available routes.

Komoot offers several guides for Bigelow Preserve, including Hiking in Bigelow Preserve, Cycling in Bigelow Preserve, MTB Trails in Bigelow Preserve, and Running Trails in Bigelow Preserve. There are also guides for Family-friendly hikes and Traffic-free bike rides.

Official information about Bigelow Preserve, which is part of Maine's Public Reserved Lands, can be found through the Maine Bureau of Parks and Lands website. The Maine Trail Finder website also provides detailed information about trails within the preserve. For general inquiries, the Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation & Forestry can be reached at +1-207-287-3200.