Bigelow Range via Avery & West Peaks
A high alpine ridge traverse over two 4,000-foot summits on the Appalachian Trail.
- Difficulty
- Strenuous
- Length
- 11.5 mi
- Elevation Gain
- 3,300 ft
- Duration
- 8–11
- Best Season
- Jun–Sep
- Permit
- Not required
- Dogs
- Allowed
- Features
- Two 4,000-footers, AT ridgeline
About the trail
The Bigelow Range is often called Maine's 'second Katahdin.' This loop combines the Fire Warden's Trail with the Appalachian Trail across the alpine ridge connecting Avery Peak (4,090 ft) and West Peak (4,145 ft). The Col between the summits is true alpine tundra with continuous views north to Flagstaff Lake and the Canadian border peaks. The Fire Warden's Trail descent is famously steep — bring poles.
Trailhead map & directions
Turn-by-turn route
- Park at the Fire Warden's Trail lot on Stratton Brook Pond Road.
- Hike the Fire Warden's Trail 3.7 miles to Avery Col.
- Turn east on the AT and climb 0.4 miles to Avery Peak.
- Return to Avery Col and climb west 0.6 miles to West Peak.
- Continue west on the AT 1.5 miles to the Horns Pond Trail junction.
- Descend Horns Pond Trail to Stratton Brook Pond Road and walk back to your car.
Parking
Stratton Brook Pond Road has a gravel lot — high-clearance helpful but most cars make it.
Tips from the trail
- The alpine zone between Avery and West is exposed — turn back in storms.
- Add the Horns (a short side trip) for one of the best ridge views in Maine.
- Black flies are brutal late May to mid-June; September is the sweet spot.
More in Maine
Mount Katahdin via Knife Edge
MEMaine's highest peak and the northern terminus of the Appalachian Trail.
Precipice Trail
MEAcadia's most exposed iron-rung climb up Champlain Mountain's east face.
Tumbledown Mountain Loop
MEA cult-favorite Maine peak with a chimney scramble and an alpine pond at the summit.