Bigelow

[TDawg]

I'm taking a trip to Bigelow Range in October for a 3 day, 2 night backpack to hit Avery, West Peak, and the Horns.

Are the additions of Cranberry Peak and Little Bigelow worth the extra miles?

I'm thinking they are, I want to traverse the whole range Stratton to East Flagstaff Rd. I'm just trying to convince the old man and his buddy that posting up at Horns Pond for 2 night and slackpacking isn't the way to go.

Any thoughts welcome. Best tentsites? West to east or east to west? Things not to miss? Thanks.

We'll most likely have two cars available so car spotting is possible.

 

[peakbagger]

I would add in Little Biglelow, its a nice mountain with great views. Logistically, the drive around to East Flagstaff road adds a lot of miles via the Long Falls Dam Road from New Portland. Starting this year the Carraige Road is open from the town of Carrabasset to the East Flagstaff road about one mile from the AT crossing. Its not signed very well on the the East Flagstaff road end (look for the power transmission line crosssing, but the other end is signed and its the road to the Carrabasset Town Hall. Its a logging road which is closed in the winter for use as a snowmachine trail but saves a lot of time (1 hour plus) compared to the old route.

If you want some high class accomodations at the end of the trip check out the new Maine Huts and Trails Flagstaff "hut"

If you do add Little Bigelow, it would make sense to camp at the Bigelow Col tentsite versus Horns Pond (although Horns Pond has shelters).

 

[audrey]

Cranberry Peak is a great addition. The trail gets interesting right after you pass the Horns Pond Trail. It climbs to an excellent viewpoint, descends interesting ledges and through boulders, takes a right turn off the AT and climbs to Cranberry Pond where we've seen otters. The trail past the pond and up to the peak is likewise unusual. Take note of the incredible assortment of lichens and mosses on those huge boulders that you pass by. Cranberry Peak is very alpine in feel, with groundhugging plants that don't hide the views.

In a nutshell, it is one of the least boring trails I've ever done!

 

[king tut]

I would start out in the Stratton area at the parking lot near the Mainely Yours restaurant, hike up to Cranberry Peak, and then over to West and Avery Peaks. I believe you can descend down to the road off of Little Bigelow, and then follow the lake around back to Stratton, but not 100% sure on that one.

 

[peakbagger]

There is a road around the north shore of Flagstaff called the North Flagstaff road. One of the staff at the FLagstaff hut suggested that it was a rough logging road that wouldnt save a lot of time compared to going across via the Carraige Road (whihc is alos a rough logging road, albeit a shorter one.