Myron H Avery Peak and Mount Bigelow

This hike is generally considered difficult and challenging. It requires good fitness and sturdy footwear due to varied terrain, including steep, rugged ascents and rocky sections. Some parts, like the ascent to Myron H Avery Peak, can involve significant elevation gain over short distances, feeling like an 'elevator shaft'.

Yes, dogs are generally allowed on trails within the Bigelow Preserve. However, it's always best to keep them on a leash to protect wildlife and ensure a pleasant experience for all hikers. Be prepared for challenging terrain that might be difficult for some dogs.

No, there are typically no permits required or entrance fees to hike in the Bigelow Preserve, which encompasses the Mount Bigelow area. The preserve was established to protect this wild and scenic area, making it freely accessible for outdoor recreation.

The best time to hike is typically from late spring through early fall (May to October). During these months, the weather is generally more favorable, and the trails are free of snow and ice. Fall offers spectacular foliage, while summer provides lush greenery. Be aware that conditions can change rapidly, especially at higher elevations.

Specific parking information can vary depending on your chosen starting point. Common access points for the Bigelow Range often involve trailheads that lead to the Appalachian Trail or other feeder trails like the Fire Warden's Trail or Safford Brook Trail. It's advisable to research the specific trailhead you plan to use for up-to-date parking details.

The terrain is highly varied. You'll encounter mostly wooded paths, which can be mossy and cool at lower elevations. As you ascend, the trail becomes more arduous with narrower footpaths, significant rocky sections, and even a steep 'rock staircase'. Some parts are unpaved and can be muddy, while sections near the summits may be exposed above the treeline.

This trail is renowned for its exceptional views. You'll find an Outlook point, and both Myron H Avery Peak and West Peak offer incredible 360-degree panoramic vistas. From the summits, you can see Flagstaff Lake, Sugarloaf Mountain, and the expansive Appalachian Trail ridgeline. Alpine ponds like Horns Pond also add to the scenic beauty.

Yes, the route extensively utilizes sections of the Appalachian Trail, which traverses the Bigelow Mountain Range. It also incorporates parts of the Safford Brook Trail and the Fire Wardens Trail, offering various options for loops or out-and-back journeys.

While there are out-and-back options, many hikers choose to create a loop by combining different trails within the Bigelow Range, such as linking Avery Peak and West Peak via sections of the Appalachian Trail and other feeder trails like the Fire Warden's Trail or Safford Brook Trail. A common loop involving Avery Peak, West Peak, and The Horns can be around 12 miles.

This hike is notable for several reasons: it includes two of Maine's prominent 4,000-foot mountains (Avery Peak and West Peak), it's a significant section of the Appalachian Trail, and it offers some of the most superlative 360-degree views in Maine. The area is also part of the protected Bigelow Preserve, and Avery Peak is named after Myron H. Avery, a key figure in the Appalachian Trail's development.

Water sources are generally plentiful along the trail, particularly in lower elevations and near alpine ponds like Horns Pond. However, it's always recommended to carry sufficient water for your hike and to filter or treat any water collected from natural sources before drinking.