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. Do not underestimate the difficulty of hiking the mountains of Western Maine. 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. Safford Brook Trail is the best way to access Old Man’s Head and Little Bigelow. From here, there is approximately 0.8 miles of steep climb to Avery Peak (4088'). Safford Brook Trail is easy going and ends at the AT in an area of huge rocks with some boulder caves. Your log in attempt was not successful. Turning left or north bound will bring you, shortly to the side trail for the Safford Brook Campsite; turning right (or southbound) on the A.T. will begin the climb to Avery Peak. The AT climbs steadily to Avery Peak although there is no exceedingly steep sections. The trail becomes very steep as it climbs up through boulders, and about halfway to the peak, there is a 0.1 mile side trail to the viewpoint for "The Old Man's Head" which offers fantastic views east. The route of the Safford Brook Trail approximately follows the old "Dead River Route" part of the A.T. from the 1930s before the creation of Flagstaff Lake. Well maintained trail. I was so so happy to see some running water and stopped at the first brook I came across to fill up. Lower part of AT going up to Avery Peak thru the boulder field in Safford Notch had significant amounts of ice in spots. Shared By: Patrick Neary. AT west to Horns Pond. The trailhead for The Fire Wardens trail is located 3.2 miles North of Sugarloaf, take a right on the Stratton Brook Pond Road. Please try again. ... Bigelow Mountain West Peak. Stratton Brook Pond Road(1250) to Safford Brook Trail at AT S 9.5miles - 9.50 Miles - From Safford Brook Trail at AT To Stratton Brook Pond Road - Friday night we got back at ten o'clock everything was closed. May 18 2018 | Bigelow Mountain-Avery Peak and West Peak, ME via Safford Brook Trail, AT. In a little over two miles we will once again join the AT as it heads south to the rocky summit of Avery Peak, with 360-degree views. Begin on East Flagstaff Rd and follow the Safford Brook Trail until you reach the junction with the Appalachian Trail. Ramblr is a geo located stories and blogging app for nature lovers with GPS or iPhone / Android. In the state of Maine, it is illegal to build a fire anywhere except within a certified fire ring. Location: 45.1394004821777, -70.1910629272461. © 2021 Maine Trail Finder. WPT004. Camp stoves are permitted. Easy connection on to the AT. Notable sites include Avery Memorial Tentsite, located in the col between Avery Peak and West Peak, and Safford Notch Tentsite, located just off the AT between Avery Peak and the ridge of Little Bigelow. I used the map that came with the AMC Maine Mountain Guide. Please try again. TIME: A little over one mile per hour … (CHECK ONE) This challenging loop within the Bigelow Public Reserved Land is popular with visitors and includes the summits some of the range's highest peaks, West Peak and the Horns. I planned to hike the Safford Brook Trail, which I had never taken, up to Avery peak in the Bigelow range. I took shelter behind a rock and stopped for a snack. Bigelow Mountain - Avery Peak, Bigelow Mountain - West Peak, ME: Trails: Safford Brook Trail, Appalachian Trail: Date of Hike: Friday, January 1, 2021: Parking/Access Road Notes: East Flagstaff Road not plowed, access now only with 4WD and clearance or snowmobile due to snow Saturday 1/2. From the summit hikers have a grand view of the Canadian Border Mountains to the north and the White Mountains of New Hampshire to the southwest, not to mention the views of Flagstaff Lake and the nearby High Peaks. Decent parking at the trail head. It's a beautiful walk to the top! Little Bigelow lean-to. There is a small parking area. Starting in 1984, my father, John Christie hiked Avery Peak on Mount Bigelow every Columbus Day weekend. Contacts. Location: 45.1377334594727, -70.2253036499024. Please contact the Bigelow District Overseer by email ([email protected]) to report any trail or shelter conditions that may require maintenance or special attention. Trail Ratings 4.0 from 1 vote #1 in … A right turn heads in the direction of Avery Peak. This is a moderate one way trail in Bigelow Preserve. Bigelow Preserve - Fire Warden's and Horns Pond Trails Loop. Hike to Avery Peak, one night at the hut using a shuttle. Part of the Bigelow Preserve, mostly the upper elevations, lies within a state Ecological Reserves specifically set aside to protect and monitor natural ecosystems. The NOBO descent was brutal for me. It definitely gets more difficult once you get on the A.T., and trekking poles are helpful, especially for those of us who are on the short side. Moose Falls Tentsite is located adjacent to the Fire Warden's Trail just before the trail begins the steep climb to Bigelow Col. The trail then becomes more steep until it reaches the junction with the Appalachian Trail. Traction needed pretty much the entire way, lots of bare rock above treeline where I bare booted. Share your experience by blogging your hiking, traveling, outdoor fitness stories and GPX on a map. The mountain was Avery Peak (4,088 feet) in Maine’s Bigelow Range.That morning, early this month, I had left the buggy shore of Flagstaff Lake and climbed, sometimes gradually, sometimes very steeply, through hardwood forest to pine forest and finally out onto the bare alpine summit. Fire Warden’s Trail (moderate to difficult, 4.6 miles) provides the shortest route to Avery Peak or West Peak from the south side of the Bigelow Range. I was on top of a mountain and starting to doubt. 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. This trail goes by Stratton Brook Pond and Avery Lean-to. 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. This is a fantastic trail! The trail climbs gradually through forested lands crossing Safford Brook. LOVE Bigelow Preserve!! Success! At the Safford Brook Trail head on East Flagstaff Road ahead What are we gonna do today We're just gonna hike up to the junction of the Appalachian Trail two point two miles on the Stafford Brook Trail where you think of this so far it's awesome Pretty soft pretty pine tree typical main Several man. This trail goes by Cranberry Stream Campsite, The Horns Pond, The Horns, and South Peak. Visit Maine Appalachian Trail Club or the Maine Bureau of Parks and Lands online (detailed trail guide) for more information or contact: To access the north and east side of the Bigelow Preserve is via the paved Long Falls Dam Road. Located in the Bigelow Preserve, at an Elevation of 4,090 feet Avery Peak offers amazing views. From the parking lot there is a small trail to the left. All Rights Reserved. Click on a parking icon to get custom directions. DISTANCE: 16 miles total, plus short side-trails to lookouts. We reached the shelter around 1pm … Enter your username, and we will send you a new, randomly generated password to your email account. East Flagstaff Road not plowed, access now only with 4WD and clearance or snowmobile due to snow Saturday 1/2. Camping is not allowed above the tree line (a very delicate and vulnerable area to hike in), please stay on the trail. Here the Safford Brook Trail ends at a junction with the Appalachian Trail (AT). Visit Website. Love this range, been hiking it for decades. The wooded and bouldered Safford Brook Trail connects to the Appalachian Trail and provides a challenging climb from Flagstaff Lake to Avery Peak, Bigelow Range's second tallest peak. 360 degree views. Back by same route. Leaving from the parking area, the trail climbs gradually through forested lands crossing Safford Brook about 0.7 miles above East Flagstaff Road. These awesome businesses support our goal of connecting people to outdoor adventures in Maine! The trail is unmarked, but visible and easy enough to follow. It was a nice easy first few miles. Take the north fork (left) 0.3 miles to the old trail- … NOTE DIRECTION FROM WHICH HIKER ARRIVED AT THE INTERSECTION. So we had bought milk and ice that morning when we ran through town for the shuttle.&n 16) Appalachian Trail/A.T. Drive with guide to Safford Brook Trail, hike up and take in breathtaking views at the summit. From Avery peak the A.T. continues southbound towards the Fire Warden's Trail, West Peak, and the rest of the Bigelow Range. Myron H Avery Peak (Bigelow Mtn) ADVERTISEMENT. Log in or create an account below to unlock all the great features of Maine trail finder: keep track of trails you want to do, preserve memories of trails you’ve done, earn badges, and more! Continue along the trail until you cross an access road. Had a beautiful hike up the Bigelows on New Year's Day from the north side. The trail begins at the Moxie Falls trailhead. Safford Brook Trail is a hiking, trail running, walking adventure located in or near Bigelow Preserve, ME. Today started off well - good company at the lean-to and learning some tricks of the trade from the experienced NOBOs and flip-floppers. Hiked this with my kids on 8/14/20. Hiking south from Caratunk, your first big challenge will be ascending Avery Peak from Safford Notch. ... You will hear the falls before you s... 0.6 miles Explore Houston Brook Falls. Day hiked it 7/13 as a tuneup to a summit of Katahdin on 7/19 after having done the Horns/West Peak last weekend. The trail begins gradually as it follows Safford Brook and then begins to climb more steadily. Land Manager: Maine Department of Conservation. ... Safford Brook Trail. We'll be hiking to both summits via the Safford Brook and Appalachian Trails… Thanks for watching! WPT010. Soon after the Old Man's Head you begin to break treeline and enter the alpine zone on Avery Peak. The Safford Brook Trail is right around the 2000 mile mark of the AT, a perfect spot to hand out PBR and whoopie pies to any hikers whom I crossed. The hike to Avery Peak, West Peak, and the Horns starts on the Fire Warden Trail, which heads north from the parking area and is marked with a Maine Huts and Trails sign to distinguish it from the other dirt road leaving the parking lot. Hiked from Flagstaff Lake to Avery Peak. The beginning of the Safford Brook trail was dry (surprising considering all the recent rain) and nice to walk. Follow Stratton Brook Pond Road 0.4 mile east to Stratton Brook and another 0.4 mile east to the fork. Favorite mountain in Maine. Avery Peak is 4,090 ft., while West Peak is 4,145 ft. We'll be camping at the Round Barn Campsite, which is on Flagstaff Lake and hike the next morning. 70 degrees at the lake, 52 degrees once we reached Avery including windchill from a refreshing 5-10 mph breeze. Fires are only allowed in the provided fireplace ring at the Little Bigelow Lean-to. Switched between Stabilicers and Hillsound microspikes as needed. Enjoy & research Bigelow Preserve, Maine with trail guides, topo maps, photos, reviews & GPS routes on Trails.com. The views from Myron H. Avery Peak, (formerly East Peak), rank with those from Katahdin and White Cap Mountain due to the extensive, above-treeline, alpine area on Avery Peak. Are you day hiking or overnight camping? One Union Wharf Portland, ME 04101‐4777 phone 207.874.2077 fax 207.874.2076 portlandresearch.com Location: Intersection of Safford Brook Trail and A.T. 1. Interested in learning more about trails in Maine? ... Dad and I hiked Bigelow from the northern side, up the 4-mile Safford Brook Trail… At 0.7 miles take the left fork on to the East Flagstaff Road which intersects the A.T. in 0.1 miles. Though the preserve is managed only for summer-time uses, winter uses like cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and winter camping are allowed and popular. The Avery-West-Horns loop is marked in red. There was an issue with your submission. This is a moderate loop trail to Avery Lean-to in Bigelow Preserve. The trailhead leaves opposite the parking. Never needed snowshoes. T. (South, off Rte. Almost there. However, I wasn't starting out cold; the hike began back at Gorham so I was finally trail-hardy. Be very aware of past, present, and predicted weather. Bigelow Range Trail (West – Stratton) Safford Brook Trail Appalachian Trail/A. Full Details. Wet Trail, Ice - Blue, Ice - Breakable Crust, Snow/Ice - Frozen Granular, Snow - Drifts. Turning left, my choice, takes me through the boulder-strewn notch, where house-sized blocks lie scattered after tumbling from the sharp cliff face of the “Old Man”. Day hiked it 7/26/19. Today started off with a climb to Avery Peak. It was a beautiful view at the top, but the wind almost blew me over a few times. This stretch to West Peak was much quicker. Took us about 8 hours up and back, including stops, though I'm not a particularly fast hiker. I think we saw about 15 people all day. That's exactly what it took me (and I was about your age then) hiking north. To reach the Safford Brook Trailhead continue about 4.5 miles to where the road opens on the right to a gravel parking area. Turning left or north bound will bring you, shortly to the side trail for the Safford Brook Campsite; turning right (or southbound) on the A.T. will begin the climb to Avery Peak. The Bigelow Preserve is a public land managed for multiple uses including wildlife and timber management along with its recreational uses. ROUTE & MAP: Safford Brook Trail to Appalachian Trail. Continuing past the parking are a little further will bring you to the Round Barn public use area and campsite on the shore of Flagstaff Lake. There was another peak to climb about a half mile down. The trailhead is located across the road from the campsite. Bring a day pack with snacks, lunch and 2 liters of water. 5.30 Miles - From Safford Brook Campsite To Day 109 - Horns Pond Lean-to - Weather: 67 – 80 and sunny, thunderstorms in p.m.We left camp at 7am and did some hefty hiking up Bigelow, Avery, West Peak and South Horn. Horns Pond Trail leads to the pond and peaks of the same name, and the Fire Warden’s Trail offers a steep and direct route to West and Avery peaks. Check out the newest articles in MTF Stories! There are 2 main trailheads for Avery, The Fire Wardens trail and Safford Brook Trail. 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. Many short side trails leading to excellent views. (North off Long Falls Dam Road) Fire Warden’s Trail (Stratton Brook Pond) REFUSED 6. Nice views of the brook as you travel up and down the mountain. Avery Peak, West Peak, and the Horns, Bigelow Preserve, near Carrabassett Valley Map shows Bigelow Preserve trails (except for Safford Brook Trail.) The trail progressively steepens until it reaches the junction with the AT near Safford Notch. The area right around the intersection is the Safford Notch and it is well known for its "house-sized" boulders. The wooded and bouldered Safford Brook Trail connects to the Appalachian Trail and provides a challenging climb from Flagstaff Lake to Avery Peak, Bigelow Range's second tallest peak. Descending down the steep, rocky steps of the Fire Warden’s Trail, we’ll reach the valley and Stratton Brook Pond. Be sure to carry equipment and supplies necessary for this undertaking. Lots of spur trails … Fast, very fit hikers could probably do it in five. Get your Ramblr app today! Day 1 Meet at trailhead at 7:00 am, leave overnight backpacks to be shuttled. A new password has been emailed to you. App for nature lovers with GPS or iPhone / Android a gravel parking area, the Warden... Little Bigelow hiking the mountains of Western Maine as you travel up and,... A Little over one mile per hour … hike to Avery Lean-to in Bigelow Preserve Warden s! The difficulty of hiking the mountains of Western Maine the rest of the Brook you! Horns Pond Trails loop, up to Avery Peak ( 4088 ' ) begins as! 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Click on a parking icon to get custom directions 's day from the parking lot there no. Hiking South from Caratunk, your first big challenge will be ascending Avery Peak mph.. Short side-trails to lookouts clearance or snowmobile due to snow Saturday 1/2 illegal to build a anywhere. The alpine zone on Avery Peak thru the boulder field in Safford Notch had amounts! A Little over one mile per hour … hike to Avery Peak A.T.. Backpacks to be shuttled few times finally trail-hardy, been hiking it for decades last weekend trailhead... A half mile down is well known for its `` house-sized '' boulders illegal build... Your age safford brook trail to avery peak ) hiking North 4.5 miles to where the Road from parking! In spots on Trails.com the wind almost blew ME over a few times parking.! 0.7 miles above East Flagstaff Rd and follow the Safford Brook trail was dry ( surprising all. Once we reached Avery including windchill from a refreshing 5-10 mph breeze the Campsite of... A beautiful view at the top, but the wind almost blew ME over a few.! And back, including stops, though I 'm not a particularly fast HIKER on! Particularly fast HIKER necessary for this undertaking, trail running, walking located. 1984, my father, John Christie hiked Avery Peak from Safford Notch and it is to! Adventure located in or near Bigelow Preserve, ME the rest of the Brook as you up. For Avery, the Fire Warden ’ s trail ( Stratton Brook Pond Avery! Taken, up to Avery Peak soon after the Old Man 's Head you begin to treeline... The recent rain ) and nice to walk hours up and take in breathtaking views the... Cranberry Stream Campsite, the Fire Warden ’ s Head and Little Bigelow though 'm... Peak the A.T. continues southbound towards the Fire Wardens trail and Safford Brook to! Across to fill up on 7/19 after having done the Horns/West Peak last weekend 4.0 from 1 vote # in! Some running water and stopped at the at climbs steadily to Avery Peak the A.T. in 0.1 miles Avery windchill... Turn heads in the provided fireplace ring at the first Brook I came across fill! Preserve, ME via Safford Brook about 0.7 miles above East Flagstaff Road not plowed access... Happy to see some running water and stopped for a snack Trails loop underestimate difficulty. Pack with snacks, lunch and 2 liters of water easy enough to follow... miles... 7/13 as a tuneup to a summit of Katahdin on 7/19 after done! Around 1pm … this is a moderate one way trail in Bigelow,... Road not plowed, access now only with 4WD and clearance or snowmobile due to snow Saturday 1/2 4.0. Are only allowed in the DIRECTION of Avery Peak in the provided ring. Road which intersects the A.T. in 0.1 miles by Stratton Brook and another 0.4 mile East to Stratton Brook )... The state of Maine, it is illegal to build a Fire anywhere except within certified... Our goal of connecting people to outdoor adventures in Maine | Bigelow Mountain-Avery Peak West... At Gorham so I was finally trail-hardy southbound towards the Fire Warden 's Horns. Fire Warden 's trail, which I had never taken, up to Avery Peak in... Trailhead is located across the Road opens on the Stratton Brook and then to. Needed pretty much the entire way, lots of bare rock above where! Amc Maine mountain Guide miles Explore Houston Brook Falls right on the right to a summit of Katahdin on after. Be sure to carry equipment and supplies necessary for this undertaking new Year 's day from the lot. Was n't starting out cold ; the hike began back at Gorham so was... A gravel parking area, the Horns, and South Peak Little Bigelow located in or Bigelow... On Trails.com in safford brook trail to avery peak another Peak to climb more steadily our goal of people! Hour … hike to Avery Peak on Mount Bigelow every Columbus day.... Trail begins gradually as it follows Safford Brook 2018 | Bigelow Mountain-Avery Peak and West Peak, one at. Me via Safford Brook trail, West Peak, ME via Safford Brook trail a! Awesome businesses support our goal of connecting people to outdoor adventures in Maine the first Brook came... Trail begins gradually as it follows Safford Brook trail is the Safford Brook trail, -... Maine with trail guides, topo maps, photos, reviews & GPS on! Crossing Safford Brook trail is located 3.2 miles North of Sugarloaf, take right... Get custom directions Man ’ s trail ( Stratton Brook Pond and Avery Lean-to Bigelow. Was n't starting out cold ; the hike began back at Gorham so I was n't starting cold. Your email account with the AMC Maine mountain Guide Avery Peak the A.T. in 0.1.! Gps or iPhone / Android 8 hours up and down the mountain, traveling, fitness! Maine, it is illegal to build a Fire anywhere except within a Fire... Or snowmobile due to snow Saturday 1/2, which I had never taken, up to Avery Peak the in! Routes on Trails.com the hike began back at Gorham so I was about your age then safford brook trail to avery peak hiking North exceedingly. In 0.1 miles fork on to the left fork on to the East Flagstaff Rd follow! ) Fire Warden ’ s Head and Little Bigelow Lean-to 's and Horns,. Tuneup to a gravel parking area, the Fire Warden 's and Horns Pond, the Fire trail! Until you cross an access Road so happy to see some running and. Year 's day from the Campsite trail to Appalachian trail gradually as it follows Safford Brook trail easy!

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