South Peak Loop via Fire Wardens Trail
Overview
This is a difficult loop trail to South Peak in Bigelow Preserve.
The Bigelow Preserve is a state-owned nature preserve in Western Maine. Established in 1976, this protected land is open to the public for hiking, camping, boating, fishing, fall foliage, snowmobiling, cross-country skiing, etc. At over 36,000 acres there is an abundance of flora and fauna to discover.
This mapped trails allows access to two out of Maine's 14 recognized peaks over 4000 feet - Mount Bigelow, Avery Peak (4090'; turn east at Avery Lean-To) and West Peak (4145'; turn west at Avery Lean-To). This trail goes by Avery Lean-to, The Horns, and The Horns Pond. Take in views of the surrounding lands as well as Flagstaff Lake.
The mountains are named after Major Timothy Bigelow who summitted the peaks in the late 1700s. The Maine Appalachian Trail Club maintains these tracks and provides seasonal caretakers at the backcountry camping sites.
Open year round.
Getting Started
Parking is available at the end of Stratton Brook Pond Road (a dirt road that parallels Stratton Brook and ends as you near Stratton Brook Pond). (Latitude 45.109913, Longitude -70.337461). There is a small road that continues from this site but four-wheel drive is recommended. It is a short hike from this parking area to the start of the trail.
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