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Avery Peak and West Bigelow

New Portland, Maine

Details

Distance

8.96 miles

Elevation Gain

3291 ft

Route Type

Out-and-Back

Description

Added by Danielle Tourigny

Avery Peak and West Bigelow leads you to explore one of the most beautiful areas in Maine. This hike is 2.5hrs from Portland and guaranteed to be way less crowded than the White Mountains!

Begin on East Flagstaff Rd and follow the Safford Brook Trail until you reach the junction with the Appalachian Trail. 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 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. From here, there is approximately 0.8 miles of steep climb to Avery Peak (4088'). You will have a 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 (including Sugarloaf). From Avery peak the A.T. continues southbound towards the Fire Warden's Trail, West Peak, and the rest of the Bigelow Range. Travel an extra 0.3 miles to hit the summit of West Peak. 

This area is at least 45 minutes from the next town, so be prepared with plenty of food and water. There is location for car camping near the trailhead on Flagstaff Lake, but it is primitive - 2 outhouses and no water spigots. 

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Features

Chillin
Camping
Photography
Hiking
Dog Friendly
Easy Parking
Forest
Scenic

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