AVERY PEAK TRAIL: The Fire Wardens trail is the shortest route to the main peak (approximately 3.75 miles). It is well blazed and should be easy to follow. There are some steep pitches and dramatic views on this trail. As suggested under "The Horns," a circuit route for the more challenged hikers would be ideal.

BIGELOW NATURE PRESERVE & LODGE: This 34,500 acre preserve in the Stratton area, retained in its natural state for the use and enjoyment of the public, includes Maine's 5th highest mountain, Bigelow Mountain (4,150 feet), and features trails and campsites. The lodge at the preserve (accessed by the Appalachian Trail in the summer and fall) is open from snowfall until mid-March. Volunteers welcome people with a fire, hot drinks and a snack. The lodge can be reached via the snowmobile trails from Carrabassett Valley (20 miles round trip) or from Long Falls Dam Road (6 mi. round trip). For more information, call the Maine Bureau of Parks and Lands at 207-778-4111.

BIGELOW RANGE
VIA FIRE WARDEN'S TRAIL & HORN'S POND: Steep climb (15.4 miles round trip). Abandoned fire tower.

BURNT MOUNTAIN TRAIL: This trail is an official part of the Sugarloaf/USA Outdoor Center. Hikers are asked to check in at the center before hiking to the 3,600' summit, which offers 360 degree views of the surrounding mountains, including Sugarloaf's famous Snowfields on its eastern side, and local towns in the Carrabassett River Valley. The 3 mile trail, which follows a stream bed and has one moderately steep section, winds through softwoods and hardwoods, including a large section of white birch, before reaching the broad summit covered in thick alpine grass. A registry on the summit allows hikers to sign their names and remarks. Call the Sugarloaf/USA Outdoor Center at 1-800-527-9879 for more information.

CROCKER MOUNTAIN CIRQUE: This is a great hike to take in the afternoon. To pick up the trail, take the Caribou Pond Road 1 mile north of the Sugarloaf Access Road on the left, off of Route 27. The Cirque trail can be entered off that road. A reflecting pool surrounded by the towering walls of North and South Crocker mountains offers a very nice setting for lunch, or stay overnight at the small campsite. The hike is short and easy.

CROCKER MOUNTAINS TRAIL: (North & South) A long (14 mile loop), but not difficult, ridge walk from Route 27, across ta portion of the the Appalachian Trail to the companion peaks. The best views are from South Crocker. The trail is steep and rocky down the Cirque's wall, otherwise the ascent is gradual. Trip includes an overnight stay in the campsite at Crocker Cirque. Summit height: 4,168 feet.

MT. ABRAHAM TRAIL: Located off Route 142 between Phillips and the Kingfield area, this trail offers a variety of climbing and walking terrain (An approximate 2 hour hike, which is relatively easy until aprroaching the summit, where it is quite steep.) This mountain offers multiple peaks with a lookout tower on its principle peak, the eighth highest in the state. It is also only one of two Maine mountains with natural snowfields at its peak during winter months (Sugarloaf is the other). Summit height: 4,049 feet. Enter the trail from the West Kingfield Road next to Jordan Lumber in Kingfield. Follow this road for 3.1 miles until it turns into a dirt road, then follow .2 miles ahead to a crossroad, bearing right at the fork after another .4 miles. The trail is another 2.5 miles ahead, marked by a sign and orange blazes.

POPLAR STREAM FALLS: To visit these 2 scenic waterfalls, with drops of 24 and 51 feet, turn right off Route 27 at the Valley Crossing in Carrabassett Valley. Cross the Carrabassett River, go straight and follow the old country road marked by a snowmobile trail sign. The Falls are a 1.5 mile walk off this road, in the gorge on the right. A nice swimming hole is located at the falls by the road.

SUGARLOAF & SPAULDING MOUNTAIN TRAILS: To hike the mountain, any ski trail to the summit will do. Some are more challenging than others. Sugarloaf is the second highest peak in Maine, with spectacular, panoramic views. From the summit, there is a blue blazed trail that continues to the wooded Spaulding summit with many beautiful views along the way. Summit height: 4,237 feet.

WEST MOUNTAIN FALLS: Located in the Carrabassett Valley, this nature trail begins at the Sugarloaf/USA Golf Course and entails a short, easy hike (only .3 miles long) to a quiet, scenic area on the south branch of the Carrabassett River. The destination is a great place for a picnic, swimming or just relaxing!

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Maine Hiking Trails - All Regions - Trails.com

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