Hiking Bigelow Mountain, Maine - panoramic view
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Hiking in Bigelow Mountain, Maine: trails, map and practical info

Western Mountains • Maine

4.9 Appreciated by 41 hikers
François Dumaine
By François Dumaine • Contributor since 2015 • Updated 23/06/2026
Ready to go See map
Difficulty
Moderate
Distance
18 km
Elevation
1,263 m
Duration
6h30
Max altitude
51 m

Conquer Maine's 17.5 km moderate trail across the historic Bigelow Range, where Major Timothy Bigelow scouted for Benedict Arnold in 1775. This 6 to 8-hour adventure in the Western Mountains features multiple summits including West Peak at 4,145 feet.

Recommended for :
Intermediate hikers

Ready to explore Bigelow Mountain, Maine? Here's everything you need to know before you go!

Discover the trail

3 community photos

Trail description

The full Bigelow traverse represents a serious undertaking, typically requiring 6 to 9 hours for experienced hikers to complete. The 1,263 meters of elevation gain, combined with the technical terrain and distance, earns this hike its moderate to difficult rating. The trail follows sections of the Appalachian Trail, benefiting from the excellent maintenance provided by the Maine Appalachian Trail Club.

Recommended gear for this trail

LGPO Pick
Elixir Tour Mid WP
Salomon
Elixir Tour Mid WP
4.5 (2847 reviews)
Waterproof mid-height boot ideal for rocky terrain
203.38 $
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Best Value
Trail Ergo Cork
Black Diamond
Trail Ergo Cork
4.4 (1456 reviews)
Comfortable cork grip for long ascents
69.99 $
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Daylite Plus 20L
Osprey
Daylite Plus 20L
4.7 (3215 reviews)
Lightweight and versatile for day hikes
109.99 $
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Actik Core 625
Petzl
Actik Core 625
4.6 (1893 reviews)
USB rechargeable with 600 lumens for early starts
103.95 $
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Most Popular
Wide Mouth 1L
Nalgene
Wide Mouth 1L
4.8 (12540 reviews)
Unbreakable and BPA-free — a hiking essential
23.11 $
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Affiliate links — LGPO may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.

Ready to go?

Everything you need to know before you go

Where?

Address
Not available
GPS coordinates
45.1472769, -70.2892339
Phone
Not available

Starting Point

The best way to get to the start of the trails at the Bigelow Mountain is to drive to the Sugarloaf Mountain Resort and take the ski lift up.

When?

Opening hours
From sunrise to sunset
Varies by season
Best season
Fall
Spectacular colors
Best time
Early morning
Less crowded
Weather (next days)
Loading

How much?

Entry fees
Adult
Not available
Child
—
What to bring?
Gear
Download the PDF checklist
Water & food
2L minimum
No water point on the trail
Bring energy snacks for a 4h+ hike
Good to know
Park rules
No dogs
Safety
Download the GPX before you go
Limited cellular coverage on the trail
Slippery after rain
Be careful on rocky sections
In an emergency
Emergency
911
Parking GPS
45.1472769, -70.2892339
Center
Not available

Hikers' opinions

4.9
18 Reviews
R6
Review 6
Apr 5, 2024
Very good place. I recommand this place. Mt Bigelow offers a fantastic moderate hiking experience in the Western Mountains. The 6-8 hour timeframe is perfect for a full day adventure, and the trail's 17.5 km length provides excellent value. Just remember to plan ahead since parking isn't free.
R5
Review 5
Mar 25, 2024
Beautifull! The Western Mountains scenery from Mt Bigelow is absolutely breathtaking. Every meter of that 1263m elevation gain rewards you with increasingly stunning views. The 17.5 km distance allows you to fully appreciate the changing landscapes and natural beauty of this remarkable trail.
R6
Review 6
Mar 20, 2024
Very good place. I recommend this place. Mt Bigelow delivers an excellent hiking experience with its 17.5km moderate trail and 1263m elevation gain. The Western Mountains location provides beautiful scenery throughout the 6-8 hour journey. Access via Sugarloaf Resort is straightforward and worth the visit.
R5
Review 5
Mar 12, 2024
Beautiful! The scenery along Mt Bigelow is absolutely stunning. The 17.5km trail through the Western Mountains offers incredible views that make the 1263m climb worthwhile. Budget 6-8 hours for this moderate hike - the natural beauty will leave you speechless.
R4
Review 4
Mar 10, 2024
I have lot of funny there. Mt Bigelow delivered an amazing day out with friends! The 1263m climb was tough but we had great laughs along the way. The moderate rating means it's challenging enough to be exciting without being intimidating. Definitely budget the full day for this adventure.

FAQ - Frequently asked questions

Everything you need to know
Moderate
1263.00 M
51.00 M
6h30
No
No
The Mt Bigelow trail is rated as moderate difficulty. This makes it suitable for hikers with some experience and a reasonable fitness level.
The Mt Bigelow trail is 17.5 km long and typically takes 6 to 8 hours to complete. Plan for a full day hike with proper preparation and supplies.
The Mt Bigelow trail has an elevation gain of 1263 m. This significant elevation change contributes to the moderate difficulty rating of the hike.
No, dogs are not allowed on the Mt Bigelow trail. Plan to leave your pets at home or arrange alternative care for your hiking day.
Yes, there is a fee to access Mt Bigelow as it requires taking the ski lift up at Sugarloaf Mountain Resort. Check current pricing and operating hours before your visit.
Didn't find your answer?
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The Essential Hiking Checklist

Everything you need for your next hike. Bilingual, printable, 1 page.

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Update : June 2026