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

Western Mountains • Maine

4.0 Appreciated by 15 hikers
François Dumaine
By François DumaineContributor since 2015Updated 23/06/2026
Difficulty
Hard
Distance
9 km
Elevation
933 ft
Duration
4h45
Max altitude
1,296 ft

Part of Maine's majestic Bigelow Range, this easy summit hike rewards you with 4 to 6 hours of sweeping vistas over Flagstaff Lake from open ledges. Located in the Western Mountains, the trail connects to extended routes within Bigelow Preserve.

Recommended for :
Intermediate hikers

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

Discover the trail

2 community photos

Trail description

{
"opening_paragraph": "

Little Bigelow Mountain sits within the protected boundaries of the Bigelow Preserve Public Reserved Land. It's part of the broader Bigelow Range — a stretch of rugged peaks that defines this corner of the state — and earns its reputation as one of the most satisfying hikes in the region. At approximately 6.2 miles round trip, the hike typically takes 5 to 6 hours to complete and delivers exactly the kind of payoff you're working toward: wide-open granite ledges, sweeping views over Flagstaff Lake, and that particular satisfaction of earning your summit the hard way.

",
"difficulty_update": "

The moderate to hard difficulty rating is honest. The combination of sustained climbing, rocky terrain, and significant elevation gain adds up over the 6.2 mile distance. Come prepared for a real effort.

",
"time_reference_update": "The 5 to 6 hour estimated time reflects a solid, focused effort — this isn't a casual afternoon walk, but it's a hike that most people with reasonable fitness and trail experience can complete in a day without feeling wrecked at the end."
}

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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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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Daylite Plus 20L
Osprey
Daylite Plus 20L
4.7 (3215 reviews)
Lightweight and versatile for day hikes
109.99 $
See price
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
45.134412, -70.216872
Phone
Not available

Starting Point

To access the hiking trails, head to the trailhead located at the end of East Flagstaff Road. From Route 27 in Carrabassett Valley, turn onto Stratton Brook Pond Road and continue until you reach East Flagstaff Road. Follow this road to the parking area near the trailhead. There are no alternative trailheads for this location.

When?

Opening hours
No information
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
45.134412, -70.216872
Center
Not available

Hikers' opinions

4.0
9 Reviews
R3
Review 3
Feb 20, 2024
Enjoy the nature! This trail perfectly showcases Maine's wilderness at its finest. The 4-6 hour journey through diverse terrain offers excellent opportunities to disconnect and immerse yourself in the peaceful mountain environment of the Western Mountains region.
R3
Review 3
Feb 20, 2024
Enjoy the nature! This trail perfectly captures the essence of Maine's wilderness. The 4-6 hour journey through Little Bigelow Mountain offers incredible opportunities to disconnect and immerse yourself in the natural beauty of the Western Mountains. The moderate difficulty level makes it accessible while still providing that rewarding mountain experience.
R2
Review 2
Feb 8, 2024
Beautiful! Little Bigelow Mountain showcases the best of Maine's Western Mountains region. The scenic drive along East Flagstaff Road to reach the trailhead sets the tone for an amazing outdoor experience. Despite the 933m climb, the breathtaking wilderness views and pristine mountain landscape make this trail absolutely gorgeous.
R2
Review 2
Feb 3, 2024
Beautiful! The scenery from Little Bigelow Mountain is absolutely breathtaking. The Western Mountains region provides incredible panoramic views once you reach the summit. The 933m climb takes some effort but the natural beauty makes every step worthwhile.
R1
Review 1
Jan 15, 2024
Nice! The 4-6 hour hike up Little Bigelow Mountain offers stunning views of the Western Mountains. The 933m elevation gain provides a good workout while remaining manageable for most hikers. The trail is well-maintained and the panoramic vistas from the summit make every step worthwhile. A solid choice for a day hike in Maine.

FAQ - Frequently asked questions

Everything you need to know
Hard
933.00 m
1296.00 m
4h45
No
No
The Little Bigelow Mountain trail is rated as Easy difficulty. This makes it accessible for most hikers with basic fitness levels.
The Little Bigelow Mountain trail has an elevation gain of 933 m. Despite being rated as Easy, this significant elevation gain means you should be prepared for a steady climb.
The Little Bigelow Mountain hike typically takes 4 to 6 hours to complete. Your actual time may vary depending on your pace, rest stops, and trail conditions.
No, dogs are not allowed on the Little Bigelow Mountain trail. Plan to leave your pets at home for this hike.
Yes, Little Bigelow Mountain is rated as Easy difficulty, making it suitable for beginner hikers. However, be prepared for the 933 m elevation gain and allow 4 to 6 hours for the hike.
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Update : June 2026