The Bigelow Range rises sharply in western Maine, daring hikers to traverse its rugged spine through forests that breathe stories as old as the land itself. This backpacking route charts about 12 miles of firm footing and steep climbs, weaving through forests where towering spruce and fir lean close, whispering secrets with each breeze. You’ll gain roughly 2,800 feet in elevation, climbing to Bigelow’s multiple peaks, crowned by Avery Peak, which rewards your effort with sweeping views of Flagstaff Lake and the surrounding wilderness roaring quietly under open skies.

Begin your journey at the Dead River gate, where the trail leads immediately into a dense vaulted woods of towering trees. The terrain tests your legs with rocky stretches and sudden ascents, demanding steady shoes and patience. The path is often littered with fallen limbs, as if the forest itself is reshaping. Streams cross the trail with waters that provoke you to pause, listen, and refill.

On clear days, the ridgeline opens like a vaulted roof to panoramas that reinforce why this range was a boundary and a landmark for generations. These mountains are fiercely themselves—wild, unapologetic, and rich with history. They hosted logging camps, whispered local lore of lost settlers, and now challenge modern-day adventurers to respect their rhythm and pace.

Pack light but thorough: hydration is critical, as streams can be low depending on the season. Footwear must balance grip and support—approach this as a serious day or overnight trek. Expect the day to shift quickly—from forest shade to open, windswept heights and back again. Timing your hike from late spring through early fall maximizes weather reliability and trail conditions.

Every step in the Bigelow Range feels like a conversation with the wild—history’s tall tales surround you, but it’s the trees, the wind, and the ground beneath your boots that speak loudest. Prepare well, pace yourself, and take the chance to meet this Maine mountain range—tall, true, and fiercely demanding.