Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Adventures On Foot
Hiking
Bald Mountain, Rangeley
: The name Bald Mountain is par-
ticularly popular in Maine, but among the 18 peaks so named
this one has no parallel. It stands proudly overlooking
Mooselookmeguntic and Rangeley lakes. With an elevation gain of 1,000
feet over a little more than a mile this trip is well worth the effort. Begin
on the Bald Mountain Road off Route 4. Footing can be tricky on the wide,
well-worn path leading to the 2,443-foot summit. Just over halfway the
trail splits (the right side offers a more gradual ascent). The divergent
paths rejoin just below the open summit and its fire tower. There are
wonderful views of the lakes below, the village of Rangeley nestled in the
hills, and of larger mountains in all directions.
Bigelow Mountain, Dead River Township:
Bigelow Mountain's twin
peaks form Maine's fifth highest Mountain lagging just behind Old Speck
at 4,180, Crocker at 4,168, Sugarloaf at 4,237 feet, and Baxter Peak on
Katahdin at 5,267. The higher West Peak on Bigelow is 4,150 feet high
while the slightly lower East Peak, which sports a wooden fire tower, co-
mes in at 4,088.
This is a big mountain. It makes for a long day hike or, better still, a lei-
surely, multi-day backpacking trip.
Begin at the Fire Warden's Trail parking area along the dirt Stratton
Brook Road. The path rises gradually to an intersection with the Horns
Pond Trail. Bear left and begin climbing steeply on an old woods road. Oc-
casional views out over the valley toward Sugarloaf to the southeast can
be enjoyed. After a short very steep section the trail joins the Appala-
chian Trail, which comes in on the left. Go right and follow the white
blazes to the Horns Pond Shelter. There is a large lean-to, some tent plat-
forms, tent sites, a spring, pond, and a solar-powered privy here. The ele-
vation gain to this point is 2,000 feet over four miles. The AT then steeply
climbs to the top of South Horn and covers several sections where hands
must be used. The high point on South Horn is at 3,831 feet. There are
great views. It then heads east dropping several hundred feet before ris-
ing sharply again to the top of West Peak. There is a small area above
treeline here and great 360° views.
Continuing east the trail drops 500 feet into a col, where an old cabin and
a lean-to and tent sites are located. A side trail leads from the col to the
tower on East Peak, also known as Myron Avery Peak after the man who
helped create and maintain the AT in Maine.
