Birdwatching Camping Cross-country skiing Fishing Hiking (trails) Hunting Off-road biking Snowmobiling Snowshoeing Watchable wildlife

Description

Please check for access and COVID-19 updates by using this link to the Bureau's Safety page.

Located in western Maine just east of the village of Stratton about 40 miles north of Farmington, Bigelow Preserve includes over 36,000 acres of public land. The preserve encompasses the entire Bigelow Range, which includes seven summits. The highest of these at 4,150 feet is West Peak, one of only 10 Maine summits over 4,000 feet in elevation. Bounded on the north by 20,000-acre Flagstaff Lake, the preserve offers many opportunities for outdoor recreation.

Flagstaff Lake is part of the Northern Forest Canoe Trail. The Northern Forest Canoe Trail is an historic 740-mile water trail through New York, Vermont, Quebec, New Hampshire, and Maine.

This is a popular three-season recreation area, with spring being the only time when there are few visitors. The Appalachian Trail and other trails as well as fishing, swimming, and camping offer a variety of outdoor activities at the Preserve. Fall foliage can be viewed from the roads and trails. Hunting and trapping opportunities range from easy vehicle access to foot access only in the backcountry areas. Fishing is plentiful in many small ponds and brooks. Winter visitors enjoy snowmobiling and cross country skiing over 20 miles of designated trails.

If you are interested in learning about geology around the state, check out the Maine Geological Survey Searchable Database.

The Land and Water Conservation Fund contributed to this State Park. Learn more about LWCF.

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Activities

• Birdwatching
• Camping
• Cross-country skiing
• Fishing
• Hiking (trails)
• Hunting
• Off-road biking
• Snowmobiling
• Snowshoeing
• Watchable wildlife

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Rules

Consider lending a hand. Contact us if you would like to help with stewardship or maintenance work.

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Trails

Natural Heritage Hike for Cranberry Peak - Bigelow Range Trail. OR View all Natural Heritage Hikes. Natural Heritage Hikes are narratives that guide hikers through the rich ecological, geological, and cultural elements encountered on 25 of Maine's most popular hiking trails. These descriptions provide the hiker with the what, how, and why of the natural environments they are walking through.

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Services and Facilities

• See Visitor Accessibility

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Special Considerations

Moving firewood can transport exotic insects & diseases that pose a serious threat to our forests. Don't transport firewood, buy it from a local source. Buy It Where You Burn It

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When to Visit

Open All Year

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