The Bigelows via the Fire Warden Trail

Just beyond the last parking spot directly after the trail begins there is a brook crossing. It can be crossed in some seasons w/o boots removal where others may have to remove boots.

This is the only major stream crossing heading up the Fire Warden's Trail -although it does get a little wet wheelin' with minor run-offs & bog bridges etc. Be mindful that the bog bridges can be treacherously slippery.

Poles definitely will help stabilize you over the wets rocks. A boot with gore-tex lining is great but even more a boot with a full gusset all the way to the top of your boot is even better - I recommend the all-leather LL. Bean Cresta hiking boot. Treat them with Atsko Sno-Seal - man's best friend!


Just 20-30 feet up the trail and off to the left is a beautiful campsite with wonderful views of the Bigelow Range.

The first couple miles are a pretty easy grade amongst a mix of beautiful deciduous trees. There are a few bog bridges over mud and small run off water crossings. Careful as they are slick.

After 1.6 miles the Fire Warden Trail splits. You can continue on the Fire Warden Trail for another 3.0 miles up to the col between West Peak & Avery or you can take the Horns Pond Trail 2.5 miles up and arrive just west of West Peak by .6 miles on the AT. I've not traveled the Horns Pond Trail.

After this junction the trail will begin to climb after about a mile or so. There are beautiful stone "staircases" with water trickling all down them. When you are about a mile from reaching the col there will be tent platforms Moose Falls Tentsite. To the left there will be a small sign that reads "water" but there will be blue blazes that accompany. The blue blazes do not indicate that the trail goes that way - it leads into the alpine area. I've encountered people lost up there before!



Once you reach the col you are now on the Appalachian Trail & the blazes now turn white. To the right you can head up to Avery just .4 miles away. From here are excellent views of the rest of the Bigelow Reserve, Sugarloaf, Flagstaff Lake and on a clear day even Ktaadn! There is a stone building if you keep heading east down the range just a bit.

There is a small spring box protecting a flow of water along the trail if you keep heading towards the col.

Picture Courtesy of bikehikeskifish on http://www.viewsfromthetop.com/forums/showthread.php?t=36914

To the right you can head up to Avery just .4 miles away. From here are excellent views of the rest of the Bigelow Reserve, Sugarloaf, Flagstaff Lake and on a clear day even Ktaadn! There is a stone building if you keep heading east down the range just a bit.

Picture courtesy of http://www.serialhiking.com/fire-towers.html

If you hang a left and head west at the col you'll reach West Peak just .3 miles along. Again - excellent views - see if you can find the Crockers.

At this point you can retrace your steps down the Fire Warden Trail or you can continue West .8 miles to Horns Pond Trail and then down Horns Pond Trail for 2.5 miles & passed the Horns Pond Campsite back to the Fire Warden Trail.