Race Day Live Maine has many mountains with “little” in their names, but don’t let that fool you. Little Bigelow Mountain stands 3,070 feet tall, making it a significant hike.
Located in Maine’s Bigelow Mountain Range, it’s part of the Bigelow Preserve, a 36,000-acre public land area with miles of trails and camping spots.
I decided to hike Little Bigelow on a January day. Though the mountain’s name may make it seem like an easy trek, I knew the climb would be challenging.
I parked on East Flagstaff Road, but a section wasn’t plowed, so I had to walk a bit before reaching the trailhead.
The trail itself is a section of the Appalachian Trail, marked with white paint. It’s a 6-mile hike, out and back, with a gradual start.
The path follows Chase Brook, a small stream that was rushing with cold water despite the winter freeze.
The snow-covered trail had been packed down by other hikers, so snowshoes weren’t necessary. I used ice cleats for better grip on icy patches.
At 1.3 miles, I passed a side trail leading to the Little Bigelow Lean-to. From there, the trail became steeper, winding through a rocky forest.
As I climbed higher, the trees thinned, and the trail opened to reveal views of Flagstaff Lake and surrounding mountains. The best view was at the top of the ridge.
From the summit, I could see Carrabassett Valley, Sugarloaf Mountain, and the rest of the Bigelow Range.
The weather was mild, with temperatures in the low 30s and little wind. A beam of sunlight broke through the clouds, lighting up the valley below. It was a stunning scene, but the cold made me leave sooner than I wanted.
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Hiking in winter comes with challenges. I packed extra gear like a jacket, gloves, and a hat, which helped keep me warm after sweating on the climb. Staying dry is important to avoid getting too cold.
If I’d wanted a longer hike, I could have continued another 1.4 miles to the western edge of Little Bigelow.
From there, the Appalachian Trail leads to other peaks and eventually to Georgia.
For this trip, though, I decided to stick to my plan and head back down. Little Bigelow may not be the tallest mountain in the range, but it offers a rewarding hike with incredible views, especially in winter. It’s proof that even a “little” mountain can leave a big impression.
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