🌤 Weather at Bigelow Preserve by season
| Spring | Summer | Fall | Winter |
|---|---|---|---|
| 14–62 °F | 50–77 °F | 25–68 °F | 4–29 °F |
Each range runs from the coldest monthly average low to the warmest monthly average high in that season (1991-2020 climate normals), measured at Long Falls Dam, 6 mi away, elevation 1,160 ft. Conditions at the park can differ from the station, especially where elevation differs — check a forecast before you go.
The park itself ranges from about 1,140 to 3,550 ft in elevation — higher ground runs cooler than the figures above.
🏆 Maine’s Greatest Mountain Preserve — 36,000-acre wilderness preserve encompassing the Bigelow Range — Maine’s second-most-dramatic mountain chain after Katahdin
Bigelow Preserve protects 36,000 acres of pristine mountain wilderness in western Maine, encompassing the entire Bigelow Range — a dramatic 12-mile chain of peaks rising above 4,000 feet. The Appalachian Trail traverses the range over multiple summits including West Peak (4,145 ft) and Avery Peak (4,090 ft). The preserve was created in 1976 after a statewide referendum blocked a proposed ski resort — one of the first times American voters directly saved a mountain from development. Flagstaff Lake below was itself created by flooding the town of Flagstaff.
Visitor Information
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Location | Bigelow Township, Franklin County, ME |
| Size | 36,000 acres! |
| Entry Fee | Free |
| Summits | West Peak 4,145 ft, Avery 4,090 ft |
| Trail | APPALACHIAN TRAIL! |
| History | 1976 referendum saved mountain! |
Frequently Asked Questions
How was the preserve created?
In 1976, Maine voters rejected a ski resort proposal and voted to create the Bigelow Preserve — one of the first times a statewide referendum directly saved a mountain from development. The victory energized land conservation across New England.
What happened in 1976?
A developer proposed building a major ski resort on the Bigelow Range — Mainers organized a referendum and voted to protect the land as a preserve. It was one of the first citizen-initiated conservation victories in US history — demonstrating that voters could override developers. The preserve now protects 36,000 acres of wild mountain landscape, including the AT and alpine habitat.
More parks nearby: Dead River is a short drive away, while Holeb lies within about an hour’s drive.
🏔️ Visit Bigelow Preserve
36,000 acres — voters saved this mountain chain in 1976! AT summits over 4,000ft.
Insider Tips
People’s mountain: Bigelow Preserve (36,000 acres) exists because Maine voters rejected a 1976 developer plan to build a ski resort — choosing conservation over development in a historic referendum. Pro tip: The Appalachian Trail crosses the Bigelow Range — the alpine views rival anything in the Northeast. Alpine zone: Bigelow hosts one of Maine’s few alpine zones — fragile tundra-like vegetation above treeline that can be destroyed by a single misplaced footstep.
Best Time to Visit
Fall: Spectacular ridgeline foliage views. Summer: Backpacking on the AT. Winter: Backcountry skiing. Spring: Mud season — trails are fragile.
Wildlife & Nature
Bigelow Preserve — 36,000 acres — protects the Bigelow Range with peaks over 4,000 feet. The preserve’s alpine tundra, boreal forest, and mountain streams support moose, black bears, and spruce grouse. The Appalachian Trail traverses the ridgeline. Avery Peak and West Peak offer 360-degree views of the Maine wilderness. The preserve was saved from development by a 1976 citizen referendum.
Nearby Attractions
Stratton — adjacent. Flagstaff Lake — below the range. Sugarloaf Mountain — 10 miles northeast.
🐾 Dogs & Pets at Bigelow Preserve
- Pets allowed? statewide rule
- Pets are allowed at most Maine state parks year-round, including trails, but must be leashed, under the handler's physical control and never left unattended.
- Leash rule statewide rule
- Leash not exceeding 4 feet, under the physical control of the handler
- Beaches & swim areas statewide rule
- Pets are not allowed on state park beaches April 1 through September 30; leashed pets are welcome on beaches October 1 through March 31
- Statewide exceptions statewide rule
- No pets allowed at Sebago Lake State Park campground; park staff may assign pet owners to less congested camping areas
Are dogs allowed at Bigelow Preserve?
Pets are allowed at most Maine state parks year-round, including trails, but must be leashed, under the handler's physical control and never left unattended. Individual parks can post stricter rules — check signage on arrival.
Rules verified July 2026 via maine.gov. More: Maine state parks guide · Dog rules in all 50 states compared
Park Location
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