Bigelow Col Campsite 2010.7

For those of us who call Maine home and cherish its unparalleled natural beauty, the Bigelow Col Campsite 2010.7 represents a quintessential wilderness experience. Situated directly on the iconic Appalachian National Scenic Trail, this backcountry campground offers a rugged yet rewarding escape into the heart of the Bigelow Preserve. It's not a place for RVs or cushy amenities, but rather a haven for hikers, backpackers, and anyone eager to truly disconnect and immerse themselves in the raw, majestic landscape that Maine is famous for. This campsite, located at a pivotal point between two of the Bigelow Range's highest peaks, provides an essential stop for adventurers navigating this challenging and scenic section of the AT.

The Bigelow Preserve itself is a sprawling 36,000-acre public land area in western Maine, renowned for its seven summits, including Avery Peak and West Peak, both rising over 4,000 feet. The "col" refers to the saddle or low point between these two prominent peaks, making the campsite strategically placed for summit attempts and panoramic views. Bigelow Col Campsite 2010.7 is a testament to Maine's commitment to preserving its wild places for public enjoyment, offering a taste of true backcountry adventure with minimal impact on the environment. It's a place where the sounds of loons echo across the mountains, and starry nights are a spectacle to behold, far from any light pollution.

Location and Accessibility

Bigelow Col Campsite 2010.7 is officially located on the Appalachian National Scenic Trail in New Portland, ME 04961, USA. However, as a backcountry site, direct vehicular access to the campsite itself is not possible. The campsite is part of the Bigelow Ecological Reserve, a vast area east of Stratton and north of Farmington.

Access to the Bigelow Range and its campsites, including Bigelow Col, typically involves a hike from various trailheads. A common approach for day hikers and those accessing the Col is via the Fire Warden Trail, which begins off Stratton Brook Road. Stratton Brook Road itself is generally accessible but may require careful driving due to its gravel surface. From the parking area, hikers will embark on a multi-mile trek with significant elevation gain to reach the campsite. The hike to the Bigelow Col, whether from the Fire Warden Trailhead or other access points like the Safford Brook Trail, is considered strenuous and demanding, traversing rugged terrain with sections of rock scrambles, roots, and uneven footing. It's crucial for visitors to be prepared for a substantial hike with appropriate gear, including sturdy hiking boots, navigation tools, and sufficient water. Public transportation to this remote area is virtually non-existent, making personal vehicle transport to the trailheads the only practical option. The beauty of this location lies precisely in its challenging accessibility, which helps preserve its wild character and offers a truly immersive wilderness experience for those willing to earn it.

Services Offered

• Tent Platforms: The campsite offers designated tent platforms, providing flat, raised surfaces for pitching tents. These platforms help minimize impact on the surrounding ground and offer a more comfortable sleeping surface in often rocky or uneven terrain.
• Privy/Outhouse: A basic pit toilet (outhouse) is available for sanitation purposes. Visitors should be prepared for rustic facilities and practice Leave No Trace principles, including packing out all trash and toilet paper.
• Water Source: While direct potable water is not provided, natural water sources such as springs or streams may be available nearby. However, all water collected from these sources must be treated, filtered, or boiled before consumption to ensure safety. It's always advisable to carry enough water or a reliable filtration system.
• Fire Pits: Some sites may have designated fire pits, but open fires are generally restricted to these areas, and campers should always check for current fire bans or permit requirements, especially during dry seasons.
• Free Camping: Bigelow Col Campsite is a free backcountry site, meaning no fees are required for its use. This makes it an attractive option for hikers and backpackers seeking an authentic, no-cost wilderness experience.

Features / Highlights

• Appalachian Trail (AT) Access: As a site directly on the AT, it provides an ideal stop for thru-hikers and a fantastic base for section hikers looking to explore the challenging and scenic Bigelow Range.
• Summit Access: The campsite's location in the col between Avery Peak (4,090 ft) and West Peak (4,145 ft) makes it a perfect staging point for bagging these two prominent 4,000-footers, offering relatively short hikes to each summit from the col.
• Panoramic Views: The proximity to Avery and West Peaks provides access to some of the most stunning 360-degree views in Maine, including expansive vistas of Flagstaff Lake, Sugarloaf Mountain, and the surrounding wilderness.
• Glacial Topography: The Bigelow Range features impressive glacial formations, including the cirque, providing a dramatic and unique geological backdrop to your camping adventure.
• Seclusion and Wilderness Immersion: Despite being on the AT, the backcountry nature of the campsite ensures a genuine wilderness experience, often with a sense of quiet solitude that is hard to find in more developed areas.
• Wildlife Viewing: The Bigelow Preserve is home to diverse wildlife, including moose, bear, and various bird species, offering opportunities for observation (from a safe distance).
• Ecological Reserve: Being within the Bigelow Ecological Reserve emphasizes the area's importance for conservation and provides a chance to experience a pristine Maine ecosystem.

Contact Information

As a remote backcountry campsite, Bigelow Col Campsite 2010.7 does not have a direct phone number or a physical office for inquiries. Information regarding the campsite, trail conditions, and regulations is typically managed by state agencies and trail organizations.

Address: Appalachian National Scenic Trail, New Portland, ME 04961, USA

For up-to-date information on trail conditions, closures, or general inquiries about the Bigelow Preserve or the Appalachian Trail in Maine, it is best to consult the following resources:

• Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry (DACF): This state agency manages public lands in Maine, including the Bigelow Preserve. Their website often provides detailed guides and alerts.
• Maine Appalachian Trail Club (MATC): The MATC is responsible for maintaining the Appalachian Trail in Maine and offers invaluable resources, including maps, trail updates, and information on campsites.

Conclusion: Why this place is suitable for locals

For Mainers, Bigelow Col Campsite 2010.7 represents the quintessential Maine backcountry adventure right in our own backyard. It embodies the rugged beauty and challenging spirit that defines much of our state's wilderness. Unlike crowded coastal destinations or more developed campgrounds, this site offers a chance to truly disconnect and test one's outdoor skills amidst some of Maine's most impressive mountains.

The fact that it's a free, first-come, first-served site makes it an accessible option for those seeking an authentic and uncommercialized experience. It encourages a deeper appreciation for Leave No Trace principles and self-sufficiency, values deeply ingrained in Maine's outdoor culture. For local hikers, backpackers, and nature enthusiasts, Bigelow Col provides an unparalleled opportunity to tackle the iconic Bigelow Range, experience the Appalachian Trail firsthand, and spend a night under a canopy of stars with the quiet hum of the wilderness as your soundtrack. It’s a place to challenge yourself, to find peace in solitude, and to connect with the raw, unspoiled essence of Maine's interior. It stands as a testament to the wild heart of our state, waiting to be explored by those ready for a true adventure.