Cranberry Peak

Map shows Bigelow Preserve. Cranberry Peak trail is in yellow.

---

---

This 3,199-foot peak is the smallest of the seven that range across the magnificent 36,000-acre Bigelow Preserve Public Land. But it is no less wonderful.

If you start from the Eustis side (which has a smaller parking area than the east trailhead off Stratton Pond Brook Road), the 3.2-mile Bigelow Range Trail to Cranberry’s peak begins fairly gradually, before hitting a steeper section and then easing up for the final mile. The elevation gain is a bit over 2,000 feet.

You’ll see a few mediocre views along the way, which makes the summit, a dramatic rocky point, so splendid. From the mountaintop, you’ll have views all around of Sugarloaf, the Bigelow ridge, Flagstaff Lake, and many mountains.

But along the way, you can check out some interesting geological features. Arnold’s Well (at 1.5 miles, marked with a sign) is a deep hole in the rock containing (undrinkable) water. (Though it is named for Benedict Arnold to memorialize his 1775 march north to Quebec City, he and his troops didn’t pass this spot.) A short distance later, on the left, you’ll see a 0.2-mile side trail and a small wooden sign to “the Cave.” The trail might be somewhat overgrown, but it’ll take you through an impressive cleft between massive rock. The Cave itself refers to a gargantuan overhanging rock, creating a stony nook.

You can also begin your hike from Stratton Brook Pond Road, closer to Carrabassett Valley. The trailhead parking area is easy to access, closer to Sugarloaf, and larger. Here you can catch the Appalachian Trail and hike up 2.3 miles to the Bigelow Range Trail. From the parking area on Stratton Brook Pond Road, you’ll follow a dirt road leading north away from the lot. Take a quick right on Cranberry Peak Road (a dirt road) and go about 100 yards to where the Appalachian Trail crosses the track (there will be a big sign for the Bigelow Preserve). Turn left onto the AT and start your hike. The first mile is relatively flat before it starts climbing. The trail can be muddy in spots.

At 2.3 miles, take a left toward Cranberry Pond (we didn’t swim because signs warning of Giardia contamination). The summit is 1.5 miles from the pond — the last 0.3 are difficult, steep and boulder-filled. But the view is spectacular.

Other mountain trails in Bigelow Preserve: Avery Peak-West Peak-The Horns Loop, Little Bigelow, and Avery Peak via Safford Brook Trail.

Directions: If you start from the Eustis side, the parking area is at the end of Curry Road, a dead-end road off of Route 16. In the winter, you’ll probably have to park a little farther away from the trailhead, adding just 0.2 miles to your walk.

Or, you can start on the Appalachian Trail, which you can access via Stratton Brook Pond Road. After turning off Route 27 to Stratton Brook Pond Road, go about 0.85 miles to the first large clearing for cars. Start your walk on the dirt road headed toward the mountain — soon you’ll see a sign for the dirt Cranberry Peak Road. Follow this a short distance to where the Appalachian Trail crosses the road. There will be a large sign for the Bigelow Preserve.

Fall photos by Olivia Goldfine.