About the Community Hikes Program
The Maine A.T. Land Trust’s Community Hikes program provides free guided hiking trips to the general public from May to October and then from January to March. There are typically two to three hikes per month (depending on weather) and trips are guided by trained trip leaders. The program has been enormously successful at bringing individuals to the A.T. landscape but they can fill up quickly! The limit for participants is usually 5-8 individuals. If a hike you would like to attend is currently filled up, please email us at info@matlt.org to get on the waiting list. Summer hikes will be listed in May, winter hikes will be listed in December, so check back if you don’t see any!
Fall 2024 Update
We typically have 3-4 hikes in the fall season but due to some trip leader travel and downtime, we will probably be offering fewer this fall. But please continue to check back and sign up for the MATLT newsletter to make sure you know when new hikes are posted!
The forthcoming land trust Next Century hike will be up the Bigelow Range to Avery Peak via the Fire Warden’s Trail on August 26. This is the quickest route from the south to the highest point in the Bigelow Range. The total distance is 10 miles (five up and five back) and this is a strenuous trail. Our trip leader will be Louise Jensen, who is awesome.
The trail begins at a kiosk on Stratton Brook Pond Road where there is parking. The trail follows what used to be the continuation of the road for about 0.4 miles. A little further on, the trail takes a left and begins to climb. At 2.5 miles the Horns Pond Trail leaves on the left, then goes up rock stairs to reach the Avery Memorial Tentsite in Avery Col at 4.7 miles. From there, it is 0.3 miles west (left) to West Peak. (If there’s time, might be able to hit Avery Peak as well).
The meetup spot will be at the parking area on Stratton Brook Pond Road and the meetup time will be 8:45am. This is a strenuous, all-day hike so please pack accordingly! See you there.