The dirt road going to the trailhead is difficult to find. From Stratton (after 3+ miles) look for the bridge with the yellow w/black bar sign signifying 'bridge' on the right. Immediately on the left you will see a few 'A'-frame camps and a tree with a small sign that says 'Bigelow Preserve' on it. Turn left onto the dirt road, and travel in back of several camps. This dirt road goes a few miles out and depending on how far you can get on this road, depends on how far you have to hike to get to the trailhead.
I've seen this road totally washed out and not passable, and other times have been able to get all the way to the trailhead at Jones Brook in 4-wheel drive...I've drowned out a Pontiac Sunbird in a spring puddle (remember that, Joyce?) so a 4-wheel drive vehicle is highly recommended.
The trailhead starts at the brook-crossing where the Jones Brook joins the Stratton Brook Pond. This brook crossing is difficult in the spring but in the summer is generally slow enough to cross by hopping rocks...Hikers usually leave walking sticks on both sides to help get across but don't depend on it...bring your own.
Now you are on the Stratton Brook Pond Trail and this takes you approximately 1/2 mile to the campsite at the trailhead of the Firewardens Trail. Go 1.1 miles up the Firewardens Trail and you'll see a trail sign for the Horns Pond Access Trail on your left.
This trail is 2.4 miles long with an over-look on the left of Sugarloaf Mtn., great views of the 'Col' at the old beaver bog, and views of the North and South Horns. Watch for the blue blazes on the trail. Double blue blazes mark the over-looks.
After 2.4 miles, you'll come to the Appalachian Trail (white blazes), go right, and it's 0.6 mile to the Horn's Pond Campground where you'll find a lean-to and several tent platforms. Also has a solar-powered privy!
If you continue up the Appalachian Trail (AT) 1.1 miles, you'll come to a narrow trail going out to the North Horn...Fabulous view of Flagstaff Lake!!! (One of my favorite places to spend the night under the stars)
The South Horn isn't above tree-line, so no real views from
there but this trail goes to Avery Peak where you can descend back to the bottom
via the Firewardens Trail.
Nice Hike!!! (See DeLorme's 'The Maine Atlas and Gazetteer' Map 29)
To volunteer to Maintain your own trail and to sign up for any
of the programs available with the M.A.T.C. click on the following link:
www.matc.org
For more information about the Bigelow Preserve, contact: The Maine Bureau of Parks and Lands, 25 Main St., P.O. Box 327, Farmington, ME 04938. Telephone: 778-8231.