Bigelow Col Campsite 2010.7, New Portland, ME

Introduction / Overview

For Mainers who truly embrace the rugged spirit of the outdoors, the Bigelow Col Campsite 2010.7 represents a definitive backcountry experience. Located in the heart of the majestic Bigelow Preserve Public Lands, this is not a roadside campground but a designated overnight site along the legendary Appalachian National Scenic Trail (AT). Its coordinate reference, 2010.7, marks its mile-marker distance along the trail (from its southern terminus, or a similar reference), cementing its status as an integral part of one of the most challenging and scenic sections of the entire AT.

The campsite sits strategically in the 'col'—or saddle—between two of the Bigelow Range's main peaks, including Avery Peak (4,088 ft) and West Peak (4,145 ft). This high-elevation location is renowned for providing jaw-dropping views and direct access to the exposed ridge-line traverse that is often cited as one of the most difficult and rewarding hikes in Maine, second only to Katahdin. The Bigelow Preserve itself is a massive 36,000-acre tract of public land, designated as a National Natural Landmark, ensuring the surrounding area remains a pristine wilderness.

A stay at Bigelow Col Campsite 2010.7 is a true backpacking adventure. It attracts experienced thru-hikers and dedicated section-hikers who appreciate the opportunity to break up the strenuous Bigelow Range traverse. Campers here are rewarded with unparalleled solitude (despite being a designated site) and stunning alpine scenery, making it a bucket-list destination for any Maine resident passionate about high-elevation wilderness trekking.

Location and Accessibility

Bigelow Col Campsite 2010.7 is located within the Bigelow Preserve Public Lands, technically falling under the jurisdiction of New Portland, ME, 04961, USA. However, it's crucial for local users to understand that this site is a hike-in, hike-out location, accessible only by foot via the Appalachian Trail or its associated blue-blazed side trails. It is not accessible by vehicle.

The campsite is situated high on the Bigelow Range. Accessing it requires a strenuous, multi-mile hike with significant elevation gain. Common access points to the Bigelow Range include trailheads off Route 27 near the Carrabassett Valley or from trailheads near Flagstaff Lake, such as the Stratton Brook Pond Road. For instance, the popular route often involves ascending via the Fire Warden’s Trail, passing other sites like the Moose Falls Campsite, and climbing toward the peaks before descending slightly into the col where the campsite is located. This location serves as a critical stopover for those traversing the 16.3-mile classic Bigelow Range ridge walk.

The remote location means that services are minimal, and hikers must be completely self-sufficient and prepared for rugged, rocky, high-mountain terrain. This area is considered genuine Maine wilderness, and travelers should be ready for isolation, rapidly changing weather conditions, and a full commitment to Leave No Trace principles.

Services Offered

As a remote, designated backcountry site on the Appalachian Trail, Bigelow Col Campsite 2010.7 offers highly primitive services intended only for essential comfort and minimizing environmental impact. It is maintained by the Maine Appalachian Trail Club (MATC).

Tent Platforms: To protect the thin, fragile alpine soil and limit erosion, the campsite features well-cared-for wooden tent platforms. These are suitable for self-standing tents and hikers carrying specialized anchors.
Privy: A designated pit toilet (outhouse) is provided at the site to ensure proper human waste disposal and maintain sanitation standards in the fragile ecosystem.
Water Source: The site is strategically located near a natural water source, such as a spring or stream. Note: All water must be filtered, boiled, or chemically treated before consumption, as it is non-potable surface water.
Food Storage Guidance: While bear boxes are not universally available, proper food storage is required by the Appalachian Trail Conservancy and Maine's Public Lands regulations. Hikers are strongly encouraged to use bear-resistant containers or follow strict hanging procedures (12 feet high, 6 feet from the trunk) to protect wildlife and themselves.
Campfires: Campfires are generally prohibited at high-elevation backcountry sites like Bigelow Col to protect the sensitive alpine environment and prevent devastating forest fires. Hikers must plan to use a camp stove for all cooking needs.

Features / Highlights

The primary appeal of Bigelow Col Campsite is its natural setting and the unparalleled hiking opportunities it affords.

The Appalachian Trail Connection: The campsite is an official stop on the AT, offering a genuine long-distance hiking experience and the chance to meet thru-hikers from around the world.
Access to Avery and West Peaks: It provides the ideal base camp for bagging two of Maine's coveted 4,000-footers, Avery Peak (4,088 ft) and West Peak (4,145 ft). Hikers often drop their heavy packs at the col before making the final, unencumbered ascent to the summits.
Panoramic Alpine Vistas: Due to its high-altitude location in the Bigelow Col, the site offers breathtaking, expansive views of the surrounding Maine wilderness, including Flagstaff Lake, Sugarloaf Mountain, and distant peaks like Katahdin.
Stunning Sunsets: Reviewers frequently mention the incredible experience of watching the sun set directly on the tip of West Peak, providing brilliant colors and a profound connection to the natural world.
Little Bigelow Trail Access: The site is part of the larger Bigelow Preserve trail network, which includes the challenging ridge walk, the Fire Warden's Trail, and the scenic Little Bigelow Trail section.
Rugged Terrain Challenge: The area is known for its "gnarly" terrain, rock scrambles, and boulder fields, appealing to experienced hikers looking for a physical challenge comparable to the White Mountains, but with fewer crowds.

Contact Information

Since Bigelow Col Campsite 2010.7 is a remote backcountry site, there is no direct phone or mailing address for the campsite itself. It is managed by the Maine Appalachian Trail Club (MATC) and is located on Public Reserved Land overseen by the Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry (DACF).

Location Address (General Area for Navigation):

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

Contact for Public Land Information (Maine DACF):

For general inquiries about the Bigelow Preserve Public Lands, rules, and regulations, the Maine DACF is the primary contact.
(While a public phone number for the managing agency is available, direct campsite contact is not applicable to a backcountry site, hence the focus on the managing entity.)

Conclusion: Why this place is suitable for locals

Bigelow Col Campsite 2010.7 is an essential destination for Maine’s outdoor community because it represents the pinnacle of the state's wilderness hiking experience. For residents already familiar with the Appalachian Trail's reputation in Maine—its ruggedness, its remoteness, and its sheer beauty—this site is the reward for the strenuous effort required to reach it.

It offers a chance to escape the coastal summer crowds and immerse oneself in the high peaks, experiencing the quiet solitude and raw, untamed beauty of the Bigelow Range. It’s a proving ground and a sanctuary, allowing local adventurers to train for challenging expeditions or simply savor an overnight stay in an iconic Maine landscape. Unlike front-country campgrounds, Bigelow Col demands and rewards self-sufficiency, appealing directly to the deep-seated Maine value of independence and respect for the wilderness. By staying here, you are not just camping; you are participating in the proud tradition of the Appalachian Trail, right here in the most challenging and spectacular section of your home state.