Location and surroundings
Avery Peak sits in Somerset County, Maine, within the municipality of Dead River Township, in the United States. Within the continental framework, it belongs to the Appalachian Mountains, descending through the Northern U.S. Appalachians, the Longfellow Mountains, and the Rangeley-Stratton Ranges to the Bigelow Mountain range. Standing at an elevation of 1,234 metres, it holds the rank of the highest of 7 named peaks in the Bigelow Mountain and is the 12th highest of 2,455 named peaks in Maine. The surrounding landscape features rugged terrain protected within the Bigelow Preserve.
Neighbouring peaks
The immediate vicinity of Avery Peak features several nearby summits and passes:
- Mount Bigelow (peak, 1,227 m, 1.0 km W)
- West Peak (peak, 1,222 m, 1.0 km W)
- The Horns (peak, 1,159 m, 3.7 km W)
- Little Bigelow Mountain (peak, 912 m, 3.9 km E)
- Picked Chicken Hill (peak, 537 m, 7.6 km N)
- Jim Eaton Hill (peak, 476 m, 8.2 km NW)
- Cranberry Peak (peak, 909 m, 8.5 km W)
- East Nubble (peak, 602 m, 9.1 km W)
Standing at 1,234 metres, Avery Peak surpasses its closest immediate neighbours such as Mount Bigelow and West Peak by a small margin, making it the culminating point of its specific mountain range.
The view from the summit
On and around the summit of Avery Peak, visitors find a viewpoint located 10 m SW, with another viewpoint situated 770 m SW. Within a 25-kilometre radius, several peaks are visible on clear days:
- Sugarloaf Mountain (1,319 m, 13.1 km S)
- Crocker Mountain (1,279 m, 13.9 km SW)
- Mount Abraham (1,230 m, 19.7 km S)
- Spaulding Mountain (1,219 m, 16.6 km S)
- Mount Redington (1,214 m, 16.2 km SW)
- Black Nubble (1,117 m, 18.5 km SW)
These surrounding summits provide a sweeping panorama of the Northern U.S. Appalachians.
The range
Avery Peak is part of the Bigelow Mountain range, which is nested within the Rangeley-Stratton Ranges, the Longfellow Mountains, the Northern U.S. Appalachians, and ultimately the Appalachian Mountains. The Bigelow Mountain contains 7 named peaks in total. Within this specific range, Avery Peak serves as the highest point, outranking all other summits in the group. The broader range features Bigelow Mountain as its high point, which is situated right alongside or as part of the group's principal ridges.
Climate and weather
Based on estimates from NASA POWER climate data covering 2001 to 2020, temperatures at the summit of Avery Peak average about 13 °C in the warmest month of July, and about -13 °C in the coldest month of January. Months with a mean temperature above freezing at the summit include May, June, July, August, September, and October. Precipitation in the surrounding area totals about 1,200 mm a year, with October being the wettest month at about 135 mm and January the driest at about 70 mm. Typical weather hazards in this region include sudden storms, high winds along exposed ridges, and rapid temperature drops.
Best time to visit
The optimal window for visiting Avery Peak aligns with the months that experience a mean temperature above freezing at the summit: May, June, July, August, September, and October. During these months, conditions are generally more favourable for hiking along the ridges, and precipitation is distributed throughout the year without the severe deep-winter cold of January, which averages about -13 °C at the top. Hikers should still monitor forecasts closely as mountain weather can change swiftly.
Nature and wildlife
The environment surrounding Avery Peak is characterised by typical northern Appalachian mountain forests, dense woodlands, and exposed alpine or subalpine vegetation near the top. The area supports regional wildlife adapted to Maine's forested uplands. Much of the mountain and its surrounding terrain are protected within the Bigelow Preserve, which helps preserve the natural habitats, plant communities, and ecological integrity of the region for hikers and wildlife alike.
Guides and organised ascents
For visitors seeking professional assistance in the United States, the national mountain guide association is the American Mountain Guides Association, which is an IFMGA/UIAGM member. The national alpine club or mountaineering federation is the American Alpine Club. Established guiding companies operating in the country include RMI Expeditions based in Ashford, Washington, and Exum Mountain Guides based in Moose, Wyoming, which serve as examples of where visitors usually turn for mountain excursions in the United States. Permit rules in the country vary, with some peaks requiring climbing registration or permits from the land agency, though standard day hiking in areas like the Bigelow Preserve generally follows local park and trail guidelines.
Safety and preparation
Ascending Avery Peak demands proper preparation, sturdy footwear, and adequate clothing to counter sudden weather shifts, wind, and cold temperatures typical of Maine's higher elevations. Hikers should carry sufficient water and navigation tools. In the event of an emergency, the general emergency number in the United States is 911; dispatchers will alert the local search and rescue team, which is usually run by the county sheriff or national park authorities.
Interesting facts
Avery Peak reaches an elevation of 1,234 metres and stands as the highest of 7 named peaks in the Bigelow Mountain. It is also ranked as the 12th highest of 2,455 named peaks in the state of Maine. Situated just 1.0 kilometre east of Mount Bigelow and West Peak, it shares a closely knit high ridge traversed by the Appalachian Trail within the Bigelow Preserve.
FAQ
How high is Avery Peak? Avery Peak rises to an elevation of 1,234 metres.
Where is Avery Peak located? It is located in the United States, in the state of Maine, Somerset County, within Dead River Township.
Which mountain range does Avery Peak belong to? It belongs to the Bigelow Mountain, which is part of the Rangeley-Stratton Ranges, the Longfellow Mountains, the Northern U.S. Appalachians, and the Appalachian Mountains.
What are the nearest peaks to Avery Peak? The nearest peaks include Mount Bigelow and West Peak, both located 1.0 km west at elevations of 1,227 m and 1,222 m respectively.
Is there water on the way to Avery Peak? There is a spring located 1.5 km SW of the summit, but hikers should always carry adequate water (typically 1.5 to 3 litres) depending on the weather and length of the trip.
Are there huts on Avery Peak? OpenStreetMap shows no hut or shelter directly on or immediately adjacent to the top, so hikers usually plan the ascent as a day trip or carry their own tent.
Is there mobile phone coverage on Avery Peak? Coverage in the hills is patchy and depends on the operator; maps should be downloaded before setting out, and 112 or 911 reaches emergency services over any available network.