Bickford Slides Canyon

3-C II Stowe, Maine

This gorgeous canyon sits high up in the White Mountains of western Maine. The canyon descends over 400 feet in just a half mile and requires technical gear for navigation around its four rappels. It may be one of the most enjoyable descents in western Maine. Spend a fun morning descending this canyon then hop on over to Rattlesnake Gorge for another fun descent.

 The best location to start from is the Brickett Place. There is a day use fee for this trailhead it was $5.00 in 2021. From the trailhead hike up Bickford Brook Trail past the first trail intersection until you reach the second fork in the trail. (19 T 0341714E 4904338N). Take the trail on the right at this intersection. The trail will cross over the creek, follow this creek downstream until you reach the canyon.

Wrap a tree and descend 30 ft into the canyon. Continue down canyon until you reach the second drop. Wrap another tree and descend 20 ft. Following the second rappel hike along the canyon avoiding the pools of water as much as possible. Turn the corner and wrap another tree or boulder and descend to the large pool at the end of the canyon. Hike along the stream another 1/4th of a mile to where a trail crosses the stream. Hike out to the trail head on this trail or descend down one last rappel on the other side of this trail.