Also on this trip

Trails Used

Kilkenny Ridge trail, Devil's Hopyard trail, Horn spur, Cabot Spring spur, Terrace spur, Starr King trail

Trail Conditions

Notes

Lots I could say here about this three-day adventure, but most of it has probably already been said by others. If you have any specific questions, feel free to email me and ask! Cabot Spring was flowing but very slowly- like almost 10min per liter slow. I wouldn't count on it as a water source. Good flow from the stream by Mill Brook trail junction, plenty of water in Unknown Pond, decent enough flow in Willard Notch and the spring below Starr King. Otherwise, not much for water along this route at the moment.

Parking

South Pond gate doesn't open till 10am. Not a terrible road walk if you get there before the gate is open. Plenty of space to park on the grassy area outside the gate.

Water Crossings

Kilback Pond has some nice new bog bridges, and some older ones that are scheduled to be replaced this fall. The new ones are great, the old ones include a broken section that requires excellent balance if you don't want to go for a swim!

Wildlife

Generally not too bad. Had a few spots where we got swarmed when we stopped, but they were a non-issue for the most part while we were moving

Also on this trip

Trails Used

Grey Ghost ski trail, Appalachian Trail North

Trail Conditions

Notes

Beautiful ridge walk provides expansive views on this 8-mile RT hike. Ski slope route is more moderate than one on Sugarloaf. AT is a gem here, as it is everywhere in Maine. Summits provide 360 views.

Parking

Park on left side at the end of access road to Saddleback Base lodge.

Water Crossings

None.

Wildlife

Windy. Bugs had no chance.

Trails Used

abandoned trail, ATV trails, Berry Picker's Trail, Appalachian Trail, Saddleback Junior Loop Trail, Wildcat Ridge Trail

Trail Conditions

Notes

Today's hike brought us up two of the most spectacular peaks in the state, The Horn and Saddleback Junior! After the drive in to one of the side roads off of Potato Hill Road, we started on our hike on an abandoned section of the Fly Rod Crosby Trail. Although there was lots of tall grass, this section of trail was pretty clear. We then followed the ATV trail to the start of the Berry Picker's Trail. Berry Picker's was in good shape, and we enjoyed the beautiful views from the ridgeline on this clear, windy, and somewhat chilly day up high. After reaching the Appalachian Trail, we ascended to The Horn, where we saw our first other hikers of the day. It was windy and a bit cold on the summit, so we didn't linger too long, but we did take a bit of time to take in the amazing 360 degree view. From the summit of The Horn, we descended to Redington Stream Campsite, where we had lunch. Backpackers should note that the water source at this camping area is almost completely dry right now. From the camping area, we started the steep and rough climb to Saddleback Junior. With its summit poking just above treeline and its location in the center of the High Peaks, the 360 view from Saddleback Junior is one of my favorite anywhere. The fact that very few day hikers visit it makes it even better! By then, it was a bit warmer, so we lingered a bit on the top. We then descended a short distance down the east side of Saddleback Junior, before turning onto the east side of the unofficial Saddleback Junior Loop. While descending the loop, we took a detour on the trail to Wildcat Ridge to get one more great view. We finished our hike by descending the ATV trail back to our vehicle.

Parking

Potato Hill Road is good for mid to high clearance. The side road that we drove down requires high clearance and extreme care.

Water Crossings

all water crossings were easy step-overs today

Wildlife

Not bad

Also on this trip

Trails Used

Ski trails, AT

Trail Conditions

Notes

Hiking route starts behind main lodge building. It ascends Grey Ghost ski trail. Very steep and direct! The few sections that were super gravelly could be walked on the edges in grass/dirt. Once you got the ridge this hike is magnificent alpine zone ridge for 1.5 miles over to the Horn. Absolutely stunning trail/terrain/views. Zero shade almost entire hike so be prepared for exposure to whatever elements are around at the time-today it was SUN!!! Final day of three day push getting the kiddos to 62/67. Just received Tall Boy’s special use permit to hike above treeline next week on Katahdin (under age of six) so Baxter here we come!!!

Parking

Lots of parking just before Saddleback Lodge lot

Wildlife

Nope

Also on this trip

Trails Used

York Pond Trail, Bunnell Notch Trail, Kilkenny Ridge Trail, Unknown Pond Trail

Trail Conditions

Notes

Beautiful day for it! Basically summer conditions- there is maybe 1 square foot of snow on the trail between the Cabot summit and the Buldge and otherwise none to be found. Ascent on Bunnell Notch was not as muddy as expected, but descent via Unknown Pond had large sections of the trail that were very muddy. Most sections have well placed rocks that make it pretty manageable. Saw two gray jays at the cabin, a yellow-bellied sap sucker, and lots of moose scat but no moose. Met lots of friendly people along the way but also had long stretches of quiet trail even on the holiday

Parking

10+ cars at 8:30 between the two lots, gate open at 4:15 when I left

Water Crossings

Manageable- though some are a little tricky

Wildlife

They know it’s nearly summer- didn’t need a net, but bug spray was a must