Trails Used

Appalachian Trail

Trail Conditions

Notes

Amazing day to be out. Got a late start for me, so just went to the Horn and turned back. Lots of day hikers out today, 12- 15 at least on the ridge. A few thru and section hikers. I met the piazza caretaker on the climb up saddleback and again on my way back, talking to folks. A bit of cloud cover above treeline was very appreciated. Barely any wind. I got to hand out some sour candies to nobo's on my way down, which is always fun. Not much to report for maintenance stuff, it looks like the crew went through and took care of the hazards. Thank you all. The section from piazza to saddleback climb is an ankle twister, but for some reason I always come out smiling. The ponds are a joy to pass by.

Parking

Probably a dozen cars at the rt 4 lot when I arrived at 11am. Still room for plenty more

Water Crossings

Minor Stream at piazza is flowing but pretty low

Also on this trip

Trails Used

Gray Ghost Ski Trail, unknown ski trail name, Appalachian Trail

Trail Conditions

Notes

Great morning for this hike. The first half mile or so of the ski trails are knee to waste high but there is a well beaten path for hikers to follow so not an a real issue. Lots of Lupines to look at! Once you get on to the AT, this is a beautiful hike over to The Horn. What a morning! Some cool features on this hike that you have to experience. The above treeline hiking provides 360 degrees of Western Maine and New Hampshire.

Parking

Lots of parking at Saddleback. If new to the area, there at EV chargers available.

Water Crossings

N/A

Wildlife

None. Pretty amazing.

Trails Used

Atv trail, Berry pickers trail, Appalachian trail

Trail Conditions

Notes

3.6 mile road/atv trail walk to trailhead proper for Berry pickers trail. Berry pickers trail is a wonderful way up to the col of Saddleback & The Horn…. Hardly any berries tho, but wonderful views. Was hazy tho especially looking east & south. A lot of people at summit of Saddleback including a ridge runner who was super nice. Right after the erratic on Berry pickers trail is the remains of a moose… a lot of bones.

Parking

Parked 2.5 miles before parking spot because of questionable bridge. Saying that some people did drive over it and made it….. so your call.

Water Crossings

Bridge going over atv trail had some holes in it…. Rotted out sections and nails.

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.

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