Also on this trip
Trails Used
Grey Ghost, Appalachian Trail
Trail Conditions
Notes
Great day to be on this trail. Plenty of sun with below freezing wind chills. There were a few icy spots that thawed before we returned but surely winter is on the way. Hopefully the wedding at the lodge was fun!
Water Crossings
None
Wildlife
None
Also on this trip
Trails Used
Road walk, Southside Trail, Mount Abraham spur trail, Appalachain Trail
Trail Conditions
Notes
Well I went out for a 2 day backpack to grab some miles on the AT and I wanted a different way up Abraham. The southside was very easy to follow and was a beautiful way up Abraham! I saw no one until the AT at about 9:30 or even later. I was unsure where I was going to decide on to sleep so I kept going until I got tired... I got tired right around going up the Horn! A big day of vert and if I did not have an overnight pack on I could have done it in a day but it was nice to sleep out in the woods. There were about 50 thru hikers/backpackers that passed me going North. I slept down at the lake and there were 3 others there. A moose walked right by my tent overnight and thankfully I did the saddlebacks the day I did it because it was in a cloudy and rain they following day.
Parking
The road up to southside trail is one that will take almost an hour and need some clearance or some good driving.
Water Crossings
no issues
Wildlife
none
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