| Hiking Trail Conditions Report |
 | Peaks |
Saddleback Mountain, Saddleback Mountain - The Horn, ME |
|
 | Trails: |
Ski trails, side trail, Appalachian Trail |
|
 | Date of Hike: |
Sunday, September 14, 2014 |
|
 | Parking/Access Road Notes: |
no issues |
|
 | Surface Conditions: |
Dry Trail, Wet Trail, Wet/Slippery Rock |
|
 | Recommended Equipment: |
|
|
 | Water Crossing Notes: |
no crossings on this route |
|
 | Trail Maintenance Notes: |
nice herd path has formed on Gray Ghost. while steep the footing is excellent. trail maps available on the lower level outside |
|
 | Dog-Related Notes: |
|
|
 | Bugs: |
|
|
 | Lost and Found: |
found athleta piece and headed it towards owner |
|
|
|
|
 | Comments: |
hop[ing for clearing skies we headed for this nice ridge walk. ran into a couple near the base who spoke of howling winds at the summit. herd path heading up well trodden tho very steep. quite blustery and cool and we got into the cloud around 3600 feet. we geared up above the lift and soon encountered rime ice encrusted trees. above the scrub the wind was fierce, 40+ with temps right around freezing. we were soon in full gear and looking for more! tough visibility getting to the AT and then over to the summit. I t started to get a little brighter at times so while conditions were marginal we decided to continue. we were buffeted by some strong gusts headed over the edge on Saddleback but were rewarded with views towards Abraham, the lakes, and Kennebago. This is a great ridge walk and we got dashes of views to the Horn ahead. Some scrabbly ledges in places on this route but the rocks were dry today and the footing was good. The blowing fog continued. Just below summit we encountered a gentleman who had come up over East Saddleback and spoke of the wind over that way.. We summited quickly and did not linger. Things brightened up on Horn descent and the local views of the ridge line were spectacular as well as mountains in the area. Along this stretch on return we ran into a couple of groups of thru hikers ..first group was happy and doing great. second group seemed ill prepared , some in shorts and just a light windbreaker. way too cold for that.i gave an extra pair of gloves to one who could not believe her good fortune. the wind continued on reascent of Abraham tho it got brighter and the filtered sun made it seem warmer. Once off the summit it warmed quickly and we shed gear and made quick time down to the car. Good day out with Cynthia. |
|
 | Name: |
silverfox |
|
 | E-Mail: |
marktaub.metrocast.net |
|
| Date Submitted: |
2014-09-14 |
|
 | Link: |
 https:// |
|
|
Disclaimer: Reports are not verified - conditions may vary. Use at own risk. Always be prepared when hiking. Observe all signs. Trail conditions reports are not substitutes for weather reports or common sense. |
|
