| Hiking Trail Conditions Report |
 | Peaks |
Saddleback Mountain, ME |
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 | Trails: |
Ski trails, Appalachian Trail |
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 | Date of Hike: |
Friday, January 1, 2016 |
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 | Parking/Access Road Notes: |
The ski area is closed this winter. We were able to park at the top of the access road near the cul-de-sac. |
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 | Surface Conditions: |
Snow - Packed Powder/Loose Granular, Snow - Unpacked Powder, Snow - Drifts |
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 | Recommended Equipment: |
Snowshoes, Light Traction |
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 | Water Crossing Notes: |
None |
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 | Trail Maintenance Notes: |
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 | Dog-Related Notes: |
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 | Bugs: |
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 | Lost and Found: |
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 | Comments: |
We followed snowshoe tracks up the ungroomed ski trails on Saddleback (the ski area is closed this winter). About three-quarters of the way up we encountered another group of peak-baggers who were returning from the summit and The Horn. The day was cold and windy with no views. When we reached the ridgeline and intersected the Appalachian Trail, we were socked in and there was no sign of the summit, the trail, or the cairns leading to it. Stubby snow-covered trees all looked like possible cairns. Despite having hiked here before along the AT, I found the trail unrecognizable. We spent several minutes exploring in different directions, but the previous hikers' tracks were already blown in. Nervous about finding our way back if we ventured too far on the open ridge, we were about to give up and descend when a very brief break in the clouds revealed the true summit about a quarter mile away. We followed treeline and found faint tracks to reach the summit cairn of Saddleback on the bald ridge. We had planned to continue on to The Horn, but with still no sign of the trail, cairns, or mountain, we opted to turn back and come get it on a clear day. The descent was relatively quick but not great sledding due to drifted snow on the unused ski trails. |
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 | Name: |
Liz |
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 | E-Mail: |
lizwyman@yahoo.com |
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| Date Submitted: |
2016-01-02 |
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 | Link: |
 https:// |
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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. |
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