| Hiking Trail Conditions Report |
 | Peaks |
Saddleback Mountain, Saddleback Mountain - The Horn, ME |
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 | Trails: |
Ski trails, Saddleback Side Trail, Appalachian Trail |
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 | Date of Hike: |
Sunday, June 11, 2017 |
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 | Parking/Access Road Notes: |
We parked at the Saddleback base lodge. |
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 | Surface Conditions: |
Dry Trail, Mud - Minor/Avoidable |
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 | Recommended Equipment: |
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 | Water Crossing Notes: |
None. |
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 | Trail Maintenance Notes: |
No issues. |
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 | Dog-Related Notes: |
Sure, but bring lots of water. No water on the ridge. |
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 | Bugs: |
Thankfully, we had stiff 25-30mph winds which kept the bugs away and also helped with the scorching heat. |
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 | Lost and Found: |
Nothing. |
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 | Comments: |
From the base lodge, we hoofed it up the unnamed hiking trail which follows ski trails all the way up to the top of the chair lift. Not nearly as steep as I was expecting, but a steady up for sure. From there, a short connecting trail leads up to the ridge where it meets the AT. The summit of Saddleback is just a couple tenths up the ridge.
From Saddleback it's a steep drop into the col, losing almost 600' of elevation, most of which you have to reclimb to reach The Horn (and then repeat it again on the return trip reclimbing Saddleback). Amazing views all along this ridge and from both summits. The Horn is a very sweet spot, I could have hung out there all day. The summit sign is missing, but the post is scrawled with "HORN".
It was a hot climb back up Saddleback due to the mountain itself blocking the wind. Once back there though, we had a nice strong wind for the descent.
Trails were mainly dry with just some minor mud pits. I think I noticed the spot where Roberta reported flooding, but we got through it without getting wet. Be aware that if you do this route on a clear and sunny day like we had, the entire hike from start to finish is in the open due to being on ski slopes and then above treeline. Bring sunscreen! |
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 | Name: |
KenM |
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 | E-Mail: |
kmacgray@gmail.com |
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| Date Submitted: |
2017-06-12 |
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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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