| Hiking Trail Conditions Report |
 | Peaks |
Saddleback Mountain, Saddleback Mountain - The Horn, ME |
|
 | Trails: |
Uphill Access Trail, Saddleback Side Trail, Appalachian Trail, bushwhack, ski trails |
|
 | Date of Hike: |
Thursday, March 11, 2021 |
|
 | Parking/Access Road Notes: |
Park at the ski resort. Looked like limited parking but there must be overflow parking somewhere at the resort. |
|
 | Surface Conditions: |
Snow - Packed Powder/Loose Granular, Snow - Unpacked Powder, Snow - Drifts, Snow - Wet/Sticky, Snow - Spring Snow, Snow/Ice - Postholes, Slush, Snow/Ice - Small Patches |
|
 | Recommended Equipment: |
Snowshoes, Skis |
|
 | Water Crossing Notes: |
None |
|
 | Trail Maintenance Notes: |
The uphill access route is newly cut so is pretty well cleared. It is clearly marked with signs, except for the section above the small knob along the "advanced" route, which is marked with surveyors tape. |
|
 | Dog-Related Notes: |
Dogs not allowed on the ski trails or uphill route unfortunately. |
|
 | Bugs: |
None |
|
 | Lost and Found: |
None |
|
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|
 | Comments: |
Skiing/skinning up Saddleback went smoothly. Going down to the col and up to the Horn proved quite challenging on skis and I would only recommend it to advanced/expert skiers. Also, the snow is getting thin in some places with exposed rock. It was a very warm day so the snow was quite soft (mashed potatoes). One poor sole didn't bring snowshoes and post-holed all the way to the Horn so that will be fun when it freezes - we've all been that guy. He was having a rough time. Some sections were not skiable and some areas were difficult to follow so the ski tracks diverge in some places. I cut across through the trees to link up with the ski trails on the return trip rather than re-climb the summit of Saddleback - big mistake. The woods were thick and I took a beating. I couldn't turn around or take of my skis without sinking in deep snow and possibly getting stuck so I just had to push through. Exhausting but satisfying day! |
|
 | Name: |
Christopher Cameron |
|
 | E-Mail: |
c_cameron1987@yahoo.com |
|
| Date Submitted: |
2021-03-11 |
|
 | 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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