| Hiking Trail Conditions Report |
 | Peaks |
Poplar Ridge, Saddleback Junior, ME |
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 | Trails: |
Old railroad grade, Appalachian Trail |
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 | Date of Hike: |
Wednesday, June 23, 2021 |
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 | Parking/Access Road Notes: |
Was able to get about 1.5 miles from the AT on the old railroad bed |
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 | Surface Conditions: |
Dry Trail |
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 | Recommended Equipment: |
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 | Water Crossing Notes: |
Oberton Stream was an easy rock hop |
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 | Trail Maintenance Notes: |
Old railroad grade is clear and AT is in good shape |
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 | Dog-Related Notes: |
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 | Bugs: |
Veey few |
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 | Lost and Found: |
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 | Comments: |
Today we hiked one of the most remote sections of the Appalachian Trail across Poplar Ridge to Saddleback Junior. Our hike started on an old railroad grade which previously was home to the Phillips and Rangeley Railroad in the 1890s and 1900s. Later, it was incorporated into the Sandy River & Rangeley Lakes Railroad, which operated into the 1930s. We were able to drive to a point about a mile and a half away from the AT in my Forester.
We then followed the AT which dropped steeply into a gorge containing Oberton Stream. The trail then made its way to the top of Poplar Ridge and then descended to the Poplar Ridge Shelter. After an easier section, it made a steep final climb to the the alpine summit of Saddleback Junior. The peak is centrally located in the High Peaks region, so there are spectacular views of big mountains in all directions.
We met a bunch of AT hikers, but no other day hikers on this section of trail. It was about 11.5 miles round-trip and was a great section of trail that isn't as well known as some of the surrounding areas. |
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 | Name: |
Sam Shirley |
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 | E-Mail: |
newenglandskier13@aol.com |
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| Date Submitted: |
2021-06-23 |
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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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