Rangely area hikes

[Beetlenut]

I want to do some hiking in the Rangely area of Maine the first part of October. Can someone tell me the best hiking in that area? Any above tree line peaks or interesting trail features like falls, bridges, etc... Looking for an interesting day hike, 5-10 miles with views, peak-bagging, etc...

[salsgang]

Tallest mountain in the Area is Saddleback and the Horn (just over 4000ft).

2 approaches. Go up the ski trials and hook up with the AT at the top to reach Saddleback Summit. probably about 2 miles. Then a 1.5 mile hike on the AT to bag the Horn.... another 4000 footer. About 8 miles round trip probably.

A more rugged hike is to take the AT all the way from Route 16. Pretty hike I hear but looking at around 15 miles RT if you bag the horn.

[MichaelJ]

I just spent a week up in Stratton/Eustis and earlier this summer spent a long weekend in Oquossoc. There's plenty of hiking to be had, especially for the peakbagger.

Saddleback and the Horn are indeed spectacular, open summits with expansive views. They're both 4K's for your peakbagging. The AT continues onward but at that point it's really a backpack, not a day hike.

If you don't mind driving, you can get up into Kingfield and hit another awesome 4K, Abraham. You can also grab two others, Redington and [url=http://www.saletnik.org/gallery2/v/hiking/me/vacation-2008/IMG_2819.jpg.html]Sugarloaf.

There's an old fire tower nearby on West Kennebago, trail is described here.

There are also a lot of herd paths / bushwhacks for the New England Hundred Highest list. White Cap, North Kennebago Divide, Cupsuptic Snow ... you can drive up past Eustis and hike a trail to Chain of Ponds Snow and climb the old fire tower (now cabless) for views.

Finally, not far away is the very fun Tumbledown with its high pond and great summit.

[Beetlenut]

Originally Posted by salsgang

Tallest mountain in the Area is Saddleback and the Horn (just over 4000ft).

2 approaches. Go up the ski trials and hook up with the AT at the top to reach Saddleback Summit. probably about 2 miles. Then a 1.5 mile hike on the AT to bag the Horn.... another 4000 footer. About 8 miles round trip probably.

A more rugged hike is to take the AT all the way from Route 16. Pretty hike I hear but looking at around 15 miles RT if you bag the horn.

That might work! I've been wanting to look at Saddleback anyway. Coming up from Bethel, what is that about an hour and a half drive? Thanks!

[MichaelJ]

Google says 69.7 miles from Bethel center directly to the front door of Saddleback ski area, estimating 2 hours to do it going up Rte 17. Probably overestimating the time, too, as that road is probably posted 55.

From Rangely to Saddleback is nuthin', maybe 10 miles?

[Beetlenut]

Looks like it's going to be Little Jackson Mountain and Tumbledown pond on 10/18 for us! Thanks for all the good info and ideas. Michael, I checked out your picture log of the Mt. Blue Tumbledown hike, and I'm looking forward to those views in person, just hope for a good day!

[MichaelJ]

My fingers are crossed for you!