threecy
New member
Saddleback Mountain, ME, The Horn, ME
Date Hiked: 09/13/07
Trails(s) Hiked: Grey Ghost, Tri Color, Appalachian Trail
Distance: 7.5 miles
Difficulty: Moderate
Conditions: Sunny, windy
Taking some comp time off from work, I decided to head up to Saddleback. Having never skied there before, I decided to ascend via the ski trails.
Starting off at the base lodge, I followed the access road up to the top of the small double chairlift, then up the race trail. This is considered the hiking trail and is marked by stakes and yellow blazes. I was amazed how much steeper the race trail at Berkshire East was having hiked it a few days earlier. Nonetheless, the ascent was still a bit of a workout.
After passing the top of the double chairlift and the top of the t-bar, I followed the cairns to the Appalachian Trail and to the summit. The views were excellent - looking into New Hampshire and at most of Maine's 4,000 footers.
Getting a bit chilly with the strong winds and 40-something degree temperatures, I put on my fleece and continued to the Horn. Though it looks very close from Saddleback's summit, it is still a good 1.75 miles away and involves a few up and downs.
Though not overly steep, there were still some scrambles involved. With much of the trail being in the open, there were views most of the way.
The views from the summit of the Horn were great - a closer, more direct view of the hoard of 4,000 footers. Again, due to the wind, I decided to not waste too much time and head back.
I took a little extra time to enjoy the views on the way back and also made a few stops to check out the top terminals of the lifts near the hiking route.
Overall, I think this is one of the more enjoyable 4,000 foot hikes I've done thus far - the ascent from the ski area is relatively brief and offers views, making just about the entire hike scenic.
Trip report/map/photos:
http://www.franklinsites.com/hikephotos/Maine/saddlebackmtn-2007-0913.php
Date Hiked: 09/13/07
Trails(s) Hiked: Grey Ghost, Tri Color, Appalachian Trail
Distance: 7.5 miles
Difficulty: Moderate
Conditions: Sunny, windy
Taking some comp time off from work, I decided to head up to Saddleback. Having never skied there before, I decided to ascend via the ski trails.
Starting off at the base lodge, I followed the access road up to the top of the small double chairlift, then up the race trail. This is considered the hiking trail and is marked by stakes and yellow blazes. I was amazed how much steeper the race trail at Berkshire East was having hiked it a few days earlier. Nonetheless, the ascent was still a bit of a workout.
After passing the top of the double chairlift and the top of the t-bar, I followed the cairns to the Appalachian Trail and to the summit. The views were excellent - looking into New Hampshire and at most of Maine's 4,000 footers.
Getting a bit chilly with the strong winds and 40-something degree temperatures, I put on my fleece and continued to the Horn. Though it looks very close from Saddleback's summit, it is still a good 1.75 miles away and involves a few up and downs.
Though not overly steep, there were still some scrambles involved. With much of the trail being in the open, there were views most of the way.
The views from the summit of the Horn were great - a closer, more direct view of the hoard of 4,000 footers. Again, due to the wind, I decided to not waste too much time and head back.
I took a little extra time to enjoy the views on the way back and also made a few stops to check out the top terminals of the lifts near the hiking route.
Overall, I think this is one of the more enjoyable 4,000 foot hikes I've done thus far - the ascent from the ski area is relatively brief and offers views, making just about the entire hike scenic.
Trip report/map/photos:
http://www.franklinsites.com/hikephotos/Maine/saddlebackmtn-2007-0913.php
