Summits: Saddleback (4,116'), The Horn (4,041')
Trail route: Ski trails: Wheeler, Grey Ghost and Tri-Color, Appalachian Trail
Trail conditions: Dry, minor mud in a few spots
Weather: Cool to warm with lots of sunshine
Total miles: 6.8
Total time: 4:52
Another adventure to some new summits for me today. Almost the same scenario as last week with a hike up to the summit of a ski area then across to another summit and returning back across and down the same trails. There was cool to warming temps and sunny skies in the forecast.
The early morning drive to the hike started out foggy especially along the Androscoggin River. It cleared up the further north I drove. After an hour and a half I pulled into the parking lot at Saddleback Ski Area. There were hikers parked here ahead of me. There appeared to be a lot of construction work taking place at the base of the mountain as well as on the upper part of the mountain.
As I headed out I actually had no idea where the hike started so I went in the general direction that my GPS was indicating. I walked across the front of the lodge where it looked they were setting up an outside event that looked like maybe it was going to be a wedding. I started walking up a dirt road and found a temporary sign that pointed to the trail. Ski trails are really never easy to hike on since they are a relentless up for obvious reasons. The good part about hiking a ski trail is that there is a good view most of the time.
I got to the top of the ski area trails and took a short trail up to the Appalachian Trail. I turned left and followed the trail to the summit of Saddleback. There were great views in every direction. I continued on to Saddleback Horn or The Horn. There was a long descent into the col and most of the trail was open with views along most of the way. I ascended The Horn and had some more spectacular views at the summit. This was my turn around point and I was soon heading back.
Up till now I had seen a few hikers along the ridge but on the way back there were many more hikers. It was a good return trip down into the col, up to Saddleback and down the ski trails past the base lodge and to the parking lot.
This was an enjoyable hike with great weather and spectacular views. I have many more hikes to do in Maine and I'm looking forward to exploring new summits!
Enjoy the photos and videos!
Early morning fog along the Androscoggin River on the drive to the hike
Sun rising over Saddleback
A sign pointing the way up the Grey Ghost ski trail
Lots of asters were blooming on the ski trails
Pearly everlasting
Leaving the ski trails behind and climbing higher
Small alpine pond
Saddle back summit up ahead
Making the turn onto the Appalachian Trail
Saddleback Lake from the summit of Saddleback Mountain
On the Appalachian Trail
Sun above the summit
The next bump on the trail
Found the summit marker
A view to the east
On my way to The Horn
A long drop into the col
Bottom of the col between the summits
Iron ladder
Cliffside view
The only wet spot on this hike
On The Horn
Saddleback Jr.
A look back as I start the return trip
Descending The Horn
Heading back up
Captured a jet flying over the moon
Ski trails on Saddleback
Saddleback summit up ahead
Lichen
Hiking down to the top of the ski area
Descending the Grey Ghost ski trail
Crossing a ski area access road
Just came down from there
Passing by the Ski lodge to the parking lot
A look back at the Saddlebacks
Having Fun in the Great Outdoors!
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