| Hiking Trail Conditions Report |
 | Peaks |
Saddleback Mountain, Saddleback Mountain - The Horn, ME |
|
 | Trails: |
Ski trails, Saddleback Side Trail, Appalachian Trail |
|
 | Date of Hike: |
Sunday, May 28, 2017 |
|
 | Parking/Access Road Notes: |
My car GPS, my Garmin car portable GPS, and my Google printout told me to drive down City Pond Road to get to Saddleback Mountain Road. DO NOT GO THIS WAY! Unless you want to travel on a ATV road filled with potholes and a terrifying ascent. Thank the lord a ranger came by to get me out of there! Instead, continue on Rt 4 (Main Street) to Dallas Hill Road. Dallas Hill will take you to Saddleback Mountain Road. |
|
 | Surface Conditions: |
Dry Trail, Wet Trail, Wet/Slippery Rock, Standing/Running Water on Trail, Mud - Significant |
|
 | Recommended Equipment: |
|
|
 | Water Crossing Notes: |
None. Although on the Appalachian trail between Saddleback and Horn is flooded in places, be prepared to get your feet wet. |
|
 | Trail Maintenance Notes: |
The col between Saddleback and Saddleback-Horn has a couple of flooded areas (shin deep) that are difficult to avoid. Hikers have been bushwhacking off trail to avoid getting their feet wet. I caved too and did the same. Maybe some volunteers could put some planks down so hikers won't be tempted to bushwhack off trail to avoid these wet areas. |
|
 | Dog-Related Notes: |
Saw none on the trail, but I did see dog prints. The parking lot signs indicate, "No dogs allowed." I looked it up online. The online policy also states 'No dogs allowed' http://www.saddlebackmaine.com/saddleback-ski-area-uphill-access |
|
 | Bugs: |
None when I started hiking at 6:00am, but they were out in force on the way down. I had a net so I was fine, but I saw a lot of uncomfortable people waving their hands frantically when I headed down. |
|
 | Lost and Found: |
none |
|
|
|
|
 | Comments: |
Nothing I read mentioned that the 1.7 mile trek between Saddleback and The Horn would be remotely challenging.
Based on what I read, I expected it to be similar to a Pierce/Eisenhower trek. However, this trek included an endless rugged descent then a steep ascent, some bushwhacking, minor scrambles and ankle deep muddy water. Not a big deal if you are expecting it, so here you go! Now you will know what to expect :D. |
|
 | Name: |
Solowoodlandwanderer |
|
 | E-Mail: |
bugsandthings@comcast.net |
|
| Date Submitted: |
2017-05-28 |
|
 | Link: |
 https://www.facebook.com/roberta.m.dellanno/media_set?set=a.10211828690785810.1073742291.1626231855&type=3&pnref=story |
|
|
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. |
|
