Saddleback and The Horn, Maine

Hiking in Maine

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Difficulty: Moderate
Length: 6.3 miles / 10.1 km
Duration: Half day

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Overview: This mountain, dominated by a ski resort on it's northwest flanks, has a 1 mile exposed ridge between the two summits, Saddleback at 4,116' and "The Horn" at 4,023'. If you are a skier I would suggest doing this climb as a very late spring climb when the sun has melted the snow off the ridge but the ski trails are still covered from grooming over the winter. That way you can dump your skis at the top of Saddleback and have a really fast descent.

Tips: Saddleback Mountain Ski Area:
From Route 4 38 miles north of the town of Farmington, ME look for signs for the ski resort. Make a right on Dallas Hill Road just before you get to the town of Rangeley.

No permits or fees are required here.

Points of Interest

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Saddleback Ski Resort Parking Area

Free to park here. Keep your eye out for moose on the roads around the trailhead at dusk and dawn... you'll see them in swampy areas!

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Top of the Chairlift

You've reached the top of the ski runs.

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Saddleback Summit

At 4,116' you are at the top of the ridge. To the north over the open ridge is your next destination, The Horn.

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The Ridge

Views from the ridge between the two.

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Saddleback, The Horn

At 4,023' this is your turnaround point. Because you have to ascend back up Saddleback it kind of feels like you are climbing 3 different 4,000 foot peaks!

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My Ski Descent

This is where I started my ski descent although you may wish to continue down to POI #2 for an easier trail. I preferred to whip down this steeper run from the top. Your choice. You'll meet up with your ascent ski run either way you choose.

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Pictures in this guide taken by: JonathanEllinger

Jonathan Ellinger

How does this work?

Hiked Saddleback and The Horn from Route 4, following the Appalachian Trail. 5.6 miles to the summit of Saddleback, another 1.7 miles to The Horn. Then back along the same route.

Although there are a few points in the first 3.5 miles that feel like you are ascending, the real work begins after that. Steady climbing finally brings you to the ledges, where there is a vexing series of false peaks. The climb along the ridge to The Horn involves significant down and up--it's no cakewalk!

Our weather was perfect (maybe a little windy) and the views were amazing. Great day to be on the mountain, which we had to ourselves. It was icy so we wore microspikes most of the way.
Visited on Nov 10, 2012

by DavidWWhite on Nov 13, 2012