Appalachian Trail - Saddleback Mountain

Explore Ethel and Eddy Ponds and hike to the open summit of Saddleback Mountain where hikers are rewarded with sweeping views of the Rangeley Lakes to the west and high peaks region to the east.
Trail Activity
Hiking
Length
11.40 miles, Round Trip
Difficulty
Advanced, Strenuous
Town
Sandy River Plt
Surface
Dirt/Forest Floor, Rock/Ledge
Pets
Permitted
Fees
No

Description

After crossing ME Route 4, head northbound on the Appalachian Trail. It is a steady climb to Piazza Rock Lean-to, 1.8 miles away (see Piazza Rock Hike for more details). From the lean-to, the trail continues to Ethel Pond, a small pond located in a bowl surrounded by ridges. The trail passes along the pond's west shore, on your right and then continues northbound, through a small bog passing by the east shore of Eddy Pond on your left. Then the "real" work begins with a steep hike up to the "treeline". Use caution for the next mile during inclement weather as the Trail traverses glacially smoothed bedrock. Pay close attention to the rock "cairns" and take great care to protect the fragile alpine environment by not wandering off of the Trail. Upon reaching the summit of Saddleback Mountain, elevation, 4,120', excellent views north to Katahdin and south to Mount Washington present themselves.

Other Information

Do not underestimate the difficulty of hiking the mountains of Western Maine. Be sure to carry equipment and supplies necessary for this undertaking. If you do not have the information or skills, be sure to research and educate yourself in order to have an enjoyable and safe hike. Be very aware of past, present, and predicted weather. Though the preserve is managed only for summer-time uses, winter uses like cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and winter camping are allowed and popular.

Fires are only allowed in the provided fireplace ring at the Piazza Rock Lean-to. In the state of Maine, it is illegal to build a fire anywhere except within a certified fire ring. Camp stoves are permitted. Camping is not allowed above the tree line (a very delicate and vulnerable area to hike in), please stay on the trail.

The Maine Appalachian Trail Club (MATC) is an all volunteer organization that exists to maintain and protect the 267-mile section of the Appalachian Trail in Maine extending between Katahdin in Baxter State Park and Grafton Notch at ME Route 26. In addition, MATC maintains over 60 miles of side trails as well as a system of regularly spaced shelters and campsites in order that wild, backcountry hiking remains accessible in Maine. MATC publishes The Official Appalachian Trail Guide to Maine, which includes seven maps, please visit their website for information on how to purchase the guide or to learn more about becoming a member of MATC.

Trail Manager

Please contact the Bigelow District Overseer by email (bigelow@matc.org) to report any trail or shelter conditions that may require maintenance or special attention.

Visit Maine Appalachian Trail Club online for more information or contact:

Maine Appalachian Trail Club (MATC)

Maine Appalachian Trail Club (MATC)
PO Box 7564
Portland, ME 04112
info@matc.org
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Nearby Events

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Trail Tips

Plan Ahead and Prepare
Know your limits – it’s okay to turn back. Your home is the ultimate destination, not the summit.
Legend
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Trailhead Information

ME Route 4 crosses the Appalachian Trail in Sandy River Plantation, 30 miles north of Farmington or 9 miles south of Rangeley. Park in the lot situated west of the highway. Carefully cross ME Route 4 to head northbound on the A.T.

Click on a parking icon to get custom directions
Please Log In or Create Account to add comments.
leapy
October 13, 2020
Lead this hike for a college outing club with 10 students and it was absolutely incredible. We hiked to Saddleback summit and to the horn, which is an additional 1.7 miles, making the entire round trip 14.8 miles. Long hike, but very gradual besides some steep scrabbles up rocks, so overall very mellow and very enjoyable! Incredible views up top, but a little icy between the two peaks. We started our hike around 8:30 and finished around 5:30 just in time before the sun started to set. Amazing day! Highly highly recommend this trail up Saddleback!!
oldgoat
September 07, 2016
had planned to hike from rt 4 to the Horn, but broke a toe the day before. so I started at the base lodge instead.
made it to the Horn and back in 4 hrs at a slower than usual pace. about 20 degree difference from the base to the peak
fshrchik
October 07, 2015
My husband and I and our dog did this hike just to Saddleback summit. It was a gorgeous day and the views all around were stunning. My boot blew out or we might have tried for the Horn - next time! Much of this hike is pretty mellow, but there are some steep parts on bare rocks that can get at the knees (or dog pads) a bit. It was a long hike, but it is an easier hike than Old Speck.
miss mildred
June 08, 2015
Lovely hike of Saddleback and the Horn on 6/7/2015. A little wet from recent rains but overall a wonderful hike with the pup.
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Trail Alerts

Ecology
Fragile Alpine Vegetation
This trail passes an area containing rare and fragile alpine plants, some of which grow on exposed rocks or in rock crevices. Please stay on trails and avoid stepping on plants or disturbing shallow soils. Please keep your pets on leash.
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