I climbed Saddleback a few years ago when I still smoked, had to stop a lot (and have a smoke of course). My Father (who was almost 60) would just shake his head and keep going. I was so out of shape I had the bright idea to hide my pack halfway up (a ranger fortunately ended up finding it). He still makes fun of how pathetic I was on that trip lol.
Climbed Saddleback and the Horn on Day 1 of a three day peakbagging trip in which I tagged the summits of six 4,000-foot peaks in Maine. Love the Rangeley area and had a pleasant hike on a fine summer day.
Skinned up on telemark skis to watch the sunrise. -30F windchill and the winds were blowing 80mph - nearly blew me off the summit. One of the most gorgeous sunrises ever though.
Route Climbed: Ski Resort trail to AT Date Climbed: Aug 27, 2008
Started at the Saddleback Ski Resort parking lot, went up the trail at the main chair lift before picking up the AT and taking it the last quarter mile to the top. Steep, but worth it. A great way to start our backpack trip.
Climbed with The Horn via the Appalachian Trail from Route 4. One of the best hikes in the East. Climbed it in truely fantastic weather. The approach from Route 4 was long but well worth it as the hike traversed several more miles of alpine terrain than the ascent from the ski area and passed some beautiful remote lakes en route to the summit. The crown jewel of the Rangeley region.
Climbed Saddleback via the ski area and then went over to Saddleback horn for the 100 highest summit tag. Skied back down the resort. A great peak in a beautiful section of New England.
Took the AT up from RT 4. Lots of snow, wind, cold, and limited visibility . Rime ice everywhere. Did I mention wind? Need to go back for The Horn and to check out the views.