Summer Activities

Hiking

Saddleback Mountain in Maine is a popular destination for outdoor recreation, particularly for those visiting the Rangeley Lakes Region. With its breathtaking views and scenic trails, hiking on Saddleback Mountain is a must-do for anyone looking to experience the natural beauty of the Rangeley Region. Below you’ll find route suggestions, maps and FAQ’s.

When planning a visit to Saddleback Mountain, it is important to remember Leave No Trace policies. This ensures that visitors minimize their impact on the environment by packing out all trash and avoiding damaging delicate vegetation. Camping in the parking lot is permitted, but fires are not allowed. Visitors can enjoy a unique and unforgettable experience on Saddleback Mountain while also preserving the natural beauty of the Rangeley Lakes Region for future generations to enjoy.

  • Plan ahead and prepare, pack plenty of water and extra layers, at over 4,000 feet the weather on the mountain will be much different than in the town of Rangeley. It can be cold and windy on the summit even in mid-summer.
  • Hike at your own risk. Please be aware there are no on-mountain emergency services available.
  • Practice Leave No Trace.
  • You can view the ATC trail map and guide to hiking Saddleback Mountain HERE.

Suggested Hikes

Summit Via Grey Ghost & Tri Color

The most direct route to the summit is a steep and exposed 1.7-mile hike from the lodge via Wheeler Slope, Grey Ghost, Tri-Color, and the Appalachian Trail. This is a leg burner but the 360-degree view at the top is worth every drop of sweat.  Plan for 2.5 hours to hike up and back with a lengthy break on the summit.

We love our mountain and ask that you make sure to stay on the marked trail once you pass the Kennebago Quad and leave our property.  This is Maine’s 3rd largest alpine zone and home to many delicate species.  Respect the mountain and Leave No Trace.  Our liftee/MATC Ridgerunner, Log Jam, will be up there to answer questions and make sure we’re taking care of our resources.  Thank him if you see him.

Summit Via the Access Road

No motorized traffic is allowed.  This hike is along a graded gravel road.  Take Green Weaver .7 miles where you turn right onto The Pass.  Follow The Pass for .3 miles before intersecting Grey Ghost. Continue up Sneaky Pete for .1 mile onto Upper Hudson Highway. After .3 miles you will be at the top of the Rangely Express Quad. 1.4 miles

The Horn Via The Appalachian Trail

Once you’ve reached the summit you can tack an additional 1.7 miles out to The Horn (3.4 Round Trip).  Doing so will bag you 2 of Maine’s 4,000 Footers in one day! Look for the blueberries, but remember that Saddleback is Maine’s 3rd largest alpine zone.  The ecosystem above the treeline is extremely fragile, please always travel on durable surfaces such as rock or bare dirt and practice Leave No Trace.  One group walking off trail can leave decades of impact.

Fly Rod Crosby Trail – SADDLEBACK SPUR

We are fortunate enough to have a spur of the Fly Rod Crosby Trail lead right up to the lodge. Even more so, we have a trail master who’s taken excellent care of reviving the long-lost system trails. Let the wilderness wash over you and step into some remote Maine Forest.  With little elevation change, you are able to truly enjoy a stroll in the woods. Some trails turn to single track which makes you feel like you are truly out there. You are able to visit Rock, Eddy, and Midway Ponds, an overlook, and make loop hikes via this trail.

The parking lot at the trailhead is a bit small, so, if full, please park in the 1st lot down at the lodge and hike up to the end of Rock Pond Road. Make sure to practice Leave No Trace.  Camping is not allowed along this section of the trail. Foot Traffic Only-No Mountain Bikes,
ATVs, Snowmobiles, or Motorcycles. Maine or Non-Resident Fishing License Required to Fish in Rock and/or Midway Ponds. Zone 5 FC Brook Trout. Catch and Release or Limit is 5 Fish. Fish Must Be at Least 6” in Length.

Berry Picker’s Trail

The Berry Pickers Trail is a steep and rocky trail that climbs to the summit of Saddleback Mountain. Although not for the faint of heart, the views from the top are worth the effort. Visitors looking for an adrenaline rush and a sense of accomplishment will enjoy tackling this trail.  This trail alone is 1.6 Miles long and connects the Appalachian trail and Fly Rod Crosby Trail that loops around the backside of Saddleback.  It will be a 12.1-mile loop if you choose to go out via the FRCT and return down  Tri-Color and Grey Ghost.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I Camp?

Camping on the mountain, along the Saddleback Spur of the Fly Rod Crosby Trail, or above the treeline is not permitted. The closest places to camp would be at Eddy Pond, Piaza Rock, or Reddington Stream Campsite along the Appalachian Trail. These are accessible via the ski slopes or Fly Rod Crosby Trail.

What About Overnight Parking?

Overnight parking is permitted in the back of Lot #2. Overlanding is permitted and you may sleep in your vehicle.  No tents or campfires.  Practice Leave No Trace.

What’s the Bathroom Situation?

Bathrooms are available while the lodge is open.  Otherwise… Leave No Trace.

Do you offer a shuttle?

No, but many locals do:  THE HIKER HUT, RANGELEY DELIVERY, THE MAINE ROADHOUSE,

What about Dogs?

We all love our dogs, but please be considerate of other visitors, and the fragile ecosystem. Dogs do not need to be on a leash while on the mountain, but any incident involving an off-leashed dog is the owner’s responsibility.  Dogs are required to be leashed along the Appalachian Trail. Dogs are not allowed in The Pub but you can order to-go and eat on the deck.  Do Not Leave Your Dog In The Car.