The Horn & Saddleback via Fly Rod Crosby, Berry Picker’s, and Appalachian Trails (Saddleback Ski Area/Appalachian National Scenic Trail)

The Horn & Saddleback via Fly Rod Crosby, Berry Picker’s, and Appalachian Trails (Saddleback Ski Area/Appalachian National Scenic Trail)

Hike Type: Lollipop Loop w/ Spurs

Distance: 13.65 miles

Elevation: 3,409 feet

My Time: 8 hours, 56 minutes (7 hours, 36 minutes moving)

Book Time: 8 hours, 31 minutes

Parking: Parking for 3-4 cars at Fly Rod Crosby trail, parking for hundreds of cars at Saddleback Mountain.
Hiking Challenges: Maine 4000 Footers, New England 67, Operation Alaska Benchmark Challenge

The Hike 

Vacation Day 3! Sarah and I were up at 6:00am and out sometime around 6:30am for a beautifully scenic drive to our beloved Rangeley to hike our even more beloved Saddleback (and The Horn)! We stopped at Lakeside Park in downtown Rangeley becuase of how stupidly beautiful the morning was (and we made some plans to visit after our hike to soak up some bonus views (and our feet). It was a sunny morning in the mid 50s with some fog over the lake - it was pretty spectacular.

We did the familiar drive up to the Saddleback base area. I remembered reading to park in the ski area parking lots, but just to investigate we drove all the way to the trailhead, and found parking just after the dumpsters! I'm thinking they don't want hikers parking here in the winter, but summer appeared to be fair game! We got suited up, threw on some bug spray, and started our hike!

[7:48am - Saddleback Spur of Fly Rod Crosby Trail]

Our hike began on the Saddleback Spur of the Fly Rod Crosby Trail, explained at a kiosk a few minutes down the trail. We hiked through an absolutely stunning field of purple lupines (with a few pink ones for good measure) and then hiked through the "Morning Glory" ski run - a trail Gen and I followed on our first visit to Saddleback, not knowing there was a road crossing and a LONG skate section. After crossing the ski trail, we arrived at the kiosk for the Fly Rod Crosby Trail, written as "FLYROD CROSBY TRAIL."

[7:51am - Fly Rod Crosby Trail Kiosk]

A bit of information about the Fly Rod Crosby Trail was found on a brochure online:

“Welcome

The Saddleback Spur is a branch off the main Fly Rod Crosby Trail, leading to/from Saddleback Ski Resort. This 1.9-mile spur passes Midway and Rock Ponds, offering stunning views of the surrounding mountains. It also connects with the Appalachian Trail.

Who is Fly Rod Crosby?

Cornelia “Fly Rod” Crosby, 1854-1946 was Maine’s first registered guide. She was a flyfisher extraordinaire who promoted the Maine woods as a tourist destination. Crosby grew up in Phillips, guided in Rangeley, and is buried in Strong. The FRCT is linked to the landscape of her life. The blue and white trail sign sports the image of a fishing fly.

Is this section of trail on public land?

No. Most, but not all of the Saddleback Spur trail, is on land that is privately owned. The landowners have granted permission for passage through their roland. Stay on the designated trail and practice array-in carry-out ethics.”

The initial plan was to just follow the Saddleback Spur to the main trail and then follow that to the Berry Picker's Trail, but the little map at the kiosk sparked some curiosity in us (mostly me). We continued along the trail corridor, which was now wet and grassy, very slightly uphill with a few bog bridges to keep things interesting. 

[8:02am - Saddleback Spur/Rock Pond]

Our first stop was to a viewpoint along Rock Pond, which featured three canoes!We could hear a symphony of bullfrogs over the rippling water. We also noticed a metal sign that read "In loving memory of Ernie the Big E, 1959 - 2024," maybe someone who used to fish here? We half-joked about taking the canoe out for a spin, but we reminded ourselves that we had a full day's hike ahead of us, so back to the trail we went!

[8:06am - Saddleback Spur]

We followed the Saddleback Spur past another viewpoint of Rock Pond. We saw an old blaze for the trail and admired the light green new growth on the trailside evergreens. Footing remained good, and we soon came to a split. The originally planned route had us going straight to stay on the Saddleback Spur, but if we turned left we could visit an Overlook and Midway Pond. Sarah wasn't convinced about the side quests, but once I said I wanted to and she was welcome to chill out or get ahead, she said "noooo I'll get FOMO I'll come." My plan worked!

[8:13am - Bobcat Cut]

This turn was called the Bobcat Cut, I guess a relatively newly cut trail, and it hiked like one! The spider webs were abundant on this trail, but it was also beautiful and lined with young ferns.

[8:16am - Overlook Trail]

A few minutes later we turned onto the Overlook Trail, which we truly knew nothing about. Again, Sarah wasn't overly convinced, but the fear of FOMO had her coming along with me! The trail meandered upward at reasonable grades with a variety of blazes (faded paint, new paint, and some small wooden signs) to a point where a sign pointed right to the "Rangeley Overlook." There was more trail to the left that seemed to descend from the mass we had just climbed, but there was no evidence of it on any maps, so we kept to the (current) plan.

The trail was lovely from this point on - it was just a lovely flat meander. We hiked over a small moose poop and then a BIG moose poop! We passed a log with "trametes cinnabarina," aka "pycnoporus cinnabarinus," aka "cinnabar polypore" (thank you, Seek!), which was a shelf-looking mushroom of a beautiful burnt-orange color. 

The forest was young up here and it was unclear how long ago it was blazed (and how often it was traveled), but I loved it! Sarah... it's not so clear how she felt!

[8:32am - Rangeley Overlook]

We soon arrived at the Rangeley Overlook, which was simply a nice view of the Rangeley Lake. We could see some nearby hills and a light fog over parts of the lake. The lower part of the view was obstructed by trees, but overall it was nice! Nothing to write home about. Sarah said she would not be back. I said "me neither, becuase when are we going to be hiking out here again."

Our return trip was nice and easy, and soon we were back at the Saddleback Spur!

[8:48am - Saddleback Spur]

[8:49am - Midway Pond Spur]

We were on the Saddleback Spur for less than a minute before turning again onto the Midway Pond Spur to... Midway Pond! The trail initially descended easily with rocky footing and then became dreadfully muddy once closer to the pond. Thankfully, the pond was absolutely stunning. Again, there were three canoes with life preserveres. We enjoyed the view (better than Rock Pond, in our opinions) and soon turned around to actually make some mileage on our hike. Also worth noting: we were in a TIGHT game of fart baseball!

[8:59am - Saddleback Spur]

Now officially back on the Saddleback Spur, we were hiking on some truly DELIGHTFUL trail. It followed Midway Pond for a bit and then made a scenic, mossy descent. The trail was decently wide, but we were still catching spider webs. This was a moment where we went "wow, what a shame that we need to climb a moountain still). 

[9:21am - Saddleback Spur/Stream Bed Trail]

We crossed a bridge and turned right - on the left was the Stream Bed Trail, which our original route followed. The trail was now following a very old, VERY eroded road. Thankfully the footing was decent, even with the wet ground and taller undergrowth. 

[9:32am - Fly Rod Crosby Trail]

We soon turned left again onto a large dirt road - this was the main Fly Rod Crosby Trail. A sign at the junction read:

"NOTICE

Fly Rod Crosby Trails

After a thoughtful review, the High Peaks Alliance has changed the Fly Rod Crosby Trail.

Open Hiking Trails: Sandy River Railroad Trail (Phillips), Reed's Mill Loop (Madrid), Saddleback Spur Trail (to Midway & Rock Ponds).

These sections will now receive improved maintenance and care.

All other sections of the original hiking trails are discontinued.

Please respect the closures and follow the open trails only.

Thank you for your understanding.

More information & maps: https://highpeaksalliance/projects/fly-rod-crosby-trail/"

Naturally, this piqued my interest. What trails were discontinued? Why? Maybe landowner stuff - a mystery!

Continuing on the main Fly Rod Crosby Trail, we were on a wide dirt road, and saw a little snake! This stretch of trail was pretty featureless. We were mostly shaded, at least for the first bit. The road was relatively dry, to our delight! We passed some signage for ITS 89 South and ITS 84 East with snowmobile, ATV, and hiking icons just before crossing a bridge, and then we began to rise pretty gently for a while. This trail must get heavy use in the winters and on weekends, because it's huge!

We eventually rose into more direct sunlight. It was an absolutely stunning day, but the we sure did feel the sun! We passed another snake sunning itself and at the height of land, we turned right to follow the AT briefly to Eddy Pond!

[9:54am - Appalachian Trail]

[9:55am - Eddy Pond]

The AT followed some slippery boards through mossy woods to Eddy Pond, which, per tradition, had three canoes! It was breezy here now and the pond was stunning with a hill in the background. One of the canoes was in-use by a fisherman - we saw his ATV parked on the side of the trail! The bullfrogs continued their silly song and we were most delighted at the absence of bugs - thank you, wind! We took a brief break here and just enjoyed the tranquility. 

[10:14am - Fly Rod Crosby Trail]

We could have followed the AT up and over Saddleback, but we opted to continue around the Fly Rod Crosby to make the hike as much of a loop as possible! We passed a memorial site for two members of the Holbrook Family on the left and caught very small tree views to Saddleback's ridge. 

[10:28am - Fly Rod Crosby Trail/Moose & Deer Pond]

We passed Moose & Deer Ponds on the right, which were nice but nothing compared to Eddy or Midway! Overall, it was a fantastic day for ponds! Along the road, the sun was starting to feel increasingly warm, but that was made up for when we started to catch views out to Abraham! It was really cool and a little geographically confusing to see Abraham from here, but we were thrilled!

Two side-by-side ATVs passed us kindly, but they seemed to pull over at a sharp corner of a trail at a nice view ahead. When we caught up, Sarah offered to take their photo for them (she's so nice). We chatted a bit about the Rangeley area, and the dad of the group really tried to convince us to get into snowmobiling! We exchanged a few laughs and eventually Sarah and I were on our way, with the side-by-sides passing us soon after with waves.

Later on we passed an American flag on trail with a sign that read "in honor of all veterans, in memory of Alfred Bachelder" and the man who was canoeing on Eddy Pond drove past us. Saddleback's ridge that the Berry Picker's Trail follows slowly came into view right as we were starting to feel all done with this stretch, and then lo behold we were at a bridge and the Berry Picker's Trail!

[11:22am - Berry Picker’s Trail]

A sign at the upper terminus of the Berry Picker’s Trail read:

“THE BERRY PICKER’S TRAIL

(OPENED 17 SEPTEMBER, 2016)

WHAT IS THIS TRAIL? THIS IS A SIDE TRAIL BETWEEN THE FLYROD CROSBY MULTI-USE TRAIL AND THE APPALACHIAN NATIONAL SCENIC TRAIL THAT FOLLOWS, IN PART, A ROUTE USED BY LOCAL RESIDENTS FOR MORE THAN 150 YEARS TO HARVEST MOUNTAIN BLUEBERRIES AND CRANBERRIES ON SADDLEBACK MT. THIS WAS ALSO THE ROUTE ORIGINALLY PLANNED FOR THE APPALACHIAN TRAIL IN 1933.

LOCATION OF THIS SIGN: THIS POINT MARKS THE JUNCTION WITH THE APPALACHIAN TRAIL. FROM HERE, IT IS 0.4 OF A MILE TO “THE ERRATIC” (A PROMINENT GLACIAL BOULDER ON OPEN LEDGE), 0.8 OF A MILE TO BOUNDARY LEDGE, AND 1.7 MILES TO THE FLYROD CROSBY TRAIL.

TRAIL MARKING: EXCEPT FOR OCCASIONAL DOUBLE BLAZES, WHICH INDICATE SHARP OR UNEXPECTED TURNS, THE TRAIL IS MARKED BY SINGLE, RECTANGULAR BLUE BLAZES AND ROCK CAIRNS.

TRAIL DIFFICULTY: THE TRAIL DESCENDS STEADILY, BUT MODERATELY, FOR A TOTAL ELEVATION DROP OF 1,480 FEET BETWEEN HERE AND THE FLYROD CROSBY TRAIL. MUCH OF THE ROUTE FOLLOWS OPEN LEDGES WITH OUTSTANDING VIEWS.

WATER, STREAM CROSSINGS: YOU WILL FIND NO WATER ON THIS TRAIL UNTIL YOU REACH WINSHIP STREAM ABOUT 1.5 MILES FROM HERE.

LAND OWNERSHIP: THE TRAIL BEGINS ON A.T. CORRIDOR LAND OWNED BY THE NATIONAL PARK SERVICE, THEN CROSSES LANDS OWNED BY THE MAINE APPALACHIAN TRAIL LAND TRUST, CROSSES BRIEFLY NEAR BOUNDARY LEDGE ON TO LAND OWNED IN COMMON AND UNDIVIDED BY LINKLETTER AND THE APPALACHIAN TRAIL CONSERVANCY , AND FINALLY CROSSES ORBETON CONSERVATION EASEMENT LANDS OWNED BY THE LINKLETTER TIMBERLANDS LLC.

HUNTING SEASON: DURING HUNTING SEASONS, ESPECIALLY DEER SEASON (USUALLY EARLY NOVEMBER TO EARLY DECEMBER), WE STRONGLY URGE A.T. USERS TO WEAR FLUORESCENT ORANGE.

PLEASE HELP US TO KEEP THIS TRAIL A PLACE THAT YOU WILL WANT OT RETURN TO.

GOOD HIKING!

MAINE APPALACHIAN TRAIL CLUB

BOX 283, AUGUSTA, MAINE 04332

www.matc.org”

The first stretch of the Berry Picker's Trail was quite lovely. We were in the shade and following a lovely, cascading brook. The trail is blazed in blue and we did find a few piles of moose poop!

Phase II of the hike initiated when we turned and began to steeply climb on relatively soft ground with a few scrambles and tons of moose poop dispersed around. 

Phase III was the longest phase, and by far the best. The rest of the climb from here would be on relatively open slabs, just like climbing up my beloved Mt. Monadnock! Even this open stretch was littered in moose poop, which was really cool to imagine! We caught a few views up to Saddleback's summit ridge as we came to Boundary Ledge.

[12:07pm - Berry Picker’s Trail/Boundary Ledge]

Boundary Ledge is simply a ledge with yellow paint marking a land boundary, but with wonderful views! We admired some small collections of blooming sheep laurel as we ascended the slabs, which were never too steep. We were absolutely floored by the views to Saddleback, especially as one of our favorite ski mountains. Once we were higher up, Abraham began to peek up over the other side, too!

The Horn was the next mountain to join the view party. Even though Sarah and I were roasting in the sun (our skin, that is, the temperature was wonderful), we were absolutely loving this climb! We saw some flowering mountain cranberry higher up, and I'm sure there would be blueberries in-season. 

[12:37pm - Berry Picker’s Trail/The Erratic]

At this point of the climb, we had pretty consistent views of Saddleback to the left and The Horn to the right with Abraham further over. I cannot stress how beautiful this hike was! We could even see some hikers on the ridges. A few clouds provided us a nice break from the sun as we arrived at The Erratic, which is simply a rock in the middle of a flat slab. Great views, though!

The next flower for our list was the bushel of white flowers that make up the American mountain ash, bog labrador tea, and of course the Canadian bunchberry. The trail eventually turned into the woods on a very soft, somewhat wet stretch of narrow trail that gave us a little peek-a-view over to Sugarloaf and Spaulding. The final bit of uphill brought us to the sign written out above, and then we were back on the Appalachian Trail!

[12:59pm - Appalachian Trail]

We turned right to hike on the Appalachian Trail northbound towards The Horn. My notes read: "immediately into the open and holy shit." We caught views right away towards both Saddleback and The Horn. It was sunny with a lovely breeze truly the whole way, with only a passing cloud to break it up. There were a reasonable number of people out, maybe we crossed paths with someone(s) every ten-ish minutes, but we pretty much had the trail to ourselves!

We hiked past some bog pools with beautiful cotton grass blowing in the wind. There was an occasional butterfly flying about. There were a few moments where we dipped back into the woods, which was usually accompanied by a scramble or slightly steeper climb. On one scramble I hurt my already-hurting wrist, which did not feel great! Sarah and I hiked together and apart, both of us just in a wonderful void. 

Some of the more open stretches were marked with scree walls, and one wooded section had an iron ladder to climb! Higher up, Saddleback looked absolutely ridiculous with the Berry Picker Trail's ridge in full view - including The Erratic! 

The climb to the top of The Horn felt somewhat never ending, but it was also so outrageously beautiful that neither of us needed it to ever end. Once we could see the summit sign, we noticed some of the Saddleback ski trails behind us (hello, Green Weaver!). 

[1:43pm - The Horn Summit]

We joyfully gave the summit sign a firm boop and found a perfect spot for our break. There were a few other hikers up top, but the summit area was pretty big so we had some nice privacy. The views were just amazing - 360 degrees. We could see our whole hike from yesterday - from Abraham to to Spaulding to Sugarloaf. Saddleback Junior looked adorable and slightly tempting, but not tempting enough for this trip. 

In the not-too-far distance we could see some showers heading toward Sugarloaf the Bigelows - thankfully none near us! The ski trails in the Green Weaver/The Pass area of Saddleback were in full view, and the White Mountains were mostly hidden behing a summer haze. 

We enjoyed some snacks, caffeine, and delightful silence. We ultimately decided to start moving again when we started to get chilly, and when there was a suspicious cloud on the horizon!

[2:19pm - Appalachian Trail]

It was more cloudy than sunny for our descent, which was kind of nice on the sunburnt skin! We looked back down toward The Erratic, and I used PeakFinder to learn that we could see Carter Dome to the left of Saddleback and Waumbek/Cabot on the right, which was cool! I managed to fall on a rock almost immediately after starting the descent, but we were moving well! The rain was starting to look like it was coming for us, and it wsa sure starting to look spooky!

[2:57pm - Appalachian Trail/Berry Picker’s Trail]

I will admit, I was moving QUICKLY up Saddleback due to the spooky clouds. Definitely a little faster than Sarah would have liked! I did take photo breaks to let her catch up, though! The Horn and Saddleback Junior were standing broud, and the long, talus-covered ridge of Abraham was looking mighty fine behind them. The trail up Saddleback was full of slabs and some fun scrambles with a few breaks in the woods!

It seemed as if more an dmore storms were starting to pop up, and then I heard a rumble, which had me fully spooked! I think I saw on TikTok that you can be struck by lightning 7(?) away from a storm (EDIT: I just Google'd it - it's actually up to 25 miles from the storm!). I didn't vocalise this, because that wouldn't have solved really anything, but I was definitely feeling a bit stressed!

After some quicker climbing, I could see the summit sign in the distance! I was STRESSED. Thankfully, the views were still spectacular! I was ahead of Sarah, so I ran further ahead to get the pictures I needed, but at this point, being the tallest thing in the area, I wanted to be DOWN. 

[3:25pm - Saddleback Mountain Summit]

Sarah caught up, but she also stopped leisurely for photos, and I stressed it was time to GO. She was not thrilled with my rushing, but I am also not going to explain to her mom that she got struck by lightning on my watch! I thought we were in the clear, but we still had a few more minutes of hiking on this high ridge before we dipped into the woods. Saddleback is basically a double-breasted peak - the first breast is the summit, and the second is the spur to the ski area (thank goodness).

[3:31pm - Spur to Saddleback Mountain Ski Area]

We started to follow the spur down and it was once the trees were taller than us when I told Sarah "I guess now is a good time to tell you that I'm absolutely terrified of lightining." She switched from being a little miffed at me to very understanding, which I appreciated! I will say, all in all, I held it together better than I thought I would! She said I could have gone ahead to get off the ridge, but I told her that simply wasn't an option because I would have panicked when she wasn't right behind me!

[3:36pm - Top of Saddleback Mountain Ski Area/America Ski Trail]

The spur trail was short and we were soon at the top of our beloved Kennebago Quad! I was REALLY hoping the patrol shack would be unlocked as a storm shelter... nope! There was a DENSE rain cloud coming right out way - I guess this is our new fate! It would have been so nice to wait out the storm in the safety of a mountain top shelter, but I guess that wasn't in the cards...

[3:43pm - America Ski Trail/Rain Gear On]

It seems the most common route down via ski trails is Tri Color to Green Weaver or Grey Ghost, but Sarah and I opted for our favorite trail on the mountain: America (not for the name, but for the views!). It was absolutely crazy seeing it this time of year, and almost surprising to see how tall the trees actually are! This route was listed as a hiking route on the Saddleback Hiking Map, but it clearly is less traveled/maintained as a hiking route.

When the trail turns, we put our rain gear on and my camera away, and not soon later it began to absolutely downpour. But that wasn't it! It also began to thunder overhead again. But that wasn't it! It also then began to hail?! It soon became VERY silly. I was still mighty stressed about thunder, but the precipitation and the sopping wet ground was enough sensory input to moderately distract me. 

The trail was absolutely soaked, which was ultimately fine. Once I was rightfully drenched I simply did not care anymore! It was even too wet to worry about ticks!

[4:01pm - Hudson Highway Ski Trail/Rain Gear Off]

Less than 20 minutes later, the storm was officially passed us, and it was a... beautiful sunny day? We turned onto the Hudson Highway ski trail and I took off the rain gear that I was now sweating through. Hudson Highway was initially a nice gravel road (thank goodness). We came to the junction that gave me a run for my money as a beginner skier, and then the trail became full of vegetation again. It looked like The Pass was more traveled/maintained, but it would have added mileage, so we opted just to suffer through the sopping wet undergrowth. 

Overall, it was fine. Wildly unpleasant, but totally fine! The sun was back to making my skin nice and crispy as we worked our way down. We liked the signs for the Woolly Bugger Glades and the Uphill Route (we were hoping the Uphill Route would be maintained as a summer hiking trail, guess not!). Further down, we passed what we believed to be a sopping wet gopher sunning itself on a rock (I didn't know there was a difference between a groundhog and gopher until I saw this animal with a groundhog-like face and a rat-like tail). 

Further down, we began to follow MANY moose prints, but sadly no moose. The trail was somehow even more wet in the flat stretch, and we had to watch carefully for our trail back to the car, as a few condo trails began to branch off to the left. 

[4:36pm - Morning Glory Ski Trail]

Thankfully, the return of the stunning lupines marked our turn! We turned left onto the Morning Glory ski trail, followed whatever drainage we could to not be sucked into the mud, and were soon back on the Saddleback Spur! 

[4:41pm - Saddleback Spur]

The hike out through the lupines was again, stunning, but my skin was DONE with the sun! After just a couple minutes we were thankfully back at the car!

[4:43pm - End of Hike]

I had officially won fart baseball in a close-knit 5-to-4 match. We threw on some dry clothes, drove by the base area just to see it (more amazing lupines and a few art pieces and mowed areas likely for weddings), and then went into town and got dinner at the Rangeley Inn, which was just short of phenominal! We drove back to the lake to soak our feet for a minute before driving up Quill Hill for one last batch of views. Our drive home was pretty easy and we stopped again at the Mountainside Grocers for some dessert. Once back at the condo, we ate our respective desserts and did some parallel play on our phones before passing out! Tomorrow I'm back to hiking solo.

Step-by-Step

- Start hike on the Fly Rod Crosby Saddleback Spur.

- At jct., turn right onto Bobcat Cut.

- At jct., turn right onto Overlook Trail.

- At overlook, turn around.

- At jct., turn right to complete Overlook Trail.

- At terminus, continue right toward Midway Pond.

- At Midway Pond, turn around.

- At jct., turn right onto Saddleback Spur.

- At terminus, turn left onto Fly Rod Crosby Trail.

- At jct., turn left onto Berry Pickers Trail.

- At terminus, turn right onto Appalachian Trail.

- At The Horn summit, turn around.

- Summit Saddleback Mountain, then continue on the Appalachain Trail southbound.

- At jct., turn right onto Ski Area Spur.

- At terminus, turn left onto America.

- At terminus, turn left onto Hudson Highway.

- At jct., turn left onto Morning Glory.

- At jct., turn right onto Saddleback Spur.

- Return to car.

Map

Photo Album

Abraham, Spaulding, and Sugarloaf Traverse (Mt. Abraham Ecological Preserve/Appalachian National Scenic Trail)

Abraham, Spaulding, and Sugarloaf Traverse (Mt. Abraham Ecological Preserve/Appalachian National Scenic Trail) 

Hike Type: Traverse

Distance: 15.32 miles

Elevation: 5,200 feet

My Time: 11 hours, 10 minutes (9 hours, 28 minutes moving)

Book Time: 10 hours, 15 minutes

Parking: Parking for 5-10 cars at gate on Caribou Valley Road. Limited roadside parking at the bridge washout on Rapid Stream Road.
Hiking Challenges: Maine 4000 Footers, New England 67, Operational Alaska Benchmark Challenge

The Hike 

Sarah arrived around 9:00pm last night, and due to the forecast we were reluctantly planning on hiking the Crockers and Redington, BUT to our delight the weather had cleared when we checked in the morning! We then pivoted to hiking the Abe-Spaulding-Sugarloaf Traverse instead to maximize the views. We were up at 6:00am and out around 6:40am. Thankfully, we were super close to the AT trailhead. The drive to the trailhead on Caribou Valley Road was listed as 30 minutes, but took close to 45 with the condition - it was by far the roughest road I'd driven on. The potholes weren't even the main issue - it was the exposed culverts and ditches before bridges - sketchy! We each scraped the bottom of ours cars once on the way up. At least it was a beautiful day!

We dropped my car and Sarah hit three culverts on the way out as we shuttled around to Rapid Stream Road, which was listed as 45ish minutes, but took well over an hour from point to point. Rapid Stream Road was in... better(?) condition than Caribou Valley Road - it was just ROCKY. We did see a deer and a house cat(?), so that was fun. There were some interesting camps tucked away along the road, and the real winner was discovering the bridge was out! Online I could find that Rapid Stream Road suffered significant damage from Hurricane Irene in 2011. It seems the bridges were repaired in 2015 with the current iteration, but they were destroyed again in [unknown]. A local snowmobile club built a snowmobile bridge sometime in the past few years, and refurbished it even more recently, but that too has been washed out at the time of this hike!

After a good giggle, we parked the car before the first bridge washout and started to suit up. We decided to start barefoot to ford the stream, even if it COULD have been rock hoppable, we decided to save the brain power and just walk through.

[8:16am - Start of Hike]

[8:25am - Crossing the Rapid Stream]

We started our hike without shoes, which involved carefully stepping our way down to the former snowmobile bridge to the left of the washed out bridge. Temps were in the upper 50s and it was a dream! I made it half way across the stream when Sarah asked "where are your boots?"... they were in her car. I walked back and forded the stream again with much success!

The second crossing was deeper, so I followed a path to the still-intact bridge and put my shoes on up there. Sarah spent some time playing with the stream, but ultimately decided to join me. Between the bridges there was a little island with plenty of mushrooms and slugs, it was a really nice area. There were also two guys just behind us who were hellbent on crossing with dry shoes - I think they succeeded? We let them get ahead of us. 

[8:38am - Actually start moving on Rapid Stream Road]

[8:39am - Right Turn]

Sarah joined me and we were FINALLY on the move! We hiked along the continuation of Rapid Stream Road and turned right at a junction, following a written sign for "Salem, Strong, Rangeley," eventually entering the Mt. Abram Trail Riders Trail System (sign), and the officialy Mt. Abraham Trail trailhead. I guess this used to be the official start of the trail before the major washouts. 

[8:51am - Mt. Abraham Trail Sign]

We turned right at the sign to follow the road towards the Firewarden's Trail (same trail as the Mt. Abraham Trail). The snowmobile trail we were following continued straight ahead to a washed out bridge, and the Firewardens Trail turned left into the woods.

[8:53am - Mt. Abraham Firewardens Trail]

The Firewardens Trail entered the dark, moody woods following blue balzes near a stream, on and off of an older route. The hobblebush was growing in, but was not obstructive of the trail. The trail turned away from the stream, later passing a small landslide before easily meandering through the forest and crossing a snowmobile road.

We hiked over some moose poop and descended to a scenic, mossy stream before crossing a few more streams. The trail then began to climb more moderately, stepping over and over and over moose poop. 

[10:18am - Firewardens Trail/Campsite]

We eventually came to the Firewardens Campsite, which featured some tentsites and a privy. The trail became a bit more moderate afterwards, paralleling some blowdowns that provided very small peek-a-views. We continued on, slow and steady for some time. We noticed some old telephone wire embedded in some older trees which was pretty cool! The trail felt decently relentless here, and it was WET. Thankfully, the sun began to shine!

The Firewardens Trail eventually entered a coniferous forest and became much prettier and more reasonable to climb. Sarah stopped for a snack, but I kept moving along, hellbent on waiting to see a view before stopping. The peek-a-views became more abundant, the flies found me, but soon I found myself entering the beloved Alpine Zone (NOTE: I didn't realize this was acutally an alpine summit, but BOY was I delighted!). 

[11:06am - Firewardens Trail/Alpine Zone]

One final push brought me into the Alpine Zone and a truly spectacular view from a rough, talus field. I knew this hike would be pretty, but I had no idea it would be this stunnnig! I took a nice break here while I waited for Sarah to join me. The main views were of Spaulding and Sugarloaf with the Rapid Stream Valley below. I could hear the water raging down in the valley with the Bigelows out in the clouds. 

Sarah joined me and out journey up the steep, loose talus slope began. This felt just like a climb in the northern Presidentials. The clouds were rolling over just above our heads and the views were seemingly endless. Higher up, I could start to see the Crockers and Redington. Darker, denser clouds were in the vicinity, but it was absolutly beautiful. We crossed paths with a few duos, including the two guys from the beginning of the hike. 

The Firewardens Trail entered the scrub and passed some small, alpine flowers like Bog Labrador Tea. This climb took us around 45 minutes, but any climb above treeline never feels that brutal. I hiked over a few giant spiders classic to the alpine zone and then saw the remnants of a firetower cabin just off of the trail (roof included!). 

[11:50am - Mt. Abraham Summit]

We soon landed at the summit, which was just spectacular. The spiders were abundant but wanted nothing to do with us. The flies were out, but generally tolerable. We booped the summit sign and absolutely gawked at the the fallen fire tower about 100' away from the summit, which fell in a 2014 windstorm. The views were incredible. The Bigelows were popping through the clouds, Sugarloaf and Spaulding were near and proud, Saddleback (!) and The Horn were standing behind the fallen tower, and with some maneuvering I think I could make out the Crocker and Redington, too. It was really just wonderful. We spent some good time up here exploring and snacking, but eventually some more hikers arrived and and the flies got the better of us. 

[12:21pm - Mt. Abraham Trail]

Now, the joy we were feeling was slightly cut short as we began to descend from the summit, which was similarly akin to a painful northern Presidential descent (aka: Rock Hell). Thankfully, the views were still wonderful (we just loved being able to see Saddleback, one of out favorite mountain to ski). We spent a little bit of the time in the woods before emerging on a final talus field. The trail slowly became more scrubbly before steeply descending the talus back into the woods. The final talus field had such a spectacular view.

The rest of the Mt. Abraham Trail was just a delight. A fine, soft footbed with scenic woods throughout. The bunchberry flowers were lining the trail as we joyfully followed the path, eventually landing at a trail register in the middle of a fir wave. 

[12:56pm - Mt. Abraham Trail/Register Box]

We were wildly confused at the register box seemingly in the middle of nowhere, we weren't quite sure what to even do with it. In hindsight, we should have signed a register card, but it seemed so random we didn't realize!

The rest of the Mt. Abraham Trail was similar in character - windy and delightful. The moose poop began to increase in frequency, but we never saw a moose (tragically). The ferns were abundant, but the footbed was crystal clear. We began to enter the Appalachian Trail corridor, amrked by abundant white blazes, and soon after we landed at the Appalchain Trail!

[1:24pm - Appalachian Trail]

The Appalachian Trail was surprisingly tighter than the Mt. Abraham Trail and had an impressive amount of moose poop - we even saw our first person in a WHILE! About ten minutes into this segment, Sarah took a nice tumble resulting in a butt touch (which by definition, means she owes me ice cream). We caught very limited peek-a-views to the talus slopes along Mt. Abraham, but overall it was a pretty solid tree tunnel. 

[2:03pm - Appalachian Trail/Spaulding Mtn. Lean-To]

We waved hello to a frog and came to the Spaulding Moutnain Lean-To, which we decided to check out for funsies. We ran into two trail runners who were running a LOOP with Sugarloaf, Spaulding, and Abrahm? We couldn't figure out how they were making that work, and frankly are still a bit confused, just doing the trail we're doing plus the roads would be upwards of 40 miles... I guess they could descend Sugarloaf via some ski trails to cut a few miles out, but that's still a LOT. Who knows! 

The Lean-To was nice. Not too big or small, with a privy and a spring nearby. The Appalachian Trail felt a bit more rugged from this point, getting wetter and mossier as we began to climb slowly and steadily. Clouds had overtaken the sky, but there were peeks of sunlight every now and then. We saw a peek-a-view to Saddleback and the Horn as the bugs began to envelope us. The trail steepend as we hiked past some flowering trout lily and starflowers, but to our joy, we came to the Spaulding Mountain Spur!

[2:40pm - Spaulding Mountain Spur]

There was no sign for the spur, but it was evident from the trail and blazed in blue. The final push got the heart pumping but was nice and short. We got a small view from a clearing that was growing in, and soon after was the summit, comically marked at 3988 feet.

[2:43pm - Spaulding Mountain Summit]

"4010'" was etched into the sign, assumedly after the last survey. Blue blazes continued past the summit along a flat, soft footpath to one more viewpoint.

[2:46pm - Spaulding Mountain Viewpoint]

This view was mostly enveloped in the clouds, but we took a nice sit for a snack and caffeine break. The bugs were alive and well, but not overly supressive. The clouds eventually revealed a view to an unknown-to-me peak, and on the way back we made out another view to Saddleback and The Horn. We descended the spur trail, soon rejoining our beloved Appalachian Trail.

[3:00pm - Appalachian Trail]

[3:30pm - Appalachian Trail/Maine C.C.C. Plaque]

The next hour-plus was filled with some really lovely, mindless hiking. The clouds were rolling overhead, getting darker and closer throughout. We went up and over a few humps, one of which had a plaque dedicated to the Maine Civilian Conservatioin Corps with some interesting history:

“MAINE C.C.C.

IN HONOR OF THE MEN OF THE CIVILIAN CONSERVATION CORPS WHO, FROM 1935-1939, CONTRIBUTED GREATLY TO THE COMPLETION OF THE APPALACHIAN TRAIL IN MAINE AND WHO, ON AUGUST 14, 1937, NEAR THIS SPOT COMPLETED THE FINAL LINK OF THE ENTIRE 2,054-MILE TRAIL. DEDICATED AUGUST 14, 1987 BY THE VOLUNTEERS OF THE APPALACHIAN TRAIL CLUB.”

Later on, we caught some very small peek-a-views back to Mt. Abraham, which really is such an impressive mountain. We traversed over a blowdown area and caught another, larger view back to Spaulding and Abraham on the right, up to Sugarloaf on the left, and vast valley that these mountains circle straight ahead - we were finally getting closer!

Just before the Sugarload Spur we passed what I think is the most adorable creature to ever exist - a young snowshoe hare! It looked like what baby bunnies in cartoons look like. Simply PRECIOUS. We weren't able to get any good photos, but I did catch one of it's behind as it hid from us behind a tree. 

The Appalachian Trail traversed a wet section with plenty of rock-hopping-rocks that was open enough to see the ridge up to Sugarloaf. We dipped back into the woods and soon were at the junction with the Sugarloaf Spur! We were excited to visit this third peak of the day, but also mindful about possible incoming storms. Neither of us had service on the AT, but we were hopeful that we would be able to check the weather once on the summit!

[4:14pm - Sugarloaf Spur]

The Sugarloaf Spur was rugged and wet, but with decently decent footing. The grade was moderate to steep at times (or were we just tired? The world may never know!). We followed the blue blazes, excitedly getting glances back to Spaulding and later to the towers atop the summit. We even saw a grey jay! I almost tripped on an Appalachian Trail survey disc, and then we were at the summit area!

[4:44pm - Sugarloaf Mountain Summit]

The summit area is pretty huge and fun to explore, even with the cloudy views. We roughly took a counter-clockwise route around the top, hiking near the helipad and then to a lovely viewpoint of the long Mt. Abraham complex with Spaulding on the right. It was very rewarding to see basically the whole route we had just hiked. We were able to check our phones - no storms! Just clouds!

We then hiked the rest of the trail up to the true summit, past the helipad and to a pile of rocks at the clear high point with a "4237 FT" painted in a faded blue. We enjoyed seeing the Crockers from here in addition to Abe and Spaulding. Looking down into the valley, we could trace the logging roads and rivers all the way into the towns. Maine is such a unique place, especially compared to the Whites. 

We checked out one of the radio towers that had a sign that read:

"NOTICE

INSTRUCTIONS FOR WORKING AT RADIO FREQUENCY SITES

1. Authorized personnel only allowed on this site.

2. Electromagnetic energy (EME) awareness training is required for personnle working on this site.

3. Posted signs must be obeyed at all times.

4. Transmitters must be disabled and owners notified prior to working on antennas.

5. Assume all antennas are active.

6. Base station antennas must not be operated in equipment room.

7. No stopping in front of antennas.

8. A safe distance must be maintined from all antennas.

9. RF monitors must be used when working near antennas.

10. Transmitters without shields in place must never be operated during normal operation."

We noticed a view down to Burnt Mountain and it's pseudo-alpine trail - I was hoping to hike that some point duirng my trip, too - and the Bigelows across the way from the ski resort. Sarah and I continued over toward an old, abanoned hexagonal building (I guess the old gondola top shack?) and ended up taking our snack break on the chairlift. It was a little spooky getting on the chair, and it DID rock, but it was fun! We were looking right at Abraham and Spaulding while I ate my pistachios. The only issue was that the flies had woken up the second we sat down, so we didn't stay for too long. When we left two teens had hiked up from the ski area, tried to get into the patrol shack, but when it was locked came and sat in the lift shack. They looked like they were planning on staying the night?

[5:07pm - Sugarloaf Spur]

We finished our counter-clockwise tour of the summit back to the Sugarloaf Spur, and our descent was relatively uneventful, minus passing one duo - we did the usual "how's it going?" to which one of the guys said "I need a defibrulator," which gave us all a good laugh.

[5:30pm - Appalachian Trail]

Back on the Appalachian Trail, it would be 2.3 miles to Caribou Valley Road/Caribou Pond Road, but it would be a slow 2.3 miles! We descended briefly past a guy backpacking shirtless and absolutely covered in bug bites, and then we traversed a wet section on muddy, partially submerged boards. It was pretty, though! 

We passed a rock "2000" and then another "2000 mi :)" written on a tree stump a couple minutes later. The trail remained wet and rock as it lightly began to descend in the woods, and then it began to open up to some lovely views across the drainage to Spaulding yet again. We could then see at least south Crocker, and maybe Redington? I was feeling both excited and timid to tackle that hike - another day!

The trail begins to descend with increasing views of the western bowl of sugarloaf with some impressive slides right at the headwall. We could see and hear the water rushing down! We briefly dipped into the woods before coming back out into the open, now (possibly) seeing both Crockers and the Carrabassett River far down below. The trail became more rugged with a few tricky scrambles, but moving slowly and steadily kept us nice and safe.

It got stupid steep, but at least it was scenic! Once back into the woods, we continued the steep descent on well-placed stone steps, passed a little baby snacke, and eventually reached the floor of the valley where the humidity must have been at 300%. We could hear the river and soon were following the drainage. 

[7:07pm - Appalachian Trail/Carrabassett River Crossing]

We found another AT survey disc and soon it was time to cross the river on... a cracked piece of wood? Oh my god. I already don't like river crossings, and this river was FLOWING and that board was wobbly. No matter, I took a DEEP breath and slowly but steadily walked right across. I had to turn my brain off, and I was simply shaking once on the other side. Sarah, the jerk, crossed it no problem. Comically (and smartly), the plank was held onto one side of the river via a wire leash, probably for when people inadvertendly knock it off or when a big rain comes and washed it away. The river was beautiful, at least!

[7:13pm - Appalachian Trail/Campsite]

[7:16pm - Caribou Pond Road]

We crossed a small campsite with a "KINDLE NO FIRES IN THIS AREA" sign, and hiked up to finally join Caribou Pond/Valley Road! We were absolutely delighted to be on the final stretch of our hike. We were tired, but had just enough in us to get out! The road was well-traveled and both tire ruts were grass-free. The final obstacle was crossing a super sketchy metal bridge that appeared to be falling into the river? It was totally fine on foot, thankfully! We crossed the bridge, hiked across the gate, and were ruinted with my car!

[7:29pm - End of Hike]

Oh but they journey is unfortunately FAR from over! I did an EXPERT job driving out of Caribout Vallond Road, only hitting the bottom of my car on the one exposed, shredded, plastic culvert, and then we had a nice, long drive to Rapid Stream Road, which was another slow, dreadful drive. Sadly, there was no chance that we'd made it to the Silly Goose Bar n Grill before it closed, and apparently we wouldn't make it anywhere before anywhere closed. There was one gas station market that still did hot food until ~9:00pm, so that's where we had our sights set!

I dropped Sarah at her car and ZOOMED at 5-8mph out of Rapid Stream Road to hopefully get us some dinner, but they had closed up shop for the day. Thankfully, I did get a delicious cookie! Our final pivot was to the Dollar General, where we got frozen dinners to heat up back at the condo. I got mine right away, and Sarah joined about 20 minutes later. It wasn't the Silly Goose, but it got the job done!

Back at the condo we had our showers, had our dinners, and got right to bed because tomorrow was our Saddleback day!

Step-by-Step

- Drop car at the gate on Caribou Valley Road.

- Park at washed out bridge on Rapid Stream Road.

- Carefully cross Rapid Stream, then follow woods road up to bridge.

- Hike Rapid Stream Road, turning right at the fork.

- Arrive at the original trailhead, turn right towards trail.

- At sign, turn left into woods onto Firewardens Trail.

- Follow Firewardens Trail to Mt. Abraham.

- From summit, continue on Mt. Abraham Trail towards the AT.

- At terminus, turn right onto Appalachian Trail.

- At jct., turn right onto Spaulding Mountain Spur (no sign).

- Summit Spaulding Mountain and check out view past summit, then return.

- At AT, turn right onto Appalachian Trail.

- At jct., turn right onto Sugarloaf Spur.

- Summit Sugarloaf Mountain, explore!

- Descend via Sugarloaf Spur.

- At terminus, turn right onto Appalachian Trail.

- Carefully cross Carrabassett River.

- At jct., turn right onto Caribou Valley Road.

- Return to car.

- Obtain other car.

Map

Photo Album

Poplar Falls via Maine Huts & Trails, Warren’s Trail, & Narrow Gauge Path (Penobscot Free Land)

Poplar Falls via Maine Huts & Trails, Warren’s Trail, & Narrow Gauge Path (Penobscot Free Land) 

Hike Type: Figure-8 Lollipop Loop

Distance: 7.30 miles

Elevation: 617 feet

My Time: 2 hours, 39 minutes

Book Time: 3 hours, 57 minutes

Parking: AMPLE parking at Airport Trailhead.
Hiking Challenges: N/A

The Hike 

I had a super easy drive from the Reed Brook Falls trailhead to the Airport Trailhead - my next destination! This hike would follow trails in the Maine Huts and Trails system to Poplar Falls. I didn't know much about this trail system, but it seemed like a perfect hike for a rainy day! The weather was cooperating for now, with storms expected sometime in the 3:00pm hour. At the trailhead, it was brighter out and a little misty. There was a HUGE parking area - I assume it gets a lot of attention in the winter. I was able to fix my hip belt with an old multi-tool that has lived in my car for YEARS, yay!

[12:40pm - Maine Hut Trail]

My hike started on the Maine Hut Trail, which followed a gravel path through a flowery meadow near the airport featuring abundant orange hawkweed. The mist was actually feeling kind of nice! I crossed a junction with another gravel path, continuing straight in this "runway protection zone." 

[12:44pm - Maine Hut Trail/William Munzer Multi-Use Recreational Bridge]

[12:46pm - Maine Hut Trail-Airport Trail]

I soon crossed the William Munzer Multi-Use Recreational Bridge over the wide, scenic Carrabassett River. On the other side of the bridge, the Maine Hut Trail turned right and then immedaitely veered left onto the woods, coinciding with the Airport Trail. 

The Airport Trail was a little grassy, so I put some bug spray on to attempt tick prevention. The Maine Hut Trail was blazed with white diamonds while the Airport Trail had blue squares. I paralleled the gravel road (Huston Brook Road/Narrow Gauge Path), which paralled the river. There were some deer tracks in muddier spots and a cute little slug racing me (I won). I hiked over a few culverts and maneuvered one step-over blowdown - this was quite a pleasant walk!

I got two mosquito bites, which convinced me to put bug spray on the rest of my body now. I passed an old road, dodged some slugs, and admired an eft! The road started to turn away from the river at exactly 1.0 miles. There were so many slugs at this point where it would be statistically impossible that I hadn't squished one. I slowly began to hear the sound of Poplar Stream, and then I approached the Carriage Road.

[1:09pm - Maine Hut Trail/Carriage Road]

[1:09pm - Warren’s Trail]

I crossed the Carriage Road and decided I would follow Warren's Trail on the left side of Poplar Stream and eventualy make this hike into a lollipop loop. Ahead on the Maine Hut Trail, there was a bridge over the stream, but I would save that for later.  I turned left onto blue-blazed Warren's Trail and started my journey on the soft footpath along Poplar Stream.

I realized that the blazing for this trail system is like the Appalachian Trail - the main trail is white and connector trails are blue. Warren's Trail descended to the bank of Poplar Stream which had tannin-dyed water and some large boulders strewn throughout. The trail appeared to have been partially relocated in places likely due to erosion from floods. I meandered around some mossy boulders and then slightly rose above the brook onto a more stable footbed - the water was so pretty down below.

I loved watching the river interact with the boulders, rushing through chokepoints and relaxing as the riverbed grew wider. I was catching a few spider webs and rock hopped across a slippery stream before rambling upwards away from the main stream. I climbed up some stone steps, which was the first time my heart rate rose all day. A sunnier area of trail was full of high ferns - the sun was really trying to poke through the clouds, but the clouds continued to win the battle (and the humidity!). 

I caught some tree views to the other side of the riverbed, which was far below me now. I hiked past some really cool lichens that resembled swamp monsters, and later entered a younger forest full of tall, skinny, abundant trees and slightly descended back to the water, ultimately leading me to the falls!

[1:47pm - Warren’s Trail/Poplar Falls]

A side path descended along the river's bank to a nice view of the falls, and another more eroded path just after led toa  closer view. These falls were lovely - not as wonderous as Reed Brook, but still an absolute delight! I took a few photos, and then climbed up the trail to join the service road, which crossed the top of the falls on a bridge suitable for cars.

[1:50pm - Warren’s Trail/Service Road]

[1:52pm - Warren’s Trail]

I enjoyed the view down the stream from the top of the bridge, and then turned left just afterwards to hike the remaineder of Warren's Trail towards Larry's Trail. The trail on this side was similarly wet, mossy, and slippery, but pretty! I skipped a side path down to the falls and continued across some SUPER slippery boards. I tired to talk myself out of going to the hut because I was feeling lazy, but I couldn't check in until 4:00pm anyway, so at the terminus of Warren's Trail, I turned left onto Larry's Trail toward the hut.

[1:57pm - Larry’s Trail]

I was immediately rewarded with my decision to not be a baby with a WONDERFUL trail. The footbed was wide and soft, rising easily to moderately at most. It was truly a delight. I made it over a height of land, and Larry's Trail then terminated back at the Maine Hut Trail, which coincided with the Poplar Stream Trail.

[2:01pm - Maine Hut Trail-Poplar Stream Trail]

The trail here was basically a service road with medium-at-best footing. There was a cool breeze, which felt heavenly in this dreadfully humid weather. The Maine Hut Trail neared a branch of the Poplar Stream, passing a decomposing wasp nest on the ground. I entered a clearing with a strange building - must have been some river gauge type thing? Just after there was a peekaview into a gorge-y area, but I didn't get off-trail to explore.

I passed an old blaze that said "Maine Huts and Trails - Mahoosucs to Moosehead" - I wonder if that's an old slogan? Maybe the original goal was to connect the two regions but they scaled down?

[2:08pm - Hut Spur]

[2:10pm - Poplar Stream Falls Hut]

I climbed up to the height of land and turned left to hike the spur to the hut - I had no idea what to expect! The spur was short, and soon I was at the hut area, which was much larger than I had expected!

There was one main building and three seperate bunkhouses. A sign at the main building said it was closed for the season - I wonder what season it's open for? From the Maine Huts and Trails website:

"The Northwoods Nook

Poplar Stream Hut is the closest hut to our Kingfield office and can be accessed from the Airport Trailhead in Carrabassett Valley. Reaching the hut requires crossing land owned by the Penobscot Indian Nation and leased by Maine Huts & Trails. Please be respectful of the land and wildlife as you enjoy a gentle ascent alongside Poplar Stream to some spectacular waterfalls on the way to the hut.

Visiting Poplar Stream

This off-grid eco-lodge is open primarily during our winter season (late December through mid March) for private room overnight stays. During the winter season, day visitors on Saturdays and Sundays can enjoy delicious soups, sandwiches, and beverages from 12:00–2:00 p.m. Overnight winter guests can choose full-service trips on Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays (meals included and optional gear shuttles) or self-service trips (pack in/out gear and prepare your own food) on Mondays, Tuesdays, and Wednesdays. The hut is currently not open during our summer season, but the surrounding trails are great for summer day hikes. Don’t miss visiting the two waterfalls along the way! Bring a swimsuit for a refreshing dip under the falling water.

Staying at Poplar Stream

Guests at Poplar Stream Hut will enjoy a quiet woods nook with easy access to some of the most spectacular waterfalls in the area. Poplar Stream Hut utilizes the nearby South Brook for hydroelectric power, and has hot water, heat, indoor plumbing, a full commercial kitchen, and electricity for guests. The hut also offers a unique lofted library and game room. Bunkrooms are kept at temperatures around 55°F during winter. Due to the remote nature of the hut, be prepared for limited access to power outlets and cellphone service. All rooms at the huts are booked as private accommodations, with 7 bunkrooms available at Poplar Stream Hut. We do not book shared rooms with other groups. Please bring a pair of shoes or heavy socks to wear inside when you take off your trail shoes and boots. Removing outside shoes helps us keep the hut clean and ready all our guests.

Getting Here

The Airport Trailhead is the closest starting point for Poplar Stream Hut. The intermediate level Maine Hut Trail from the trailhead takes trekkers through rolling woods and along Poplar Stream to climb up to the woodsy hut. Explore on Larry’s or Warren’s Trail to see views of the waterfalls! All huts are accessible by our trail network by using people-powered modes of transportation like biking, hiking, skiing, fat biking or snowshoeing. We have put together a list of driving directions to the best trailhead for each hut to get your car as close as possible and the best trail route for each hut to get you the rest of the way."

[2:13pm - Maine Hut Trail - Poplar Stream Trail]

Back on the Maine Hut Trail, I continued along, deciding against backtracking to Larry's Trail (even though I'd get a view of one more waterfall) simply because I did not want to backtrack - onward! 

I noticed on the trail signs that it seems bikes are no longer allowed, I wonder why? I hiked with some horse prints towards the next height-of-land, which was at a dammed pond that ultimately feeds Poplar Stream. I turned a corner and crossed the stream on a bridge and there were little fish underneath! The trail got grassy here, which was unpleasant, but I was accepting of it. 

The trail followed the stream down low on the right with pretty wonderful footing after some wet grass, eventually starting to descend past some massive mushrooms. I walked across some SLIPPERY snowmobile bridges and many frogs, eventually bringing me to the lower junction with Larry's Trail.

[2:38pm - Maine Hut Trail/Larry’s Trail]

The sign read just 1.8 more miles to the Airport Trailhead - yay! The Maine Hut Trail began to near Poplar Stream again with occasional views down to the water.

[2:45pm - Maine Hut Trail/Poplar Stream Bypass]

A few minutes later, the Poplar Stream Bypass trail turns off on the left, which looked more like a snowmobile trail that does not get much summer use. I continued on, running level with the stream, and soon coming to the bridge over Poplar Stream, closing the lollipop loop! 

[2:49pm - Carriage Road]

I decided to go rogue to avoid thinking and instead of following the Airport Trail I would do a road walk back. I turned left onto the very quiet carriage road, which featured a needed lovely breeze. The skies were ready to start raining at any moment it seemed! I passed an empty camp on the left as I descended on the Carriage Road, eventually coming to a gate with a sign that read:

“THE CARRIAGE ROAD IS CLOSED UNTIL FUTHER NOTICE. THE CARRIAGE ROAD IS A PRIVATE ROAD AND AN OPENING DATE IS NOT KNOWN AT THIS TIME. 5/20/2021” - sign at gate.

After the gate, the road transitioned from gravel to pavement with more homes on the right and the river on the left. 

[2:55pm - Narrow Gauge Path]

Next, I turned right onto Huston Brook Road, which doubled as the Narrow Gauge Path. I passed a ton of absolutely adorable A-Frame homes donned with ski memorabilia. Eventually, the road came to the Carrabassett River. I came up to an open gate that was signed as closed, but was clearly open:

“THIS GATE IS CLOSED TO PROTECT THE ROADWAY FROM DAMAGE DURING THE SPRING MUD SEASON BY VEHICULAR TRAFFIC. **PEDESTRIAN FOOT/SKI/BIKE TRAFFIC TO CONNECT WITH THE NARROW GAUGE PATHWAY IS ALLOWED**” from sign at gate.

I could sneak a little peek to the Airport Trail through the woods as it paralleled the road, felt a few specks of mist, almost stepped on a small dead snake (and three slugs munching away on it), and spooked a pileated woodpecker. 

[3:12pm - Narrow Gauge Path/Maine Hut Trail]

[3:13pm - Maine Hut Trail/William Munzer Multi-Use Recreational Bridge]

I joyfully made my way to the bridge and saw DARK skies downriver - I think I timed this hike perfectly! The crickets were chiping throughout the meadow, and I soon was back at my car!

[3:17pm - End of Hike]

I packed it in and the SECOND I closed my car door, the rain began! I passed a big deer on my drive to Sugarloaf and took a stop at the Mountainside Grocers. My check-in was super easy, and an owl cheered me on as I unpacked through the rain - it was a perfect start to vacation!

Step-by-Step

- Start hike on Maine Huts Trail from Airport Trailhead.

- After crossing bridge, veer left to stay on Maine Huts Trail (coincide with Airport Trailhead)

- Cross carriage road, then turn left onto blue-blazed Warren’s Trail.

- At Poplar Falls, turn right onto Service Road (coinciding with Warren’s Trail), cross bridge, then turn right again to stay on Warren’s Trail.

- At terminus, turn left onto Larry’s Trail.

- At terminus, turn right onto Maine Huts Trail (coincide with Poplar Stream Trail).

- At jct., turn left to Poplar Stream Falls Hut.

- At hut, turn around.

- At jct., turn left onto Maine Huts Trail-Poplar Stream Trail.

- At Carriage Road, turn left onto Carriage Road.

- At jct., turn right onto Narrow Gauge Pathway.

- At bridge, turn left onto Maine Huts Trail.

- Return to car.

Map of Maine Huts and Trails System

Photo Album

Reed Brook Falls Trail (Kingfield, ME)

Reed Brook Falls Trail (Kingfield, ME)

Hike Type: Out-and-Back

Distance: 1.07 miles

Elevation: 177 feet

My Time: 31 minutes

Book Time: 37 minutes

Parking: Parking for 3-4 cars at trailhead.
Hiking Challenges: N/A

The Hike 

[DISCLAIMER: Per tradition, I fell violently behind on my hike journaling this summer. It is currently August 24th, 2026 at 10:59am, my car is in the shop, and it's time to get caught up!]

It's finally summer vacation! As I always do, I celebrated the last day of school and blasted off for some MUCH needed time in the mountains. The goal of this trip is to hike all of the non-Baxter State Park Maine 4000-Footers. I will be staying at Sugarloaf Mountain Resort in the Sugartree Condos. I woke up a little hungover from the last day celebrations, but made it on the road before 8:00am. The weather was going to be raining all day, so I found a couple waterfall hikes in the Carrabassett Valley area to explore to get things started. I started listening to the "Love Trapped" podcast which kept me 100% locked in during my drive. 

I made it to the Reed Brook Falls trailhead at 11:45am, threw on my [formerly] waterproof boots and got to hiking. It was a chilly 62 degrees out, but it felt lovely. On Google the trailhead was listed as "Jericho Steps Trailhead," so I had "Joshua fit the battle of Jericho" stuck in my head... There were abundant signs and flowers at the trailhead, including the white-and-pink sweet william and the budding purple large-leaved lupine. At 150' feet, I passed a "Release the Hounds" sign.

I entered the woods and wound through a young, dark forest. The nearby road was loud, but slowly the sounds of water overtook that of automobiles. I had recently fixed my broken hipbelt, but it turned out that I had fixed it incorrectly and put one on backwards... ugh. Thankfully, I soon got over my woes becuase I turned to join the rushing water, which was just beautiful. The trail got a little confusing here, especially with some blue blazes across the stream (which in hindsight may have just been property markings), but the trail never crossed the stream. 

The path was nice and soft as it gently gained elevation along the brook, crossing smaller streams along the way. There were some "this way" signs and more cute mushrooms. Later, the trail split. On the left were the stone steps and the right was the high water/icy bypass - I took the stairs, which were not as exciting as the sign led them to believe. 

Soon, I could see the falls through the trees, and as I came up to them I went "oh... OH!" because they were absolutely spectacular! I was stunned at how impressive these falls were, especially for such an easy hike. The trail came to a clear end at the base of the falls - this was an insane effort:reward ratio. It took my 19 minutes to get there - time to head back!

Naturally, I slipped on a root and smashed my knee into a rock soon after starting my return trip, also while on the easiest hike of my trip. About halfway back, I crossed paths with an older woman and her dog that were both super friendly, and right where the trail turns into the woods I passed a group of ~7 teens followed by two more VERY friendly hikers who were SHOUTING "hello!" Soon enough, I was back at my car. This was an EXCELLENT start to vacation!

[EDIT FROM THE FUTURE: It looks like the access trail is relatively new, and there used to be a bridged crossing of Reed Brook! https://mainebyfoot.com/reed-falls-carrabassett-valley/]

Step-by-Step

- Park at Trailhead.

- Start hike on Reed Brook Falls Trail.

- At Reed Brook Falls, turn around.

- Return to car.

Photo Album

Pico Mountain via Deer Leap Overlook, Long Trail, & Sherburne Pass Trail (Green Mountain National Forest)

Pico Mountain via Deer Leap Overlook, Long Trail, & Sherburne Pass Trail (Green Mountain National Forest)

Hike Type: Loop

Distance: 10.82 miles

Elevation: 3,120 feet

My Time: 4 hours, 49 minutes (4 hours, 42 minutes moving)

Book Time: 6 hours, 58 minutes

Parking: Parking for plenty of cars at Sherburne Pass/Deer Leap trailhead.
Hiking Challenges: New England 50 Finest, Long Trail Side-to-Side

The Hike 

First Day of Summer!

I didn't realize it was the first day of summer until I got here and thought "huh the sun sure is up?" Emma, Sarah, and I got lunch at Martells at The Red Fox near Smuggs, and then I had a scenic (but painfully slow) drive (behind a confused Tesla) through Smuggler's Notch. I wasn't sure what my hiking plans would be, but after scouring the weather I ultimately decided on Pico - a mountain I grew to love this past ski season and one I'd been interested in hiking since I had so much fun skiing it (and it's on the New England Hundred Highest list!). 

I drove past a fox near Stowe and had a shockingly easy drive on I-89. There were some moody skies between Exits 6 and 3 with showers clearly in the distance, but they all seemed to be north of Pico, so I should be fine? I wasn't going to let myself talk myself out of it regardless. Once I was near I drove through a veil of rain that slowly revealed Pico in it's sunny, green glory! I parked at the Sherburne Pass trailhead right at the height of land on Sherburne Pass. It took exactly two episodes of "Love Trapped," the podcast to arrive (I am HOOKED). There were a few other cars (and a van) at the trailhead. It was breezy out with temperatures in the low 70s - I was manifesting dry skies, but I was also accepting that I'd likely get rained on. I got suited up, read the historical marker right at the trailhead, and got my hike started!

"LONG TRAIL LODGE

Long Trail Lodge was built on the south side of Sherburne Pass in 1923 as a gift to the Green Mountain Club by Mortimer Proctor, former club president and later governor of Vermont. The rustic-style clubhouse, built of timber and stone from the site, privided overnight accommodation for members and guests. Managed by Treadway Inns since 1933, it first welcomed skiers for the 1938-39 season and added Deer Leap Chalet as a winter annex in 1938. The lodge remained a popular destination until destroyed by fire in 1968. The Long Trail, conceived by the Green Mountain Club in 1910 and completed in 1930, follows the spine o fthe Green Mountains from Massachusetts to the Canadian broder. The original route of the trail passed dthrough the lodge.

Vermont Division for Historic Preservation - 2024" from Historical Sign on US-4

[2:48pm - Start of Hike]

[2:49pm - Sherburne Pass Trail]

I started by RUNNING across US-4 towards the Long Trail Lodge and entered the woods on the right toward the Sherburne Pass Trail and Deer Leap. There was a split in the trail, with a climber's route on the left and the hiking trail on the right. I entered the woods, relieved myself, realized I hadn't started my watch, and almost followed an old section of abandoned trail - doing great! The Sherbune Pass Trail was pretty rugged without gaining much elevation with super steep cliffs up on the left. I hiked past a bunch of really cool looking rocks and descended slightly. US-4 was super loud even from the trail.

The recent storms had dome some damage to the woods in central Vermont, and there were some VERY recent blowdowns here to show for it! I passed a sign at a low point that encouraged hikers to stay on the trail and to avoid cutting switchbacks. The trail was wet but not nearly as wet as it could have been with recently storms. I crossed paths with a friendly hiking family as I climbed up a steeper and more rugged section, which led to the junction with the Appalachian Trail!

[3:02pm - Appalachian Trail]

[3:03pm - Deer Leap Trail]

I was only on the Appalachian Trail for a minute on a flat stretch and then the Deer Leap Trail started just after. I turned onto the Deer Leap Trail, listening to what I assume was a sportsmen's club in the distance (or at least I hope it was!), and smiled as the sun came out from behind the clouds. I could feel the humidity in the air, but overall it was pretty comfortable. On my journey, I heard what MUST have been a loud truck on US-4... or...

I did check my weather app and it did say that there were storms in the area, but it was looking okay near me? Onward!

The trail climbed a bit more and then leveled out in a wet, but not muddy, section. I heard the mysterious booming truck again, but also an airplane? Strange things were happening in Sherburne Pass! The trail slightly descended to cross some muddy boards before easily climbing again to the junction with the Overlook Spur.

[3:12pm - Deer Leap Overlook Spur]

[3:16pm - Deer Leap Overlook]

I crossed paths with a woman and her puppy at the junction, said my hello, and then continued hiking through some beautiful woods with tree views to Deer Leap Mountain on the right. The trail started to descend, and then descended more (I was being dramatic, it wasn't that much), crossed a couple of bridges, and then opened up to the overlook with truly a spectacular view of Pico! There was a blue "X" on the highet point and I couldn't help but notice a DARK cloud looming behind Pico... The dark cloud started to rumble, so I got myself right back into the woods. I thought I MIGHT get spared based on the wind direction... We'll see...

I had a nice and easy return to the Deer Leap Trail, which would lead 0.9 miles to Willard Gap, per the sign.

[3:21pm - Deer Leap Trail]

The Deer Leap Trail STEEPLY descended from here, and it was clear that most people hike the overlook as an out-and-back. There was a steep, slimy scramble that was a little confusing to follow. I was just happy that I decided to the hike in this direction, so I'll end with an easier descent off of Pico versus having to haul my tired body up this mess. The trail became narrower and buggier, traversing a super wet area and climbing up a little stream. I crossed paths with two... casual hikers, and gave death glares at some screaming blue jays that were yelling at me. 

[3:35pm - Deer Leap Mountain summit area]

I worked my way over a few blowdowns as the trail steepened. I wrote in my notes "this little side quest of mine packs a punch!" The trail skirted the summit cone and left the National Forest Boundary. There were clouds overhead again, but it wasn't like, dark? I was feeling less worried. There WAS a lovely breeze, though!

There were some tree views on the left and cool rocks on the right before the descent really began, and I managed to accidentally follow a steep needly herd path which was NOT the trail. Thankfully, I noticed quickly and soon got back on the real trail. I entered a sea of hip-high ferns, but the footpath was clear. The trail became a muddy stream in a flatter spot, which provided me my first real boot-sucking mud experience of the year!

[3:49pm - Appalachian Trail]

I descended a little bit more and soon came to the Appalachian Trail, which I thought was still both the LT/AT, but nope! I turned left onto the AT right as my watch pinged two miles. Naturally, the trail was much wider now. I walked over a stream through this wonderuflly flat strech of trail, which was a nice break from the down.

[3:53pm - Willard Gap, Maine Junction, & Long Trail/Appalachian Trail]

Soon after, I came to "Maine Junction," which took me too long to realize why it was called that. This is the spot where the Long Trail and Appalachian Trail split! I continued straight onto the LT/AT, the Long Trail Northbound turned right, and there was a closed/abandoned trail on the right. This was also Willard Gap... I think. I noticed there was some construction going on at the junction, too. A gravel foundation bed with two boxes? Maybe a kiosk was going in? I also thought it would be a fun spot for a dual-privy, but probably not that. 

The LT/AT began to descend at very easy grades from this point before gently rising to cross some wet spots and streams. The forest here was really pretty with lush, low undergrowth filling in the space between trees. The trail crossed some form of property boundary before descending again, providing a glimpse through the trees to US-4. I almost stepped on an eft as I was trying to figure out what kind of undergrowth was surrounding me - turns out it was the wood nettle! I've only experienced nettle stings once before, and I do not want to deal with it again! Thankfully I escaped unscathed. 

I was sad that I forgot to bring chapstick with me, but I was happy that the knot in my hip belt was holding strong. I passed some form of a backpacker with an external frame pack in a super wet spot as I continued on into a shadier forest which featured the ROARS of US-4 as a soundtrack.

I passed a few signs (bear country warning, road crossing warning, and a trail relocation warning, even though the trail was relocated in 1999), a few slugs, and another backapcker as I prepared to cross US-4!

"YOU ARE ENTERING BEAR COUNTRY

This area has an active bear population. Bears have approached tents and shelters, eaten hikers' food, and destroyed hikers' equipment.

Observe these guidelines to keep your party safe: 

- Follow all food-storage procedures if staying at designated overnight sites

- Use bear boxes where provided to store food and scented items

- If primitive camping, prepare food and hang bear-bags at least 100 feet from campsites

- Pack out all garbage and food scraps

- Do not feed bears or approach bears

-  If you encounter a bear, do not corner it. Make noise to scare the bear away. Back away slowly.

Please report any bear encounters to the Green Mountain Club by calling (802) 244-7037."

"Caution: road crossing.

Cars on route 4 drive fast.

Wait for a break in traffic.

Walk across the road straight (not on a diagonal)."

"Notice of trail relocation

- The Long Trail and the Appalachian Trail hav ebeen relocated in this area. 

- This relocation puts trails on public land in a permanently proected corridor.

- The former route of the LT/AT remains open and will always be available to the hiking public. It is now called the Sherburne Pass Trail.

- The new LT/AT trailhead is on US 4 one mile west of Sherburne Pass."

[4:14pm - LT/AT crosses US-4]

I, again, SPRINTED across US-4 and got right back onto a trail, which first walked through a wildflower roadside area before turning right to pass more wildflowers (turning left led to a large parking area). I noticed I was also on the Catamount Ski Trail right here as I went back into the woods, passing a kiosk and crossing a bridge over a nice brook.

[4:18pm - LT/AT/Catamount Ski Trail Departs]

The Catamount Trail continued straight ahead as the LT/AT turned left, passing a porcupine warning!

"Dog Danger: Pico is operpopulated with prickly porcupines!

A local ceterinarian reports that he has de-quilled many dogs that were off leash and encountered porcupines on Pico. Apparently the porcupine population population has surged. If you aren't sure your dog knows to avoid porcupines and don't want your hike ruined by an encounter, please leash your dog."

I remembered seeing the same sign when I hiked up Killington last year! The LT/AT continued on flat ground, traversing some boards, and then began to easily gain elevation again. The trail had been really nicely graded at this point. I was back in a similar woods as the other side of US-4, but instead of nettles, it was filled with ferns. There was a nice breeze with many birds singing all around. The humidity was a lot, but thankfully it wasn't too hot out.

I started to catch some afternoon spiderwebs as I maneuvered some more wet spots, eventually crossing with a duo. One of the hikers was manhandling a blowdown off of the trail - thank you, stranger! I began to climb again, still at a reasonable grade. The trail turned with the contour of the mountain, zigging and zagging along. I passed another eft around a section of small streams before rambling through an area full of boulders. There was one spooky cave with room for a couple of folks laying down!

I hurt my own feelings when I checked my progress - I had SO MUCH more to climb! Oh well. I began to climb with steeper switchbacks in a wild area. I could hear running water off to the right as I zig zagged up the mountain, but never actually saw it. There was a nice walking break after a few minutes of climbing and I heard... an airplane? I think it actually was an airplane this time! I eventually crossed the stream that I had been hearing - a wobbly rock almost took me out! I wiggled around some more new blowdowns and then came up to the shelter that I had completely forgotten about!

[5:02pm - Churchill Scott Shelter spur]

I followed the blue blaze to the shelter, but I heard people at the shelter so I just swapped my water bottles at a tentside near the privy and then continued on my merry way! I didn't prepare any water for this hike, so I had to buy a gallon as I drove through Stowe, which was all fine, but I missed my Nuun!

[5:07pm - LT/AT]

Continuing on, I lamented about my climb not even being halfway done, but I think the problem was less that I was tired or bored, but more than my internal hiking clock is not used to hikingin the late afternoon. I did find myself enjoying drinking actual water versus electrolytes... The LT/AT continued to zig zag up the mountain, passing a sunny, overgrown spot with the occasional peek-a-view to who knows what. It was still very hazy outside, but significantly less cloudy. Will I make it out dry? The answer is no, but because I'm sweaty. Rain? We'll see!

I said hello to my third eft of the day as I climbed more consistently toward a false peak-ish area that provided views to the sky through the trees, but I still had a ways to go. The trail passed an overgrown viewpoint and a downy woodpecker before rambling through an area of overgrowth. I was growing impatient/tired as I continued climbing via zig-zags with occasional walking breaks. My watch pinged six miles and I entered a more mixed forest that smelled simply wonderful. The trail leveled out for a bit here - the flat dirt felt amazing on my tired feet. 

I could just barely make out Killington through the trees as the trail began to undulate. I heard either a crow or raven absolutely screaming through the trees. I scraped my way through an area of thin pines with scratchy undergworth (fir wave??) before flattening, descending, flattening again... I was REALLY getting tired of the endlessness! I had to physically crawl under a blowdown and just as I complained about another flat/down, I hit the junction with the Sherburne Pass Trail! Thank goodness.

[5:57pm - Sherburne Pass Trail]

This junction gave me a whole lot of information on a bunch of different signs! It was 0.3 miles to the Pico Camp, 0.7 miles to the Pico Summit, and 3.2 to Sherburne Pass - the three bits I cared about! I could just barely see the top of Pico through the trees and I accepted that I might have to race the sun down the mountain. 

The Sherburne Pass Trail was a narrower blue-blazed trail. To my dismay, I continued to descend through what felt like a wild jungle. 

[6:03pm - Sherbune Pass Trail/Killington-Pico Interconnect]

After a few minutes of descending, the Sherburne Pass Trail crossed the Killington-Pico Interconnect, which was really cool! It's just a wide gravel road, but it felt like I was somewhere where I shouldn't have been, even though it was totally okay! The trail went back into the woods, which were exceptionally moody. I soon passed a "water source down trail" sign, and then I arrived at Pico Camp!

[6:08pm - Pico Camp & Pico Link]

Pico Camp was a small cabin with a closed door, but it didn't looked locked. I was not going to f- around and find out, so I left it alone! There was a privy out in the woods a bit on the same contour. From here, it would be 0.4 miles to the summit!

[6:12pm - Pico Link/Killington-Pico Interconnect]

I climbed up through a rocky stream and then a short, steeper push to cross the Interconnect for a second time, providing a view to Killington through the trees. Back in the woods, the trail continued to be steeper and wet. This push felt like the final push up Killington, even though it was less steep (still steep, to be clear, but the push to Killington was STEEP steep). I crossed paths with a human - the first in a while - and I wrote in my notes that "this climb is a Grade-A doozy."

[6:20pm - Pico Link/Ski Area]

After some questioning of my life choices, I popped out onto the Fourty-Niner ski trail, which I had skied before! I briefly hiked through the woods again before opening up onto the other fork of Fourty-Niner. It was fun to be somewhere I had been before! I worked my way up on the footpath between the tall grasses, which led right to the top of the Sherburne Express Quad, providing a magnificent view. 

[6:24pm - Pico Mountain Summit]

Behind the patrol shack, I spooked a snowshoe hare and found the true summit, marked by a grassy cairn. On a nearby communications tower, some ravens were having a wild conversation. The bugs slowly moved in, surrounding my head in a way that made me feel like I was being swallowed by the air around me. Unpleasant! I throught about skiing the old Poma line and worked my way back to the lift. I loved seeing Abraham, Ellen, Camel's Hump, and Mansfield, and I could see Killington behind me!

[6:36pm - Pico Link]

[6:37pm - Pico Link enters woods]

[6:42pm - Pico Link/Killington-Pico Interconnect]

The bugs quickly went from bad to worse, so I BOOKED it back into the woods. I almost died on some wet spots of the Pico Link, but soon I was running through the Interconnect and back safe at the Pico Camp. I turned left to finish the last bit of the Sherburne Pass Trail.

[6:45pm - Sherburne Pass Trail]

[6:54pm - Sherburne Pass Trail/Summit Glades View]

I passed the water source from a previous trail sign and then the Sherburne Pass Trail began a lovely ramble around the contour. This ramble brought me to one of my favorite trails on Pico - Summit Glades! The view from here was just delightful, especially in the late afternoon sun. The trail actually started descending at this point, and I was thrilled to remember that becuase of how I did this loop, I would be descending significantly less than what I climbed. 

I was feeling an immense sense of joy and gratitude when I realized that not only did I not get struck by lightning on this hike, but I didn't get rained on, AND it turned out to be a stunning afternoon! I hiked down a series of long switchbacks at a reasonable grade and per tradition, the trail then flattened out and crossed 50 streams (more like 5-6). I hiked over a big, bright eft and hurt my own feelings (again) by checking the map (again).

Thankfully a breeze brought me back to life. I was having truly a wonderful time, but I was so upset that it was 7:15pm on a Sunday and I was dreadfully far from home. I then said to myself "don't Monday my Sunday," and I felt better! I crossed a little spur onto the Bushwhacker ski trail, but I didn't bother with it and kept my sights set on the car. 

The trail got wet and slippery afterwards, and after some more hiking turned a corner and I could hear US-4! Naturally, this was the worst section of trail I had hiked all day. I wondered if the upper bit had been relocated, because this was a wet, eroded mess (and I'd later learn that this used to be the Appalachian Trail!). 

[7:35pm - Sherburne Pass Trail/Trail Register]

I arrived at a trail register at a junction with an old, grassy road. I turned left and basically ran out of the woods to the parking area. This was a FANTASTIC hike!

[7:38pm - End of Hike]

As I packed up the car, I noticed someone rock climbing onto Deer Leap! That was fun to see.

I worked my way home, and noticed a lot of damage in the Woodstock area, and then I realized I was driving right through the tornado path! I got a few pictures along the river - the damage was intense. 

I eventually got home just before 11pm. I was TIRED, but what a great day.

Step-by-Step

- Park at Sherbune Pass/Deer Leap trailhead.

- Cross US-4 and start hike on Sherburne Pass Trail (N).

- At terminus, turn left onto Appalachian Trail.

- At jct. just after, turn left onto Deer Leap Trail.

- At jct., turn left onto Deer Leap Overlook.

- At overlook, turn around.

- At terminus, turn left onto Deer Leap Trail.

- At terminus, turn left onto Appalachian Trail.

- At Maine Junction, continue onto Long Trail/Appalachian Trail.

- Cross US-4, continue on LT/AT.

- At jct., turn left onto Sherburne Pass Trail.

- At jct., turn left onto Pico Link.

- Summit Pico Mountain, turn around.

- At terminus of Pico Link, turn left onto Sherburne Pass Trail.

- Follow Sherburne Pass Trail to car.

Map of Coolidge Range

Photo Album