The Appalachian Trail is a continuous hiking path which covers 2,000 miles from Springer Mountain in Georgia to Katahdin Mountain in Maine, the trail crosses through Franklin County and connects with a number of the area’s most rugged and scenic peaks. In the Rangeley Lakes region, the trail runs from Andover and continues beyond Saddleback Mountain.
To reach trail on Rt. 17, travel 11.1 miles south from Oquossoc. The trail from Rt. 17 to Rt. 4 is approximately 13 miles. It is moderate hiking, with no significantly steep sections. Four miles from Rt. 17 is Sabbath Day Pond and shelter. To reach the trail which crosses Route 4, travel south approximately 9 miles from the center of Rangeley. It is 5 miles from Route 4 to the top of Saddleback Mountain, with the last mile above tree line. Please stay on this marked trail, as this is a fragile alpine area. 1.3 miles from Route 4, hikers will pass Piazza Rock. A shelter and tent sites are located nearby. A side trail off Saddleback Mountain in this area, allows hikers to follow the ski trails to the base lodge. This trail is approximately 2 miles in length. Many other accesses to the A.T. are located throughout the region by means of secondary trails. For further info., call the Maine Appalachian Trail Club at 207-645-4407 or visit their website.
