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4,041 ft · Longfellow Mountains, Maine

The Horn

The Horn is a 4,041 ft peak in the Longfellow Mountains, Maine. The standard route is the Saddleback and The Horn from Ski Lodge: 6 mi, 2,759 ft of gain, Class 1.

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The Horn in the Longfellow Mountains, Maine

The Horn at a glance

  • Elevation4,041 ft1,231 m
  • RouteSaddleback and The Horn from Ski LodgeClass 1
  • Distance6 mi2,759 ft gain
  • Time5 – 7 hrsModerate effort
  • SeasonJun – Oct
  • RangeLongfellow MountainsMaine

Climbing the Saddleback and The Horn from Ski Lodge

From Route 4 near Rangeley, Maine, the Appalachian Trail climbs over Saddleback Mountain and along the open ridge to The Horn, a sharp rocky sub-peak with fine alpine views. Much of the traverse runs above treeline and is fully exposed to wind and fast-moving weather, and the summit requires a short scramble. Start early for the long day and carry layers and plenty of water. The Horn is nearly always climbed together with Saddleback, since the two share the same high, scenic ridge above Rangeley.

Gear and hazards

What to bring

  • Backpack (15–25 L)
  • Water
  • First-Aid Kit
  • Whistle
  • Offline Maps
  • Compass
  • Paper Map
  • GPS Device
  • Headlamp
  • Hiking Boots
  • Trekking Poles
  • Base Layer
  • Midlayer
  • Insulated Jacket
  • Hardshell Jacket
  • Warm Hat
  • Light Gloves
  • Buff
  • Sun Hat
  • Sunglasses
  • Sunscreen

What to watch for

  • High winds
  • Storms
  • Low visibility
  • Cold summit conditions
  • Rapid weather shifts
  • Remote location
  • Slippery terrain

Quests with The Horn

Peaks near The Horn

  1. Saddleback Mountain

    Saddleback Mountain

    4,120 ft · 1.3 mi away

  2. Redington

    Redington

    4,010 ft · 7.0 mi away

  3. South Crocker Mountain

    South Crocker Mountain

    4,050 ft · 8.0 mi away

  4. Mount Abraham

    Mount Abraham

    4,050 ft · 8.0 mi away

Frequently asked questions

How tall is The Horn?

The Horn is 4,041 feet (1,231 m) tall. It is in the Longfellow Mountains, Maine. It is also known as Saddleback Horn.

How does The Horn rank among the New England 4,000ers?

At 4,041 feet, The Horn is the 58th highest of the 67 New England 4,000ers. The highest is Mount Washington.

How hard is it to hike The Horn?

The Saddleback and The Horn from Ski Lodge is Class 1, which means hiking on a trail. Yak rates the overall effort moderate: 6 miles with 2,759 feet of elevation gain.

How long does it take to hike The Horn?

Most people take 5 – 7 hours round trip on the Saddleback and The Horn from Ski Lodge, covering 6 miles with 2,759 feet of elevation gain, so most people do it in a day.

Can a beginner hike The Horn?

Usually, if you are fit. The Saddleback and The Horn from Ski Lodge is a common first summit for hikers ready for 5 – 7 hours on their feet. Bring layers, food and water, and check the weather before you start.

When is the best time to hike The Horn?

The usual hiking window is June to October. Outside it, expect snow, storms or closed access, and check the summit forecast before you go.

What is the trailhead elevation for The Horn?

The Saddleback and The Horn from Ski Lodge starts at about 2,470 feet, roughly 1,571 feet below the summit.

Climb The Horn with Yak

Plan your route on a topo map, check the summit forecast, then log your climb and see what is left on your list

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