Saddleback Mountain (Rangeley, Maine) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Saddleback Mountain |
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As seen from State Route 16
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| Highest point | |
| Elevation | 4,121 ft (1,256 m) |
| Prominence | 2,448 ft (746 m) |
| Listing | New England 4000 footers #19 New England Fifty Finest |
| Geography | |
 Saddleback Mountain
Location in Maine
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| Topo map | USGS Saddleback Mountain |
Saddleback Mountain is a tall mountain in Maine, U.S.. It is located in Sandy River Plantation, near the town of Rangeley. Saddleback is one of the highest mountains in Maine. It is also home to the Saddleback ski resort.
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About Saddleback Mountain
Saddleback Mountain stands out in the landscape of Maine. It is one of only fourteen mountains in the state that rise more than 2,000 ft (610 m) above the land around them. This makes it a very noticeable peak.
What is Saddleback Made Of?
The main rock that makes up Saddleback Mountain is a type of granite called the Redington pluton. Scientists believe this rock formed about 410 million years ago. The top of the mountain is covered with a layer of till, which is soil left behind by glaciers. This soil is usually about 10 feet (3.0 m) thick or less.
Water Flowing from the Mountain
Water from Saddleback Mountain flows in different directions. On the northwest side, water drains into Saddleback Lake. From there, it flows into Redington Stream and then into the Dead River. Eventually, this water reaches the Kennebec River and flows into the Gulf of Maine.
On the southeast side, water flows into Winship and Conant Streams. These streams join Orbeton Stream and then the Sandy River. The Sandy River is another tributary that flows into the Kennebec River.
The southwest part of Saddleback drains into Cascade Stream. This stream leads to Rangeley Lake, then the Rangeley River, and Mooselookmeguntic Lake. The water continues through the Upper and Lower Richardson Lakes. Finally, it reaches the Rapid River and Umbagog Lake, before flowing into the Androscoggin River. The Androscoggin River then joins the Kennebec River's estuary at Merrymeeting Bay.
Hiking and Skiing at Saddleback
The famous Appalachian Trail runs right along the top of Saddleback Mountain. This trail is a very long hiking path, stretching about 2,170 mi (3,490 km) from Georgia all the way to Maine. Hikers on the Appalachian Trail cross over the summit of Saddleback.
Saddleback Maine is a popular ski area located on the northern side of the mountain. It has 66 different ski trails, ranging from easy slopes for beginners to challenging runs for expert skiers. The resort also has 5 ski lifts to take people up the mountain.
Images for kids
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View of Saddleback Mountain as seen from the Horn of Saddleback
