About 12.5 miles. Will ascend the firewarden's trail to stunning above treeline West Peak, gaining 1700' in the last 1.5 miles on well constructed trail. Continue across the wooded ridge to North Horn and descend to Horns Pond, completing the loop down the Horns Pond trail. I fully expect no one to sign up since it's on up here in Maine, but hey!, don't leave me in the lurch on this varied and beautiful trail of 360° views of the western Maine mts and Flagstaff Lake, classic Horns Pond, fall foliage, and the omnipresent scent of fir. Bring sturdy boots, a light fleece, wind/rain shell, 2 liters of water, snacks and lunch. It will be early fall, so a light cap and gloves and leg covering may add to comfort at treeline and across the ridge. 9/30/18 will be alternate day in case of bad weather, though a nice loop hike can be made via the AT and the Horns Pond trail, avoiding the exposed peaks.

Take rt 27 north/west out of Kingfield. 3.2 miles after Sugarloaf Ski Area and .5 miles after the AT parking lot, turn right onto marked Stratton Brook Road, a good single lane dirt road which should provide no problem for low riding vehicles. Continue 1.6 miles to fairly large parking area. Trail starts to left of info sign. I have a silver Nissan frontier truck. I really really really hope to see you there. About 12 miles before the Stratton Brook turnoff is a marked Maine rest area w/toilets.