Mount Redington

Mount Redington is one of only two New England 4,000-foot peaks without a maintained trail to its summit, the other being Owl's Head in New Hampshire. This means hikers will navigate a less-defined "herd path" rather than a formally marked trail, requiring stronger navigational skills and offering a more rugged, adventurous experience.

No, there are no officially maintained trails directly to the summit of Mount Redington. Instead, hikers follow a "herd path" that has been created over time by other adventurers. This path can be challenging to follow in certain areas and often requires good navigational skills and a GPS device.

The summit of Mount Redington offers limited views, primarily through the firs of the Crocker Mountains and the Bigelow Range to the north. While not panoramic, the journey itself through mossy fir forests and rewilding areas often provides unexpected delight and opportunities for wildlife sightings.

Winter hiking on Mount Redington is significantly more challenging due to deep snow and ice, which would increase the difficulty of an already trailless ascent. Most hikers prefer the warmer months from late spring to early fall when conditions are more favorable and the herd path is easier to discern.

While there are no explicit restrictions against dogs, the challenging, unmaintained nature of the "herd path" and the dense, tunnel-like sections of forest might be difficult for some dogs, especially in adverse conditions. Hikers should assess their dog's endurance and agility before attempting this peak.

At the forested top of Mount Redington, hikers can find a handmade summit sign and an old register canister where they can sign their name, connecting with previous adventurers who have reached this unique peak.

Mount Redington offers a significantly different experience than Sugarloaf Mountain. While both are 4,000-footers in the region, Sugarloaf has well-maintained trails and is famously bypassed by the Appalachian Trail. Redington, conversely, is known for its lack of maintained trails, requiring hikers to navigate a more rugged "herd path," appealing to those seeking a true wilderness and peak-bagging challenge.

Due to the unmaintained nature of the summit path, dedicated loop trails are not formally established for Mount Redington. Hikers typically follow an out-and-back route using the existing "herd path" or combine it with sections of old logging roads to create their own variations.

Mount Redington is part of the Longfellow Mountains within Maine's High Peaks region. Its ecological sensitivity, particularly its sub-alpine fir habitat, is significant as it supports rare species like the bog lemming and Bicknell's thrush, which was a key factor in the rejection of a proposed wind farm development in the mid-2000s.

Given the challenging and often difficult-to-find nature of the "herd path" to the summit, it is strongly recommended that hikers bring a reliable GPS device, a detailed map, and a compass. Strong navigational skills are essential for a safe and successful trip.

Mount Redington is located in a remote part of Western Maine, roughly between the towns of Stratton and Rangeley. While not directly adjacent, these towns offer limited amenities such as cafes, restaurants, and accommodation options for hikers visiting the region.