Sugarloaf and Spaulding via Appalachian Trail

This route starts and ends at the Appalachian Trailhead on Caribou Pond Road, reaching Spaulding Mountain's summit first, then summiting Sugarloaf Mountain on the return. From the trailhead, follow the Appalachian Trail south, fording the South Branch of the Carrabassett River after 0.1 mile. At 2 miles, pass the junction with the blue-blazed Sugarloaf Mountain side trail on the left without turning, continuing on the Appalachian Trail. Climb 2 more miles to a junction with Spaulding Mountain's 0.1-mile side trail, then follow it to Spaulding's wooded, viewless summit at 4.1 miles. Retrace the Appalachian Trail 2.2 miles back to the Sugarloaf side-trail junction, then turn right (west) onto the blue-blazed side trail and climb 0.6 mile and about 600 vertical feet to Sugarloaf's open summit, with 360-degree views over the Bigelow Range and the Sugarloaf ski resort. Descend the same side trail 0.6 mile back to the Appalachian Trail, then continue 2 miles back to the trailhead. The full route covers approximately 9.2 miles round trip with an estimated 3,435 vertical feet of cumulative elevation gain.