Four Ponds Trail (on the AT)

The ponds reachable via this leg of the AT are well worth visiting. Plus, there are a few mountain views along the way. While both stretches — coming in from the west it is about 3.8 miles, and from the east it is 8.7 miles — are a bit long to be considered an easy walk, the route follows a relatively flat section of the AT. (And I mean relatively! There are some steep, but short, hills.) A few times you’ll be high enough to have views through trees of Long Pond and the mountains beyond.

From Route 17, Height of Land scenic overlook trailhead: Right away, you’ll start climbing, up to viewless Spruce Mountain (735 meters). Once you crest the hill, you’ll be closing in on Moxie Pond and Long Pond. The rest of the trail rewards your efforts with great spots for pondside sitting, lunching or musing, especially on Long Pond and Sabbath Day Pond.

The first little waterbody you’ll reach is Moxie Pond, the smallest of the ponds; it’s roughly 1.7 miles from the Height of Land trailhead and is connected to Long Pond. The pond access here is difficult, though.

At 3.5 miles, you’ll arrive at the far end of Long Pond. There is a narrow beach here, with clear water and a sandy bottom that might tempt you to swim. A small area behind the beach has been cleared for a tent.

If you hike another 0.3 miles along the AT, you’ll come to Sabbath Day Pond, where rough pond-side benches have been set up. This is also quite a nice place for a swim, but the bottom isn’t sandy.

The trail cuts through Four Ponds Public Reserve Land.

In addition, you can approach the ponds coming from Route 4, on the northeast end of the trail. Here are Sam Shirley’s directions: Route 4 to Sabbath Day Pond.

This section of the Appalachian Trail between Route 4 and Sabbath Day Pond is primarily used by backpackers on the AT, but is also great for long or short day hikes without any significant climbs. There are multiple backcountry ponds and viewpoints along the way.

Starting from Route 4, it is only a mile of moderate uphill to the best viewpoint in the section. This view offers great views into the High Peaks, prominently featuring Saddleback Mountain and Mount Abraham, and is worthy of a short day hike in itself. The next significant landmark is South Pond at around the 2-mile mark. There is good shore access at this undeveloped circular pond, with Saddleback Mountain rising above the trees in the distance.

The next section of trail is undulating as it passes some boggy areas and a nice viewpoint north at 3.7 miles from Route 4. At around 4.7 miles, the trail reaches Little Swift River Pond, which is another circular backcountry pond, somewhat smaller than South Pond. Interestingly, Little Swift River Pond actually drains into the Sandy River, unlike its larger neighbor, Swift River Pond, which does drain into the Swift River. At the pond is an official campsite with multiple tenting areas near the water.

Beyond Little Swift River Pond, the trail gradually climbs an unnamed 2,938′ mountain. The summit is marked by a split boulder beside the trail in a section of spruce-fir forest, about 7 miles from Route 4. This is the highest point along this section of trail. Beyond the summit, the trail descends to a transmission line clearing at around 7.5 miles. Here, there are limited views along the clearing to both the north and south. Beyond the transmission line, the trail crosses a couple more minor peaks and descends to Sabbath Day Pond, with its lean-to and camping area.

Directions: For the trail section leaving from Route 17: Park at the Height of Land scenic overlook lot and hike south along the side of the road for 300 or so feet. When you come to a break in the barrier, cross the road and climb up the stone steps of the AT trail, which is marked for its entire duration with white blazes. In about 1.25 miles the trail crosses a woods road. Go straight.

For the trail section leaving from Route 4: From downtown Rangeley, the prominent parking area and trailhead is about 10 miles southeast on ME-4/Main St toward Lake Street. It’ll be on the right side of the road traveling this direction. The address is 372 Main Street, Rangeley.