The segment that crosses the ridge of Saddleback Mountain is the largest of 200 unprotected parcels along the 2,167-mile path from Georgia's Springer Mountain to Mount Katahdin in Maine. It is also considered one of the most beautiful. From there, hikers can follow the rocky ridge for nearly two miles with stunning, 360-degree views. Saddleback's owners wanted to maintain the right to further develop the mountain and to let skiers cross the trail to reach the undeveloped backside of the mountain. Conservationists wanted to keep ski lifts and other equipment from interfering with the views enjoyed by hikers.
Critics say it was a lot of money.
Any time the federal government takes property by eminent domain, it infringes on the rights of the landowner,'' said Dave Lackey, Snowe's spokesman in Washington. Some remain uneasy about the agreement, saying it doesn't go far enough in protecting the trail if the ski area is sold and expanded. David Startzell, executive director of the Appalachian Trail Conference in Harpers Ferry, W.Va., said it's possible that more land could be purchased down the road to guarantee even more protection for the trail. It's pointless to have a discussion with the current owner since it took 17 years to get to this point,'' he said. Check the Snow Reports for a daily update on ski conditions in Maine and New Hampshire.