N. & S. Baldface Mtns. Hike

An assault of the Views!

Last time I did this I had so much fun I had to do it again. We hit the trail around 9:15am and made good time to the South Baldface Shelter, where we took a snack break. 

We then set out to climb the South Baldface ledges, and what would be about 4 miles of above-treeline hiking. The ledges are quite fun and a somewhat rough scramble. 

The weather was great, with fair weather clouds and a refreshing breeze. Along the way up and over the ledges, we had to pull ourselves up over boulders. 

When we got up over the tough stuff and came to a reasonably flat spot, we stopped to snack on wild blueberries. Everyone marvelled at the fantastic 360 views. 

Then we set off again stopping at the stone bench, at the junction of the Baldface Circle and Baldface Knob trails. We then set off for the final climb to South Baldface.

On the South Baldface summit we took a break for lunch and soaked in more views. We then headed over to North Baldface.

We made good time from our lunch break to the North summit, where we stopped for an extended break, chatting with others on the summit and identifying peaks. We then headed down Bicknell Ridge.

This trail took us in and out of wooded areas to at least five open ledges with great views over to South Baldface. I started to get a view overload. It was almost hard to concentrate on your footing, after looking at the great views all day. But we enjoyed what we had left of them before heading into the trees. The last part of the Bicknell Ridge trail turned out to be very mellow ~ almost a level trail ~ and then we intersected with the Baldface Circle trail and made a stop to Emerald Pool. None of us were up for jumping into the frigid water.

After the hike we went into Fryeberg, ME for some pizza/beer and chatted a while before heading home. The hike took just under 8 hours. I'm sure we'll all want to go back to the Baldfaces again at some point ~ this is one of the best hikes in the White Mountains.

A wonderful trip made even better by the great company!

One of the finest ridge traverses of the White Mountains, with about four miles of open ledge walking. 

Per SummitPost: "Here's an argument against peak bagging: while you're spending your weekends chasing all 48 of New Hampshire's 4000-footers, you might miss some small but spectacular gems like Cardigan, Chocorua, and the two peaks described here."

Unlike a lot of 4000-footers, a significant portion of Baldface is above treeline. Along the way, the hike encounters gorges, technical scramble sections [that will make some people nervous], cairn-to-cairn navigation, and even a bit of easy creek-hopping.

Distance: We'll follow the Baldface Circle Trail on the steep climb to South Baldface and across North Baldface, descend via the ledgy Bicknell Ridge Trail and lower Baldface Circle Trail. This loop is 9.7 miles.

Time: 6.40 book time

Elevation Gain: 3,600 feet

This is NOT a dog-friendly hike.

Hike description and other info available at Summit Post.

Carpooling: Contact other members to carpool, share the conversation and travel expenses. Contact us if you want to carpool with us from Exit 28.

Cell Phone #: Will be provided to participants in an email.

After The Hike: We'll grab dinner in North Conway so bring a change of clothes.

Lodging Option: I have 8 bunks available with linen for both Friday and Saturday night at my house in Waterville Valley for $20 each night. You can use the kitchen facilities and store beverages/food in the fridge. I serve coffee in the morning and a continental breakfast. Contact me to RSVP. SPACE IS LIMITED TO EIGHT GUYS.