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Just west of the New Hampshire/Maine state line, this 8.3-mile lollipop in the White Mountain National Forest begins on a gradual one-mile climb before tackling a 2,500-foot ascent to the first of two rocky summits. Along the way, the hike encounters gorges, technical scramble sections, cairn-to-cairn navigation, and even a bit of easy creek-hopping. The two summits, South Baldface and North Baldface, are fairly bare and open (as their names suggest) and offer distant views of Mount Washington (New Hampshire’s highest peak) to the west.
-Mapped by Kari Bodnarchuk
TO TRAILHEAD: From Portland, ME, take US 302 W to Fryeburg; turn R onto River St./ME 113 N (toward East Conway/Stow). In 1.3 mi., turn R @ stop sign (stay on ME 113 N); follow signs for North Chatham, NH. In 16 mi., park @ trailhead on R.
Position Format:
Datum:
Tracks
BFM01
Distance: 8.32 mi
Points: 806
Calories: none
Total Time: none
Speed: 0.0 mph
Pace: 0:00 / mi
Active Time: none
Speed: 0.0 mph
Pace: 0:00 / mi
Baldface Mountain
Points of Interest
BFM001
Location: 44.237484, -71.014969
Head W on dirt-packed, yellow-blazed trail with seasonal lady's-slippers; listen for high-pitched blue-jay calls
BFM002
Location: 44.237167, -71.029236
Turn L onto Baldface Circle Trail toward South Baldface. Optional: For a dip, R for .2-mi. round trip to Emerald Pool
BFM003
Location: 44.235867, -71.036552
Go L for .5-mi. horseshoe to Chandler Gorge, a rocky chasm cut by a cascading stream; narrow, leafy path with steep dropoffs; turn L @ jct. to reconnect with main trail
BFM004
Location: 44.234650, -71.060631
Cross stream; pass 3-sided storm shelter; leave trees behind on steep climb up ledges; use hands to scramble up rock face
BFM005
Location: 44.232716, -71.069214
Turn R on false summit (marked with large cairns)
BFM006
Location: 44.230984, -71.077797
South Baldface (3,569 ft.): Endless views, including Mt. Washington to the W. Turn R and head NW on ridgetop to North Baldface; cut through pine forest; cairns and blazes lead up steep boulders and rock slabs
BFM007
Location: 44.242882, -71.086868
North Baldface (3,591 ft.). Head NE on rooty, rocky, pine-needle trail
Location: 44.252434, -71.074203
Hard R @ 4-way; head E on Baldface Circle Trail for very steep, rocky descent; cross several small brooks
BFM010
Location: 44.242485, -71.038353
Continue straight
BFM011
Location: 44.237701, -71.031998
Cross brook on slick rocks (if high water, cross on ledge upriver). In 150 ft., stay straight @ Circle Jct.; retrace to trailhead
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