Lewiston, ME 04240

Chatham, NH 03813

Description

The Baldface Loop is located in Evan’s Notch, and offers an incredible amount of hiking above tree-line based on the relatively low elevation of the summits and Ridgeline. Once on the ridge, you’ll get views of the Carter Ridge and the Wild River Wilderness. The loop is about 10 miles and very well marked. The uphill sections are relatively mellow which makes for great trail running. The loop is best from south to north (hike up South Baldface first) to avoid hiking down the steep sections on South Baldface. About 2 miles into the loop you’ll pass by the South Baldface Shelter, which is located right below the tree-line and is a great place to spend the night. This also makes the Baldface Loop a great intro backpacking trip if broken up into two days, since most of the elevation is covered on the way up to the shelter. This hike also has an awesome swimming hole (the emerald pool) indicated by a sign at the first turn 3/4 mile into the hike where the loop splits. You should defiantly check it out on the way up or down and take a dip if it’s warm. The summit and ridge of this hike are almost always super windy so bring some warmer layers even if its warm and sunny.

Directions

Park in the parking lot on the east side of the road. Follow the road north for a couple hundred feet to reach the trailhead on the east side (there is a big sign indicating that it’s the boldface circle trail). Follow this for 3/4 of a mile until you reach a junction. Check out the emerald pool on your right, and then hike back to the junction and continue following the Baldface Circle Trail towards South Baldface. There is another junction shortly after, again stay on the Baldface Circle Trail. Continue for another 1.5 miles until you hit the lean-too. The trail continues behind the lean-too onto the exposed ledges. Follow blazes and cairns to the ridge, and follow the ridge to the top of South Baldface. Stay on the ridge and continue to North Baldface. About a mile after the North Baldface summit, follow the Baldface Circle Trail down to the start of the loop.

Trailhead Location:

2223 Main Rd, Chatham, NH 03813

44.237886°N, 71.015786°W

Additional Notes

Don’t forget some warmer clothes for the ridge! Defiantly the more physically challenging end of Intermediate, but well marked enough that you don’t need much hiking experience.

See also: South Baldface