Baldface Hike

A beautiful May day and a great way to start our 2008 hiking season! We got in a really nice hike in Evans Notch, doing the Baldface Circle Trail loop up over both South and North Baldface summits. The hike was 9.8 miles, and it took us 5:20 with approximately 50 minutes of breaks. Not too bad for our first hike of the season and the rugged terrain. Snowman and I had done this hike with friends back when we were working at Sunday River, likely in the first summer after we were married, meaning it was *gulp* 8 years ago, and remembered it being a nice one. We had also heard it was a snow-free loop, so it seemed like a good option.

The first 2.5 miles to the shelter were pretty quick, but then we hit the ledges.
As some of our hiker friends may know, I am not that good on rocks, especially sloped rocks! So our pace ground to a halt, as Snowman had to help me maneuver many of the boulders and ledges. How did we do this long ago? Must have taken us all day... Anyway, the ledges up to South Baldface, and the summit itself, had some great views out into Evans Notch and over towards the Presidentials and the Wildcat/Carter ridgeline. Hiking is always better if there are beautiful views! We meandered along the ridge to the North summit, taking it all in.

On the descent, we ran into some great patches of snow, but nothing that was too difficult to get around.
We also ran into lots of hobblebush, which was attempting to take over the trail! Back down in the lower terrain, the bugs came out, but it is spring in New England, so we couldn't complain too much. After all, it was a great day to be out, and we both felt good!

Baldface Hike Photos