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About


Bald Mountain
Albany, NH

Trailheads, measurements, times, distances, and maps are all approximate and relative to the hike(s) as shown below.
Looking up the Weetamoo Trail
Looking up the Weetamoo Trail

Route: Piper Trail, Weetamoo Trail, Hammond Trail, bushwhack, (Bald Mountain), bushwhack, Hammond Trail, Weetamoo Trail, Piper Trail

Though the forecast was looking good a day or two in advance, the updated morning forecast was mediocre at best - instead of mostly sunny, mostly cloud with a chance of rain. As I drove to the Piper Trail trailhead, it rained briefly - arg.

Starting on the Piper Trail, the sky seemed to be clearing a bit. After the gentle walk to the Weetamoo Trail junction, the grades stayed tame as the trail approached the water crossing. While the crossing was rock hoppable (though a bit tricky in new boots), it could be tough in high water situations.

After awhile, I thought I saw what was Weetamoo Rock on my left. I soon realized I was mistaken, as I passed a very large rock on my right - quite a sight to see, though some clearing might enhance things a bit more.

Reaching the Hammond Trail junction, I was pleased to observe that the Weetamoo Trail had never been steep or suffered from bad footing - not a bad trail.

After a short walk downhill on the Hammond Trail, I reached the height of land of Bald Mountain and bushwhacked my way to the summit. From there, I pushed over to the view ledges, where the scenery was phenomenal. Doing a bit more exploring, I dropped down maybe a dozen vertical feet and found even more impressive views. All told, I could see, from multiple ledges, Chocorua to the Ossipees and everything in between (clockwise, west to south). How this area does not have a trail to it, I do not know.

The return trip was non-eventful, other than the typical discomfort from breaking in a new pair of boots.


Hike Ratings
Getting To Trailhead: Easy
Destination: Bald Mountain
Length: Moderate
Steepness: Moderate
Navigation: Difficult
Views: Excellent
Crowds: Minimal


Hike Stats
Date Hiked: Wednesday, August 26, 2009
Hike Commenced: 3:45 PM
Parking Elevation: 780'
Destination: Bald Mountain
Ascent Commenced: 3:45 PM
Summit Reached: 4:55 PM
Time Elapsed: 01:10
Trailhead Elevation: 780'
Summit Elevation: 2,140'
Vertical Gain: 1,480'
Hike Ended: 6:38 PM
Hike Time Elapsed: 02:53
Hike Vertical Gain: 1,660'


The Piper Trail trailhead
The Piper Trail trailhead

The lower half of Weetamoo Rock
The lower half of Weetamoo Rock

Looking at Mt. Chocorua, the Three Sisters, and Carter Ledge from the Bald Mountain ledges - Click to enlarge
Looking at Mt. Chocorua, the Three Sisters, and Carter Ledge from the Bald Mountain ledges

Topographic map of Bald Mountain - Click to enlarge


Directions to trailhead: Take Route 16 North from Tamworth. The Piper Trail WMNF sign is on the left, immediately after a general store. The WMNF fee parking area is about a minute or off Route 16. The Piper Trail trailhead is at the back corner of the parking lot.

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