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South Baldface, Baldface Knob, Eastman Mountain
Chatham, NH
Trailheads, measurements, times, distances, and maps are all approximate and relative to the hike(s) as shown below.
The Baldface Circle Trail to South Baldface
Route: Baldface Circle Trail, (South Baldface), Baldface Circle Trail, Baldface Knob Trail, (Baldface Knob), Baldface Knob Trail, Eastman Mountain Trail, (Eastman Mountain), Eastman Mountain Trail, Slippery Brook Trail, Baldface Circle Trail
Ever since enjoying a loop hike of the Baldfaces in the fall, I had been eager to return to this section of Evans Notch. With a decent forecast and word that most of the snow had melted in that area, I headed up 113.
The parking lot was nearly empty - which seems to be the status quo per my previous visit, as well as the times I've driven past it.
The first section of the Baldface Circle Trail was snow free and mostly dry. Since I was wearing long sleeves and pants in near 70 degree weather, however, I didn't make spectacular time. Nonetheless, I was at the base of the ledges quickly enough.
The first section of scramble ledges had some running water going down them, making things tricky but nonetheless passable. Beyond there, it was clear going. Other than the challenging of finding the faded blazes, it was good fun.
After reaching the shoulder, I quickly continued up the last section of trail to the South Baldface summit. As the trail dipped into a wooded area, I encountered three patches of snow - about a foot or so deep. Since they were covering up rocks, I took my time, not wanting to posthole into the unknown.
The views from the summit were spectacular - it was especially neat to see the greens slowly overtaking the notch. I would have stayed longer, but there was a decent amount of flies on the summit.
My next stop was Baldface Knob. Despite being a few hundred feet lower than South Baldface, I was surprised that the views were almost as good. Beyond there, the Baldface Knob Trail dropped somewhat steeply into the col between it and Eastman Mountain, then meanadered toward Eastman Mountain.
The ascent up Eastman was fairly gradual until the last few hundred or so vertical feet, which were moderate at best. The views from the somewhat ledgy top were strong, though not as impressive as South Baldface or Baldface Knob. Again, due to the flies, I didn't hang around for long.
The Slippery Brook Trail offered a somewhat gradual, but long descent. Each time I crossed a small brook or creek or entered into a softwood stand of trees, I had the false hope that I was near the Baldface Cirlce junction. Nonetheless, it was a nice trail with some neat vegetation and topography.
| Hike Ratings |
|
Getting To Trailhead: |
Easy |
| Destination: |
South Baldface |
|
Length: |
Moderate |
|
Steepness: |
Very Difficult |
|
Navigation: |
Moderate |
|
Views: |
Excellent |
|
Crowds: |
Minimal |
| Destination: |
Baldface Knob |
|
Length: |
Moderate |
|
Steepness: |
Moderate |
|
Navigation: |
Easy |
|
Views: |
Excellent |
|
Crowds: |
Minimal |
| Destination: |
Eastman Mountain |
|
Length: |
Moderate |
|
Steepness: |
Difficult |
|
Navigation: |
Easy |
|
Views: |
Excellent |
|
Crowds: |
Minimal |
|
| Hike Stats |
|
Date Hiked: |
May 14, 2008 |
| Hike Commenced: |
12:28 PM |
| Parking Elevation: |
505' |
| Destination: |
South Baldface |
| Ascent Commenced: |
12:29 PM |
| Summit Reached: |
2:24 PM |
| Time Elapsed: |
01:55 |
| Trailhead Elevation: |
500' |
| Summit Elevation: |
3,570' |
| Distance: |
3.7 miles |
| Vertical Gain: |
3,130' |
| Destination: |
Baldface Knob |
| Ascent Commenced: |
2:30 PM |
| Summit Reached: |
2:51 PM |
| Time Elapsed: |
00:21 |
| Trailhead Elevation: |
3,570' |
| Summit Elevation: |
3,025' |
| Vertical Gain: |
80' |
| Destination: |
Eastman Mountain |
| Ascent Commenced: |
2:53 PM |
| Summit Reached: |
3:27 PM |
| Time Elapsed: |
00:34 |
| Trailhead Elevation: |
3,025' |
| Summit Elevation: |
2,939' |
| Vertical Gain: |
404' |
|
|
| Hike Ended: |
5:35 PM |
| Hike Time Elapsed: |
05:07 |
| Hike Vertical Gain: |
3,829' |
|
The Baldface Circle Trail trailhead on Route 113
Looking up Evans Notch from the South Baldface summit
Looking up the Baldface Knob Trail on the way to Baldface Knob
Looking southeast past Eastman Mountain from Baldface Knob
Looking up the Eastman Mountain Trail on the way to Eastman Mountain
Looking at the Doubleheads from Eastman Mountain
Directions to trailhead: From US 302 in Maine, take 113 North towards Evans Notch. The Baldface parking lot is on the right side of the road. The trailhead is just north of the parking lot on 113.
Back to South Baldface Profile
Back to Baldface Knob Profile
Back to Eastman Mountain Profile
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