Bald Mountain in Franconia Notch
| Date: | 7-3-2026 |
| Location: | Franconia Notch, NH |
| Distance: | 2.31 mi |
| Elevation Gain: | 479′ |
| Total Time: | 1 hr 43 min |
| Parking: | 20+ cars |
Ok, first, this is not the Bald Mountain that is on the 52 with a view. This is a smaller mountain across from Cannon Ski area and Echo Lake State Park.
The forecast was calling for another hot and humid day in New Hampshire. Because of this I choose to hike Bald Mountain. This is a small, short hike and extremely popular during leaf peeping season.
I’ve done this loop before and been to Artists Bluff a number of times but never made the short jaunt to see the Bald Mountain Summit.
I started out by parking in Echo Lake State Park. My plan was to take a dip in the lake after the hike. From here I walked across the street to the trail head. It was 73 degrees at The was perfect! 8am and very humid.
I did the loop clock-wise. The first section of trail is pretty easy and gradual. One thing I love about Franconia Notch in particular are all the gnarly trees wrapped around rocks.
The trail comes out into a junction then starts to climb the mountain. It also leads to the alt parking lot across from Cannon Mt.
This trail starts to climb steadily until I reached the other junction where I could continue on the loop or ascend Bald Mountain.
The trail up to the summit is not long but it does have a few sections that are open and rugged. I had to climb on all fours for a spot or two.
At the top there were a couple people but some amazing views of Cannon, Echo Lake and Franconia Notch. There are also other great views in all directions.
For a few minutes I even had this summit all to myself but eventually more people were starting to come up so grabbed my bag and kept moving.
The loop trail that goes across a small ridge to Artists Bluff was well maintained. It was also, rocky and rooty as you would expect.
When I got to the other high point there was a small view and a large rock. I didn’t stay long, just enough for a few pictures.
I continued on down to the bluff. After a few minutes of walking I could start to hear people and I knew I was close. When I got to Artists Bluff there were about 30 people on the open ledge and more coming.
I hung out for a bit and had a drink of my iced tea and took a few pictures before heading down. The trail down is pretty steep but had good footing. The trail is not long so I was down in no time.
Once back at the car I dropped off my bag. I forgot a towel, so I had to buy one at the beach store and get one. Then I headed in the lake. A little warm near the shore but the deeper it got the colder it got. It was perfect!
