| Hiking Trail Conditions Report |
 | Peaks |
Bald Mountain (Campton), NH |
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 | Trails: |
Unnamed trail |
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 | Date of Hike: |
Thursday, November 11, 2021 |
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 | Parking/Access Road Notes: |
So a previous trail report here did not mention anything about private property nor did someone I know who did this not too long ago, however, at the end of the road there are private property signs stating that you can only hunt with permission from the landowner. There are also two gates. The first one is open, the second one, maybe 50ft beyond, is closed. Both mention private property. That said, neither say no trespassing and I have to think that hikers are welcome. Also, I tend to think that they first gate is left open so that hikers have a place to park off to the side between the two gates. Otherwise, there's really nowhere to park. Nonetheless, it seemed a bit risky to me and would love clarification if anyone has it. As I was leaving, a truck pulled up behind me, but didn't seem to mind I was there. The roads in are partially dirt and eventually become narrow so watch for approaching cars but they are in good shape and easily passable by any car. |
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 | Surface Conditions: |
Dry Trail, Mud - Minor/Avoidable, Mud - Significant, Leaves - Significant/Slippery |
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 | Recommended Equipment: |
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 | Water Crossing Notes: |
None |
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 | Trail Maintenance Notes: |
The right (north?) side of the loop looked like it had some minor blowdowns but there's now a herd path that looks more like the established trail around them. No other blowdowns I recall. No blazing or trail signs; I think there was some surveyors tape down low, namely where the path started at the back of the clearing but that's it. Not really hard to follow but lightly travelled. More details below |
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 | Dog-Related Notes: |
None seen though this would be a nice little hike for a dog. That said, considering the property issues mentioned above, I'd be careful about bringing one. |
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 | Bugs: |
None |
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 | Lost and Found: |
No, I did not lose car keys two days in a row |
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 | Comments: |
Yesterday was Day 11, Peak 13: Bald Mountain in Campton. A very quick post-work hike, worried about beating the sunset. Mid 40s when I started at 3:50pm and high 30s when I finished about an hour later.
From the end of the Cook Hill Rd in between the open and closed gates as mentioned above, continue beyond the closed gate (private property) along a road. You'll come to a large clearing on your left with impressively large piles of dirt. Turn left into the clearing and on the back right side, look for a footpath. There was some blue surveyors tape here. From here, the trail shouldn't be hard to follow if you have a little experience. It goes uphill at a moderate grade to a subpeak, then walks on the level to the col, then steeply up to the true peak. No register/canister. Shortly before you come to the highpoint (not recognized), the trail becomes an absolutely gorgeous "garden path". Lots of green moss surrounding it and other lichen-y stuff around. You'll quickly come to what I believe is the true highpoint which is a ledge with partial views which I really enjoyed :) I explored the summit area a bit to make sure I hit the highpoint (though this ledge on trail is certainly it) but perhaps I shouldn't have disturbed all the beautiful lichen off trail. Lovely little summit area!!
This is the left (southern??) half of the loop that follows a clear ridge to the subpeak, then to the main peak. To continue down the other half of the loop, continue along the ledges, on the level briefly, before dropping down on a footpath. I believe it remains a footpath until you walk into a delightful clearing. With the sun setting under dark skies, this field looked like something out of "Wuthering Heights". It was even complete with some rock piles that had me curious. Follow a barely defined footpath to the other side of the field and enter the woods on a road. Descend and at the first turn (right) in the road you'll see the stone foundation of an old house or cellar on your left. Very nice and fit with the rubble piles I saw in the field.
Some slippery footing descending this leaf-covered road with mud underneath. Up until this point, the trail was relatively dry and had rather nice footing. This road soon dumps you out onto the same one you'll use to get to the clearing/dirt pile at the beginning (road shown on Gaia). Though, if doing this loop in the other direction (counter-clockwise), it may be hard to know to bear left off the main road and onto this smaller one.
The whole loop is probably in the vicinity of 2-2.5mi and 500-600ft of gain. A lovely little gem that I hope to revisit someday! |
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 | Name: |
Liam Cooney |
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 | E-Mail: |
liamcooney96@gmail.com |
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| Date Submitted: |
2021-11-12 |
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 | Link: |
 https:// |
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Disclaimer: Reports are not verified - conditions may vary. Use at own risk. Always be prepared when hiking. Observe all signs. Trail conditions reports are not substitutes for weather reports or common sense. |
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