White Mountains Hiking: Bald Mountain, A Steep Climb to Big Views in NH’s North Country
Looking to get off the beaten path in the North Country? This out-and-back to Bald Mountain delivers solitude, sweeping views, and just enough steep climbing to make it feel like a proper adventure.
We set off from a small, unassuming trailhead along Percy Road in Stark, New Hampshire—just a pull-off really, the kind of place you’d drive past if you weren’t looking for it. The woods were still and quiet, the kind of North Country calm that makes you walk a little slower and listen a little harder. This stretch follows the Cohos Trail, weaving along old logging cuts and well-worn snowmobile paths. It’s rugged country, but familiar—soft pine needles underfoot, thick spruce, and the occasional soggy spot that had us scanning the brush for moose (no luck this time, but it felt moosey).
Trail markings come in two forms here: yellow blazes for the Cohos Trail and the occasional small white “CT” sign nailed to a tree. It’s not complicated, but if you’re daydreaming too hard you could wander past where the Bald Mountain Notch Trail splits off—a sharp right turn about a mile and a half in. Miss it and you’ll end up nowhere near Bald Mountain.
Once you’re on the Notch Trail, the grade kicks up a bit, and you’ll find yourself climbing steady to the height of land. The woods get quieter here, deeper. Just after cresting the notch, a well-worn herd path veers left and charges uphill without apology. It’s only about a half-mile, but it’s steep enough to remind your legs that hiking isn’t always gentle.
And then—just like that—you’re standing on the ledges of Bald Mountain. Broad, open rock with the wind in your face and the Percy Peaks front and center. Beyond them, the rest of the North Country unfolds in every direction—ridges and hills layered in shades of blue and green.
We took our time on the summit, circled the ledges, let the quiet settle in. Then we turned back, retracing our steps through the notch and out the way we came.
Bald Mountain doesn’t make many lists, and that’s part of the magic. It’s quiet, a little scrappy, and entirely rewarding—a solid half-day ramble with solitude, views, and just enough uphill to make you earn it.
More Hikes near Bald Mountain
Sugarloaf Mountain
Percy Peaks
Devil’s Hopyard
Important Hiking Considerations:
We set off from a small, unassuming trailhead along Percy Road in Stark, New Hampshire—just a pull-off really, the kind of place you’d drive past if you weren’t looking for it. The woods were still and quiet, the kind of North Country calm that makes you walk a little slower and listen a little harder. This stretch follows the Cohos Trail, weaving along old logging cuts and well-worn snowmobile paths. It’s rugged country, but familiar—soft pine needles underfoot, thick spruce, and the occasional soggy spot that had us scanning the brush for moose (no luck this time, but it felt moosey).
Trail markings come in two forms here: yellow blazes for the Cohos Trail and the occasional small white “CT” sign nailed to a tree. It’s not complicated, but if you’re daydreaming too hard you could wander past where the Bald Mountain Notch Trail splits off—a sharp right turn about a mile and a half in. Miss it and you’ll end up nowhere near Bald Mountain.
Once you’re on the Notch Trail, the grade kicks up a bit, and you’ll find yourself climbing steady to the height of land. The woods get quieter here, deeper. Just after cresting the notch, a well-worn herd path veers left and charges uphill without apology. It’s only about a half-mile, but it’s steep enough to remind your legs that hiking isn’t always gentle.
And then—just like that—you’re standing on the ledges of Bald Mountain. Broad, open rock with the wind in your face and the Percy Peaks front and center. Beyond them, the rest of the North Country unfolds in every direction—ridges and hills layered in shades of blue and green.
We took our time on the summit, circled the ledges, let the quiet settle in. Then we turned back, retracing our steps through the notch and out the way we came.
Bald Mountain doesn’t make many lists, and that’s part of the magic. It’s quiet, a little scrappy, and entirely rewarding—a solid half-day ramble with solitude, views, and just enough uphill to make you earn it.
Bald Mountain via Bald Mountain Notch and Cohos Trails Details
đŸ§ Trailhead: Percy Road, Stark, NH (Google Maps)
đŸ¥¾ Distance: ~6.3 miles round trip
đŸ“ˆ Elevation Gain: ~1500 feet
⚠️ Difficulty: Moderate to Slightly Strenuous
đŸŒ² Best For: Moderate hikers, peakbaggers, Cohos Trail fans
đŸ’¦ Highlights: North country forests, open rock ledges, lesser visited mountain peak
đŸ—º️ GPS Information: Trail Route in GPX Format
đŸ§ Trailhead: Percy Road, Stark, NH (Google Maps)
đŸ¥¾ Distance: ~6.3 miles round trip
đŸ“ˆ Elevation Gain: ~1500 feet
⚠️ Difficulty: Moderate to Slightly Strenuous
đŸŒ² Best For: Moderate hikers, peakbaggers, Cohos Trail fans
đŸ’¦ Highlights: North country forests, open rock ledges, lesser visited mountain peak
đŸ—º️ GPS Information: Trail Route in GPX Format
Sugarloaf Mountain
Percy Peaks
Devil’s Hopyard
###
Watch all of our videos about hikes in the New Hampshire on YouTube
Sign up for our newsletter for regular hike info, gear reviews, videos, and more!
You can find this hike:Outdoor Hiking, Backpacking and Camping Guide Services:
Advice and Recommended Gear:
- Our Hiking Gear Guide and Recommendations
- Our day hike backpack recommendations
- The Best Hiking Smartwatch
- The Best Hiking Sunglasses
- The Best Hiking Water Filter
- Top Ten Day Hiking Essentials
- Favorite Hiking Gear Under $30
- Recommended Gear on Amazon
- Shop Hiker Trash Husbands Merch
Gear we used on this hike:
- Osprey Talon 22 Pack
- REI Flash Air 50 Pack
- Gossamer Gear Shoulder Strap Pockets
- Altra Lone Peak Hiking Shoes
- Deliberate Life Design Hiking Sandals
- Darn Tough Midweight Hiking Socks
- Black Diamond Trail Back Trekking Poles
- REI Traverse Trekking Poles
- Eddie Bauer HYOH T-Shirt
- Cotopaxi Sombra Sun Hoodie
- EMS Techwick Essentials Sleeveless Tee
- Patagonia Multi Trails Shorts
- Energizer LED Headlamp
- NEMO Chipper Reclaimed Closed-Cell Foam Seat Pad
- Nalgene 32-ounce Wide-Mouth Water Bottles
- Nikon Microfiber Cleaning Cloth
- DJI Action 2 Camera
- Garmin Forerunner 255 Smartwatch
- Garmin Instinct Smartwatch
- Garmin InReach Explorer+ GPS
Thanks for watching! Be sure to like and subscribe on YouTube if you enjoyed our video. We appreciate the opportunity to share our adventures with you and highlight members of the LGBTQ+ community enjoying the outdoors. Proud gay hikers here! Find out more about us at The Hiker Trash Husbands on the web - https://www.hikertrashhusbands.com
- Weather: Check the weather forecast before your hike and be prepared for changes in conditions. Weather can be unpredictable, so bring appropriate clothing and gear.
- Safety: Some sections of the trail can be steep and rocky, so use caution and watch your footing. It's also a good idea to hike with a friend or let someone know about your hiking plans.
- Leave No Trace: As with any outdoor activity, remember to follow the principles of Leave No Trace. Pack out any trash, stay on the trail, and be respectful of the natural environment.
Some product links are affiliate links and we earn from qualifying purchases. Others are links through the Amazon Influencer program and as an Amazon Influencer, we earn from qualifying purchases. Still others, we just want you to know about some good gear we enjoy!
Comments
Post a Comment