Summary

BALDFACE CIRCLE TRAIL: elevation (highest point) 3610ft, distance to highest point 4.9 miles, total trip distance 9.8 miles.

This early season trip is considered MODERATE TO STRENUOUS.

This is an amazing trail with a smooth wide open summit area. This trail provides an array of challenges and remains one of the most popular trails in the WMNF. The first 2.5 miles is a gentle grade to gradual increase in grade. After 2.5 miles to the first summit the grade will get steep and exposed. The trail follows a gentle traverse between the summits and the route down is fairly simple descent. Ice maybe possible and there will be stream crossings. Returning to the parking area the trail passes an amazing deep refreshing swimming hole. Anyone wishing to initiate a polar bear swim is welcome to do so.

PREPARATION/WHAT TO BRING: White Mountains can have unpredictable and extreme weather changes year-round and April is definitely a month to be cautious of. It is recommended that hikers have dry clothing and wind protection as there may be wind at the summit. At least one third of this trip is ABOVE TREE LINE. Plan for full exposure to the elements. Wind protection and sunscreen are highly recommended. Always have water (no guarantee for places to refill) and food. If you need suggestions on what to bring, PLEASE ASK!! It is also highly recommended to bring a BLISTER KIT (DIY kits online). If this is the first hike of the season or brand-new footwear, foot first aid most likely will be necessary. For this trip it is important to bring along flexibility, patience, and a sense of humor.

Covid – Please bring a mask for the use when in close proximity to others. Respect people’s space, there are a variety of mask styles to match the variety of covid options. Let’s be safe and respect others. We are not the only people on the trail.

Group Size (not to exceed 12): It is not fun leaving folks out of trips. If you cannot attend, PLEASE cancel so others may join. If you are on the waiting list, please contact me days prior to the trip, most likely there is room and if needed this trail will allow us to break the group into two smaller groups. Dogs are the FULL responsibility of the owner and cannot interfere with the hike or the participants. This hike may not be ideal for dogs because of other dogs, crowds, and open ledges. It is up to the owner. A leash (close at hand) is highly recommended (also required in WMNF). Decreasing the impact to the environment is always a priority! Please plan to “carry in and carry out” all items. It may also be possible to collect other hikers’ debris along the way.

Weather: At times in the season rain may not be a concern. Being the month of April and the high exposure, and wet rock faces this trip WILL BE CANCELLED if any precipitation is forecasted. The intent is to post any update/cancellation information by the Friday prior by 6pm. The cancellation will include a rescheduled date so participants can watch for that opportunity.

After trip social: No formal plans are in place yet, but there are several options for food and beverage after the hike.

Safety is a priority! Any time a hiker is injured or lost a HUGE team of volunteers is dispatched to aid in the search and rescue efforts. No one wants to be injured or put other in harms way. Always be prepared. Know your limits. Any questions feel free to contact me.

Directions To Trailhead Parking Lot

Where to meet:  The trail head is located on Route 113 in Chatham NH. This location is just south of Evans Notch and is about 15 mins from the center of Fryeburg Maine. Of course, GPS will be far better for getting to the trail head parking lot but below is a rough idea.

PARKING AREA IS ON RIGHT SIDE OF ROUTE 113, opposite of the trail head on the left side of route 113.

USFS has closed many restroom facilities last season because of COVID so it is unknown if the facility at the trail head will be available. Fryeburg is the last community if you need to pick up food or fuel.

Because of trip preparation trip leader is unable to provide a ride for this trip.

From the any location – Get to Fryeburg Maine. Route 302 is the major route into town. From Fryeburg I suggest you take Route 5 north to Fish Street, turn left onto Fish Street. Fish Street brings you directly to Route 113. Take Route 113 north to trail head parking area, 11 miles (about 16mins).

We will all gather at 10 am – intention to start hiking by 10:20. Trip leader will be at the parking area by 9:30am

I am sure there is WAY better directions available online if these are confusing.

Cell service should be available.