Hiking Project Logo

A fairly short, moderate loop that leads to wonderful views of Franconia Notch from both Bald Mountain and Artists Bluff


Your Rating: Rating Rating Rating Rating Rating      Clear Rating
Your Difficulty:
Your Favorites: Add To-Do · Your List
Zoom in to see details
Map Key

1.5

Miles

2.4

KM

Loop

2,345' 715 m

High

1,995' 608 m

Low

535' 163 m

Up

532' 162 m

Down

14%

Avg Grade (8°)

45%

Max Grade (24°)

Dogs Unknown

Features Geological Significance · Views

Overview

Both Bald Mountain and Artist Bluff offer wonderful views of the valley and of Cannon Mountain. However, while Artists is just slightly off of the trail, Bald Mountain requires a longer spur that is fairly difficult as it requires a fairly large amount of scrambling. This is a short but view rewarding loop.

Description

The trail beings at the parking area and begins to ascend quickly. After this short, moderate ascent, the trail forks with the Bald Mountain Spur to the left. This short spur is difficult as it ascends and requires scrambling up sheer rocks. However, once at the top, this spur offers incredible views of Cannon Mountain, Echo Lake, and the rest of Franconia Notch from the summit.

The climb down from Bald Mountain follows the same trail and includes the same hazards as the climb up. The loop then returns to the main trail. There are some more ups and downs until it leads to the Artist's Bluff Spur which is also to the left. This is a short spur that leads directly from the trail to the sheer cliffs of Artists Bluff at also provides spectacular views.

After returning to the trail from the bluffs, the trail descends very steeply. At the end of the descent, it takes a right onto the Loop Trail. For a connector trail, the Loop Trail is very well taken care of and is surprisingly scenic. The Loop Trail leads the loop to its terminus at the parking area.

Contacts

Shared By:

Daniel McCloskey

Trail Ratings

  4.5 from 10 votes

#1669

Overall
  4.5 from 10 votes
5 Star
50%
4 Star
50%
3 Star
0%
2 Star
0%
1 Star
0%
Recommended Route Rankings

#22

in New Hampshire

#1,669

Overall
17 Views Last Month
3,207 Since Jul 14, 2020
Intermediate/Difficult Intermediate/Difficult

0%
10%
20%
70%
0%
0%

Photos

The trail leading to the Artists Bluff overlook.
Jul 14, 2020 near Franconia, NH
Cannon Mountain, Echo Lake, and Franconia Notch from the top of Bald Mountain.
Jul 14, 2020 near Franconia, NH
Scrambling up to the summit of Bald Mountain
Jul 14, 2020 near Franconia, NH
View from Bald Mountain, Franconia (494054)
Dec 14, 2017 near Franconia, NH
View from Bald Mountain, Franconia (494073)
Dec 14, 2017 near Franconia, NH
Bald Mountain.
Dec 14, 2017 near Franconia, NH

0 Comments

Weather


Current Trail Conditions

Unknown
Add Your Check-In

Check-Ins

Join the Community

Create your FREE account today!
Already have an account? Login to close this notice.

Get Started.