South Baldface 3570' and North Baldface 3610'

Baldface Circle Trail

9.8 Miles 3600' Elevation gain

Kevin, Judy and Emma

On our second day in Kevin's Notch the weather didn't get much better, though on this day the rain held off. Undeterred, we headed out to do the Baldface Circle Trail. This is nearly a ten mile loop and four of the miles are on open ledges with excellent views. Unfortunately for us, most of the surrounding peaks had low clouds hanging around their heads and visibility was probably only four or five miles. Despite the conditions we fell in love with this hike. Above treeline the open ledges were covered in Rhodora, adding to the overall enchantment of the place.

The rain the night before made for a difficult stream crossing on the Charles Brook near the start of the loop, and above the South Baldface Shelter the wet ledges made for some difficult climbing, still, the climb was enjoyable despite a few nervous minutes where we had to help Emma over some slippery ledges. Once above treeline, the going became easier and as things opened up around us and we began to be able to see the surrounding scenery, the hike became quite enjoyable. There is a beautiful flat area below the summit of South Baldface near Baldface Knob, where I would like to spend a few days if I could. There are benches made of piled stones beside the cairns,and alpine flowers grow all around. Such a beautiful place! I had to drag myself away to make the climb beyond here.

We were soon at the summit of South Baldface where we had some better views to the southwest and we could make out Mount Passaconaway and the Tripyramids. To get through this hike it was not so much pushing ourselves to go on but more like dragging ourselves away from each beautiful vista as we arrive and drink in the scene. There is nothing as soothing to my soul, and with the events of the previous months still haunting every moment, I really needed to be able to lose myself out here. Even the dark skies were not depressing me, they were lifting me up, because I had already sunk as far as I could go.

I often feel that Jack is with me while we're out there, and this time was no different. I try to keep him close to my heart when we're on the trail now. Sometimes it's the only way I can get through the day. I've always said that hiking in these mountains is about 90% mental, and that is the tough part. All other problems fade with the concentration you need for the hike, and when you stop, your head is clear to take in the majesty of the hills. It is religion, and I have found it.

Moving along now off the summit of South Baldie and into the col between summits we begin to see woodland flowers in different stages of bloom. In the forest down below, the Clintonia and Trillium have faded away, but here in the heights we can still find several patches of them. Below, the Lady Slippers are in all their glory, but up here they are just beginning to lift their heads. It is like walking through time as springtime unfolds before our eyes. Soon we are climbing again, up to the summit of North Baldy. Here the clouds are touching us and things are getting damp. We have another drink and some more to eat, and then down off the summit to the ledges below we make our way.

There are some pointless ups and downs along the way, but each up offers views of our surroundings, and each down brings us closer to the forest below. Eventually we drop off the ledges and back into the forest where we make our way ever down. We can here the brook again in the woods to our south, and we make a few crossings. Finally we are back down to the Emerald Pool. I am definitely tempted to jump in, but the water is just too cold. It's too early in the season and the day wasn't warm enough, but someday I will take that plunge!