Baldface Loop

One of the things I really wanted to do this summer was the Baldface Loop in Evan’s Notch, NH. It’s been years since I’ve been up there. It’s a beautiful area with open, exposed rock along the upper reaches of South Baldface. It looks to be above tree-line, but don’t believe what you may read on the internet. According to the AMC White Mountain Guide, there was a fire in 1903 that uncovered the summits and upper slopes. (What a fire it must have been!) But this loop is not above tree-line.

South Baldface view

I did this hike as a last minute day trip with Todd Flag, a friend & neighbor of my parents. Todd is a Maine guide who loves to hike & fish. While searching for someone to go with my dad shared that, “Todd’s a fast hiker.” That’s exactly what I was looking for- someone who’d speed around the loop with me. I didn’t want an all day adventure… just a quick outing.

Todd, smile.

Me. 🙂

I showed up in sneakers and with my new Ultimate Direction hydration vest; Todd had on his heafty hiking boots and a small backpack. He wasn’t too sure about someone hiking in sneakers (for good reason, trail running in sneakers can be tiring on the ankles). But I felt confident in running what I brung. More often than not, I hike in sneakers. If nothing else, adventure racing has toughened my ankles.

I encouraged the pace. Just below the South Baldface summit, Todd told me not to wait. If I wanted to run up ahead and meet him at the summits, I could. That’s exactly what I did.

From South Baldface looking at the ridge line over to North Baldface. Moon in the background.

It took us just under 5 hours to run/ hike the loop. South Baldface to North Baldface with a quick stop for something to eat on North Baldface and a photo at Emrald pool before heading to the car.