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

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