Hike Bald Mountain Trail

Ascent

Bald Mountain Trail starts in opposite of the parking and Shagg Pond Road. First hike along a shadowy trail downhill through thick forest. After about 1km/0,6mi you'll get to Little Concord Pond, which the surrounding natural reserve was named after.

When you get to the pond start following the trail, marked blue, to the right. Shortly afterwards you'll reach a junction (Variation 1), where you follow the blue signs to the right again.

Afterwards the trail gets a little steeper and leads uphill alongside the western ridge. At this stage you'll hike through thick forest and across bare rocks. Shortly before you reach the peak you'll see a very steep and rocky path on the right leading downhill (Variation 2). Passed that trail keep following the blue signposts up to the mountain's peak.

Circular path around the peak

Eventually you'll get to a junction. To the right the trail leads up 512m/1682ft to Bald Mountain. To get there you will first have to hike across wide rocks, while a beautiful view across Shagg Pond and the surrounding mountains emerges. Be careful not to set off boulders since there may be climbers on the rock face.

The circular path on the peak leads around the rocks and back into the woods and eventually back onto the main trail at the junction. At this stage the opportunity arises to hike up to Speckled Mountain's peak (Variation 3).

Descent

Starting at the junction the trail leads the same way back down to the parking. Before you start walking back we recommend to rest at Little Concord Pond and enjoy the calmness of nature.

There are no places to get food along the way therefore you should pack something. 

Up on the peak a beautiful view across the sourrounding area emerges. That is also an ideal place to rest and have a picnic. 

1st Variation:

Follow the trail to the left at the first junction and you'll get to Little Concord Pond's shore, where some old canoes and boats dock. There is also a circular path leading around the picturesque pond.

2nd Variation:

The steep path starting shortly before the peak is very challenging and should only be taken by advanced hikers.

3rd Variation:

To extend the hike you may hike further onto Speckled Mountain, which is about 1,9km/1,2mi away from the junction by the peak. This mountain with a height of 671m/2200ft is a little bit higher than Bald Mountain and offers an incredible view across the surrounding area.

Wear sturdy shoes and bring enough food and drinks. 

Coming from the west

To get to the starting point of Bald Mountain Trail take ME Route 232. In Abbotts Mill turn into South Rumford Road and continue for about 0,8km/0,5mi. Afterwards drive straight onto Concord Pond Road and after 7,9km/4,9mi turn right onto Shagg Pond Road. After approximately 2,4km/1,5mi you'll reach a small parking on the right side of the street, which at the same time is the starting point of the tour.

Coming from the east

First take Route 140 towards south and 4,2km/2,6mi south of Canton turn right onto Fields Hill Road, which merges after 2,6km/1,6mi into Labrador Pond Road. Continue straight onto Greenwood Road and after 3,32km/0,2mi turn left onto Black Mountain Road. Then after 1,3km/0,8mi turn left onto Redding Road, which eventually merges into Shagg Pond Road. Keep straight and after 8,5km/5,3mi you'll reach the parking on the left side of the road.