3,610 ft | Baldface | 0 routes
As of October 16, 2026
Trail conditions on North Baldface are currently rated Moderate. At 8:40 PM ET it was 50°F at the summit (3,610 ft), feeling like 46°F, with SW winds at 7 mph. See the hour-by-hour North Baldface weather forecast for summit temps, wind chill, and the best hiking window.
Feels like 46°F
Recent Precipitation
Rain: 0.05" (24h) · 0.38" (48h)
Snow: 0.2" (24h) · 0.2" (48h)
Conditions summary as of October 17, 2026
Mid-October conditions are cool and unsettled, with lows dropping into the 20s and a drizzly, cold front passage followed by a clear but very cold Sunday. Expect wet, slippery rock and leaves, possible rime or verglas on higher ledges, and strengthening winds at elevation. Days are shortening (about 11 hours of light), so plan for an early start and a conservative turnaround.
Expect roughly 39-59 fF at the trailhead versus 36-56 fF at the summit, with winds increasing markedly with height and wind chill dropping to about 21 fF up high. Start with a warm base layer and carry a windproof shell and insulating layer to add at the open ledges; the freezing level sits near the trailhead-to-summit range, so watch for ice forming as you climb.
Best Hiking Window
Sunday morning through early afternoon offers the driest, clearest window (low precipitation chance), though it will be very cold with a high near 32 fF. Saturday is a colder, lighter-drizzle day and is less favorable; avoid starting late either day.
Last synthesized Oct 16, 8:40 PM ET
Planning a hike here this week?
Trailblazer adds the full 7-day summit forecast, the best day to go for every peak, and conditions for each route up.
Trail: Baldface Circle Trail, Eagle Link, Wild River Trail, Rainbow, Trail Carter-Moriah Trail
Conditions: Dry Trail, Wet Trail, Mud - Minor/Avoidable, Mud - Significant
“Trails in good shape, all in all, except Eagle Link, which was really overgrown and looked relatively unused. Had some mud on it (went in to my ankles, then up to my knee at point). Attacked by a defensive grouse hen on Eagle Link (also had a moose encounter on same trail). Wild River and Rainbow were in pretty good shape and easy to follow. Decent amount of water at Zeta Pass (no scoop needed).”
Trail: Baldface Circle Trail
Conditions: Dry Trail, Mud - Minor/Avoidable
“I went clockwise - the ledges up South Baldface were excellent. Beautiful day, but hot during the ascents. Emerald Pool at the end was super refreshing.”
Trail: Baldface Circle Trail
Conditions: Wet Trail, Wet/Slippery Rock, Standing/Running Water on Trail, Mud - Significant, Leaves - Significant/Slippery
“BCT was very challenging the day after huge rain. I counted on the wind acting as a big blow dryer on the slabs and was right for the most part. Where I wasn't, I had to go up or down like a snail. Wet rocks out of the sun were mossy and slick. That was most of the descent. Be comfortable with wet and muddy feet on this one. Kestrel got some gusts in the low 30s above treeline.”
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Trail reports across the Whites this week · Trailhead parking
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20°F
Summit low
Microspikes
Summit lows near 20°F, so expect ice on rock and the upper trail.
57 mph
Summit gusts
Waterproof shell
Daytime gusts near 57 mph above treeline, and a shell is what blocks it.
0°F
Wind chill
The rest of the list: Winter gear guide · How I pick gear
Conditions synthesized from: NWS Higher Summits Forecast, NOAA Open-Meteo, Mount Washington Observatory, NETC Trip Reports, NOHRSC Snow Depth.
Rising in the Baldface Range of the White Mountains near Chatham, New Hampshire, this 3,610-foot summit delivers a rewarding alpine experience that belies its modest elevation. The approach via the Baldface Circle Trail involves significant rocky, open terrain, as the route gains the ridgeline well below the summit and travels above treeline for a substantial stretch — offering panoramic views of the Whites and into Maine. The exposed granite slabs and open ledges are defining features of the ascent, making it a true above-treeline adventure without requiring a 4,000-footer commitment. The peak is typically paired with South Baldface in a celebrated loop hike, one of New Hampshire's finest. Rated Very Difficult and included on the 52 With a View list, it appeals to experienced hikers seeking dramatic scenery and open ridge walking rather than summit-bagging alone.
Elevation
3,610 ft
Range
Baldface
Difficulty
Very Difficult
Coordinates
44.2429, -71.0869
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AI-generated from public data. Always verify conditions before heading out — backcountry weather can change quickly.
1 incident on file · drawn from NH Fish and Game releases and regional reporting
50-year-old New Hampshire man from Groveton, NH
Christopher Paquette, age 50, sustained a disabling injury while hiking with his dog on Baldface Circle Trail in North Chatham, NH on September 24, 2008. He called for help via cell phone from a location between North Baldface Mountain and Bickell Ridge Trail. A National Guard Blackhawk helicopter evacuated him to Memorial Hospital in North Conway while Conservation Officers walked his dog 4.5 miles out to Route 113.