Bald Mountain

Weld, ME

(44.647143, -70.349756)

Difficulty – Moderate

Distance – 1 miles each way

Summary

Bald Mtn is a quick out and back (part of the longer Saddleback summit trail) with great exposed views of nearby Tumbledown Mtn and Mt. Blue State Park. A favorite to locals and generally unnoticed by those from away, Bald Mtn is a great, quick excuse to get out, get the blood pumping, and get back to the car in under 2 hours. Like many a Maine hiking trail, this one goes straight up and straight down. You work for the views and they are indeed worth it.

Location

Bald Mtn is accessible via the Saddleback Wind trailhead on Rte. 158 in Weld, ME. Approaching from the south, the trail head is on your left. The opposite from the North.

Click for Directions

Pairs best with

For this quick hike (which I did in the rain!) I saved my beer for the wood stove when I got home. Nothing hit the spot better than a frosty can of Staycation Land. Staycation Land is a German-style helles lager that is light, crisp and refreshing. Balanced malt body with floral and citrus notes. Everything you want from this classic style, also great for replenishing the calories devoted to the afternoon ascent up Bald Mtn.

Hike Instructions

1) Drive to Saddleback Wind Trailhead on Rte 158 in Weld, Maine.(Click link above for directions). There is ample parking at the trailhead as well as a kiosk with trail map. (Photos 1 & 2)

2) After crossing Wilson Stream (Photo 3), the trail begins straight up the mountainside at a moderate incline. Sections of the trail require deliberate footing as there are lots of rocks and roots.

3) On the ascent there are two specific short but steep inclines referred to as “The Step 1”(Photo 4) and “The Step 2” (Photo 5).

4) As the trail continues, you emerge up onto exposed ledge (Photo 6). The trail is marked by blue blazes often on the ledge itself. Keep an eye for directional changes in the trail marked by 90 degree blue blazes (Photo 7)

5) Follow the markings for another .25 miles up the exposed ledge to the summit of Bald Mtn. The trail continues beyond Bald Mtn for those looking to bag Saddleback as well. In my case, it was raining, so I turned around and headed back to the trailhead. This time around, I saved my summit beer for the woodstove when I got home.(Photo 8)</strong).