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Ski
Hiking Trail Conditions Report
Peaks
Peaks Baldface Knob, South Baldface, North Baldface, Eagle Crag, NH
Trails
Trails: Baldface Circle Trail, Baldface Knob Trail, Meader Ridge Trail
Date of Hike
Date of Hike: Sunday, May 21, 2017
Parking/Access Road Notes
Parking/Access Road Notes: At the BCT trailhead on Rt. 113. I got there early and was on trail at 7am. 
Surface Conditions
Surface Conditions: Dry Trail, Wet Trail, Standing/Running Water on Trail, Mud - Significant, Leaves - Significant/Slippery 
Recommended Equipment
Recommended Equipment:  
Water Crossing Notes
Water Crossing Notes: Charles Brook was a little tricky right at the trail crossing. I went downstream a few yards. 
Trail Maintenance Notes
Trail Maintenance Notes: BCT: A few blowdowns and widowmakers heading up to South Baldface, water bars need cleaning. No issues on the ridge. The northern section descending Meader Ridge appears to be less used. This section of the trail needs attention, and it looks like it will get it as work areas are flagged. Lots of standing water and mud in many areas (water bars need cleaning here too), as well as deep leaves. You can tell this trail gets overshadowed by its more scenic neighbor. BNT: Brushy in the col. MRT: No issues. 
Dog-Related Notes
Dog-Related Notes: Sure, Saw a few. 
Bugs
Bugs: Not bad in the morning due to the cold temps (high 30s). A breeze above treeline kept them away. The descent was terrible, I was followed by a cloud: ( 
Lost and Found
Lost and Found: Nothing. 
 
Comments
Comments: A long overdue return to the Baldfaces on a perfect weather day. Cool, dry, sunny and just a light breeze.

I got an early start, so I didn't see anyone until the shelter. The ledges up to South Baldface were mostly dry, with one wet section right at the start. Upon reaching the shoulder, I did a short out and back to Baldface Knob, a fine destination in itself, then returned and went up South Baldface. After a break, I crossed the ridge to North Baldface with its steep scrambles. I hung out on both summits for a while, just soaking up the views.

From North, I continued on the BCT and then onto the MRT to Eagle Crag. Awesome views there too, and Meader Ridge is an amazing open ridge walk. I decided to descend the BCT this time instead of Bicknell Ridge, as I "need" it for redlining. Holy hell does this thing drop VERY steeply off the ridge! This would be better climbed. Once the grade eased, it was a mostly easy but long walk out. I barely stopped due to the bugs. :/

A long, rugged, awesome day. The Baldfaces are just a stunningly beautiful area. :)  
Name
Name: KenM 
E-Mail
E-Mail: kmacgray@gmail.com 
Date Submitted
Date Submitted: 2017-05-21 
Link
Link: https:// 
Bookmark and Share Disclaimer: Reports are not verified - conditions may vary. Use at own risk. Always be prepared when hiking. Observe all signs. Trail conditions reports are not substitutes for weather reports or common sense.

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