Bald Mountain, Willard Pond NH

• 4-star hikes
• 2 to 3 mile options
• Easy | Gain 480 to 870 feet
• Antrim, NH | Monadnock Region
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The image captures a breathtaking view from a high vantage point, likely on a mountain or hill. In the foreground, there's a tree adorned with autumn-colored leaves, adding vibrant splashes of red and orange. A person in a red shirt sits on a rocky outcrop, gazing out over a landscape of rolling hills blanketed in fall foliage. A serene body of water lies in the middle distance, reflecting the clear sky with a few scattered clouds.

Looking out on Willard Pond from Bald Mountain.

New Hampshire Audubon's largest property is home to the dePierrefue-Willard Pond Wildlife Sanctuary including a rewarding 880 foot climb up Bald Mountain which features views over Willard Pond, and panoramas which span from Crotched Mountain to Mount Monadnock.

⬤ Upper Loop
We prefer a clockwise hike of the Bald Mountain Loop. Commencing at the trailhead parking lot, the route gently climbs through mostly maple tree forest, past and between large erratic boulders. A few more trail markings on the trees would have helped our wayfinding, as fallen maple leaves frequently obscured our trail. Thankfully the path is mostly easy going, with comparatively few rocks and roots underfoot and no rock scrambles. The steepest part of the trail is the final ascent to the mountain summit, but even that isn't remotely a leg-burner.

Trail Options Expand KML · Google Earth ·

⬤ 4★ Upper Loop 2.7 mi loop, easy, gain 870 ft
AllTrails · GPX File · Directions GPX?

⬤ 4★ Lower Loop 2.0 mi loop, easy, gain 480 ft
AllTrails · GPX File · Directions

Arriving at the 2,024 foot summit you'll be wondering why they call it Bald Mountain considering the fir trees that envelop you, and you may also be concerned about those views we promised you earlier. Continue on the slowly descending trail and you'll find yourself at the edge of the trees with a panoramic view to the South, and further on there are more sweeping vistas to the East.

Descending the returning trail in the direction of Willard Pond we heard the distinctive call of loons. Look out for them as the trail follows the shoreline of the clear pond waters to close your loop, or stop off at the lake shore for a swim or paddle.

⬤ Lower Loop
A shorter and easier loop trail would be to take the cut-off that avoids the summit, but still provides the great Easterly views we describe above. The shorter route is only 1.9 miles long and almost half the elevation gain at 476 feet. Bug spray will be useful at peak season, particularly close to the lake.

The image shows a forest scene with a variety of trees, some with green leaves and others with leaves turning yellow and orange, indicating the autumn season. The forest floor is covered with fallen leaves and scattered rocks. The sunlight filters through the trees, creating a serene and picturesque atmosphere.

Typical hillside trail, more easy than moderate in difficulty.

The image shows a person walking along a narrow wooden path beside a lake. The path is surrounded by trees and rocks, with the lake visible to the right. The sky is partly cloudy, and the scene appears to be in a natural, forested area. The person is wearing a backpack and is walking away from the camera.

Tangents:
• Official: Willard Pond Wildlife Sanctuary
• Public Map at AllTrails: Bald Mountain Loop
• Facebook Group: Comment, Follow Us

Trailspotting Nearby
4x★ Loverens Mill Cedar Swamp (3 mi) · 3★ Bruce Edes Forest (1 mi) · 4★ Hillsborough Rail Trail (7 mi) · Show Map

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