The hike to Bald Peak is a moderately traveled 7.8 mile out-and-back trail in the Adirondack Mountains, perfect for intermediate hikers as a day trip or overnight. The hike offers beautiful forested hiking as well as fun, easy rock scrables with open views of the surrounding mountains.
The parking lot in New Russia, New York can be less crowded than the parking for Giant Mountain on the other terminus of the Rocky Peak Ridge, making this a good choice for a weekend hike. For the first 1.5 miles the trail is gradual and soft, unlike many of the other rocky trails in the surrounding Adirondacks. At 2.0 miles there is an optional Blueberry Cobbles lookout, and a short-cut trail for hikers to save elevation and distance. This lookout offers the first (partially obstructed) views of the surrounding Adirondack peaks. Hikers descend slightly into Hedgehog Notch and then climb a rocky scramble to Mason Mountain before reaching Bald Peak at 3,060 feet.
The summit of Bald Peak offers fantastic views from multiple viewpoints. The summit, which is mostly exposed, features several easy rock scrambles along the trail. Be sure to stay on the maintained trail and to stay off of fragile plants and gravel areas, which are easily damaged by foot traffic. The lookouts offer views towards Giant Mountain and Rocky Peak Ridge, as well as north towards Tripod and Hurricane Mountains and south towards the Dix Range. Some viewpoints even offer views east towards Lake Champlain, with the iconic Camel's Hump visible on a clear day.
This hike is suitable for many, with a well-maintained, non-technical trail and many lookouts, or the opportunity to spend the night on the ridge or continue a steeper climb to Giant Mountain for more advanced hikers. The gentle trail is also very suitable for trail running.
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