Baldpate Mountain via the Appalachian Trail, ME

Baldpate Mountain, also known as East Baldpate due to there being a lower western summit, in northwest Maine, is one of the more scenic summits found along the Maine section of the Appalachian Trail. It is moderately popular as a day hike, along with the much more popular Old Speck, which is across Maine Route 26, and so in good weather, this summit is likely to have a fair number of fellow hikers. However, because this is not over 4,000 feet high, it does not attract list hikers who come to hike Old Speck, despite the forested summit on that mountain.


Ranked #28 in prominence for the New England 50 Finest peakbagging list, it has 2,240' of prominence, and a summit elevation of 3,815 feet. Views at the summit are expansive, and the summit is mostly bare thanks to the last ice age scraping off the top. Old Speck, on the other hand, is mostly forested and has a tower for views. I know I'll take a lower summit with views, any day!The hike leaves from the Grafton Notch (pass) Trailhead and heads north on the Appalachian Trail. You'll be hiking for over 3.5 miles in dense Maine forest, ranging from maple and birch to red spruce as you gain elevation, and finally high elevation (for the region) balsam fir. Numerous creek crossings exist, along with several sections of log bridges and boardwalks, carefully constructed rock steps, and one wooden ladder to descend West Baldpate.

Views begin to open up as you descend West Baldpate. They become expansive and much more enjoyable as you start to ascend the friction slabs and ledges leading to the summit of Baldpate proper, or East Baldpate. I thought this area had a Sierra Nevada feel to it, although not as massive.

The true summit has incredible views of nearby mountains and forest. Beyond Old Speck, Mount Washington is visible in New Hampshire, and plenty of nearby Maine mountains, too.

This summit is located at the junction of the Appalachian Trail and the Grafton Notch Loop, so you can continue on either trail for however long you desire if backpacking. If not, return to your car the way you came.

Hazards: A deep snowpack is reported to exist in most winters, with spring melt-off producing heavy stream flow, which could complicate water crossings. Early summer in Maine is black fly season. It might be best to avoid unless prepared to deal with them. I do not know how common they are here or around the mountain. Mosquitoes are probably common, but with less surface water in dry years, they will be encountered less often. I had none, due to a drought. Late summer and fall are probably the best times to hike this mountain.

Lodging can be found in nearby small towns, and a private campground is a few miles south of the park.

2025-09-16 Jim