Enjoyed this hike a lot. Took a fairly long time. Generally smooth incline about halfway up then changes to really rocky terrain that is fairly steep, but the lookout from the top tower is excellent.
Best day of the vacation. Perfect weather. Perfect fall foliage!A little challenging for little people but the view on top from the fire tower made him push for the top.
Easy up&down hike. It was quite a hot day so it added to the "challenge". The trail was a bit muddy, but my dogs really loved it. The observation tower on top of the mountain give a really nice view of the region.
Steep hike up a small mountain with excellent views 360 degreesaround.Great look at everything in the Rangeley area fromSaddleback to West Kennebago mountain that once had a tower. Only tower in the area with friendly access.
Early part of trail was easy, then became more steep, with roots and rocks that were harder to navigate, especially during second half. Climbed after rainy day; this was a mistake, especially coming down. View was spectacular from fire tower, but only very good from summit. Believe this was worth doing once. Rate difficulty as moderate and not "great for children" as some guidebooks indicate.
This was a wonderful hike! A bit challenging here and there due to rocky passages... My husband and I were very glad that we had our walking sticks! The view from the top is worth the effort to get there. The tower is very solid and there is a wonderful 360 degree view. Breath-taking!
Nice ,quiet, fairly easy hike with million dollars views. The Rangeley Lakes Region is heaven for nature lovers. The mountains are breathtakin, a sense of peace comes through all the beauty.
My husband and I enjoyed this moderate challenge reaching the summit. It was great to see many people of all ages and abilities out enjoying the day and being rewarded with such a spectacular view at the top from the fire tower. Picnic at the top was refreshing. Wear your hiking boots as the rocks were slippery and the trail wet. it took us a bit over two hours up and back.
If you are staying near Oquossoc, the first 20-30 minutes of the Bald Mountain trail is a good morning workout, without the more challenging higher rock scramble to the top. It has a steady incline and as other reader's have mentioned, uneven footing - but that will help you work on your balance! It's a great workout *and* a hike, for those days when the AT or Aziscohos seem daunting. Up and back, from the parking lot should take 40-60 minutes round trip. Stop when you reach the first "steep" rock part. You can take the mid-way turn out to the boat parking lot. That's longer and wetter, and has several of those split log "bridges". It's not as well traveled, so the trail is more overgrown. The toilet at the start of the trail, none at the top.
This was a great first hike for our 28 month old and almost 4 year old girls. We would rate this challenging for that reason and moderate if it was only the two of us. The view is amazing and worth the trip. We followed up with sandwiches and ice cream at Moosely Bagels in Rangeley. Great day.