Bald Mountain Hike
Bald Mountain Hike
Green Mountain National Forest
Caring for the Land and Serving People
| Length: 7.2 miles round trip from Bennington4.0 miles round trip from Woodford | Feature: Mountain |
| Max elevation change:2142 feet from Bennington1580 feet from Woodford | USGS maps: Bennington & Woodford Quads |
| Amount of use: Light to Moderate | Hiking level: Moderate |
| Average hike time:5 ½ – 6 ½ hours round trip from Bennington2 ¾ – 3 ½ hours round trip from Woodford |
Trail Description:
From Bennington: The trail, marked with blue blazes, begins where a power line crosses North Branch
Street Extension. After 50 feet from the parking area, the trail bears right and follows an old woods road to a highway underpass, after which you cross a power line corridor and proceed, crossing and following several brooks. After climbing several switchbacks and traversing some old rockslides, the trail reaches White Rocks at 2.6 miles. A spring is passed at 3.1 miles and the junction with the West Ridge Trail is attained at 3.5 miles. The summit is 0.1 miles further north (left) on the West Ridge Trail.
From Woodford Hollow: The trail uses an old woods road, occasionally crossed by other old roads.
Pay close attention to the blue blazes. At 0.3 miles, at the Forest Service Boundary marked with red paint, turn left onto the footpath. At 1.6 miles, the trail meets a spur trail leading to a seasonal spring at “Bear Wallow”. Ascending switchbacks, the trail reaches the West Ridge Trail at 1.9 miles. The summit is 0.1 miles beyond.
Directions:
For the trail leading out of Bennington: From Route 7, take Kocher Drive, which is just north of
downtown Bennington, east. Kocher Drive runs straight into North Branch Street Extension at a light. Follow North Branch Street Extension to the power transmission line crossing (limited parking).
From Rte 9, turn north on North Branch St., which is ¾ mile east of downtown Bennington. Turn right over a bridge onto N. Branch St. Ext. and follow to the power transmission line crossing (limited parking). For the trail leading from Woodford Hollow: From Bennington, take Rte 9 for about 4.0 miles east to Harbor Road. From the east, take Rte 9 west for 1.2 miles past the Appalachian/Long Trail crossing to Harbor Road. – Turn north onto Harbor Rd. and follow for 0.8 miles. At a concrete water tank, turn left off the road into an open area. The trailhead is found at the edge of the woods.
U.S. Department of Agriculture
Forest Service
Green Mountain & Finger Lakes National Forests
231 North Main Street, Rutland, VT 05701
(802) 747-6700 Phone (802) 747-6766 FAX Website: www.fs.usda.gov/greenmountain
The USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer.
Recreational Opportunity Guide Bald Mountain Trail
Area Services:
Food and Services: Bennington
For all Emergencies: Call 911
911 Information: The trailhead from Bennington is off North Branch Street Extension, Bennington.
The trailhead from Woodford is off Harbor Road, Woodford.