Artist’s Bluff – Bald Mountain Trail
White Mountain Hiking Trail with views of Mt. Lafayette, Cannon Mtn., Echo Lake and Franconia Notch
One of my first small hikes this season was the Artist’s Bluff / Bald Mountain trail in New Hampshire’s White Mountains. Heading south on Interstate 93 at the entrance to Franconia notch, the broad face of this ledge is visible to the right. Using the Echo Lake / Cannon Mountain exit will bring you to the trailhead and parking located directly across from the entrance to Cannon Mountain Ski Area. Ask about NH hiking or share trail comments. To feature your business in NHLiving, contact us.
Artist’s Bluff – Bald Mountain Trail NH Franconia Notch
Franconia Inn, 1300 Easton Rd., Franconia, NH 03580 | 603-823-5542
"In the Land of Big Mountains and Small Villages." Nestled in the heart of the beautiful White Mountains of New Hampshire, The Franconia Inn is a full service country inn, where casual elegance and exquisite cuisine are just waiting to welcome you. Please visit our website for more information.
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Partridge Cabins, 3 Partridge Road, US Route 3, Pittsburg, NH 03592 | Ph: 603-538-6380
Visit Partridge Cabins and Lodge - the four season place to be. We have 600 feet of lake frontage, and offer housekeeping cabins situated amidst the shade of sheltering spruce and fir trees. Completely winterized cabins with gas heaters, private baths, with hot and cold running water, electricity, and full kitchen facilities. All cabins are attractively furnished, and accommodate 4-8 people. Snowmobile, cross-country ski, hike, moose watch, and let's not forget fishing and hunting! Summer, fall, winter, and spring, you will find Partridge Lodge & Cabins most pleasing.
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Cabot Inn & Suites, 200 Main Street, Lancaster, NH 03584 | 603-788-3346
A four-season family resort located in the heart of the White Mountains, over-looking the Presidential Range. Cabin Inn & Suites features a fitness center, indoor pool, banquet hall, and 60+ acres, with breathtaking views of the mountains. Bretton Woods, Cannon, Wildcat, Attitash, Loon, Black Mountain, Cranmore ski areas nearby. Family restaurant and lounge. Indoor heated pool, game room, outdoor playground, video game hook-ups. Santa’s Village, Six Gun City, Story Land, Whale’s Tale Water park a short drive away.
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Inn at Ellis River House B&B Inn, 17 Harriman Road, Jackson, NH 03846 | 603-383-9339
Enchanting Country Inn offering "Romance & Rejuvenation" on the river in the heart of the White Mountains. 20 rooms and cottage are beautifully appointed with period and modern amenities. Many have Jacuzzis for two and/or balconies, most have fireplaces. Gourmet country breakfast and afternoon refreshments included. Enjoy the cozy game room/pub, hot tub, sauna, and outdoor heated pool. Relax, re-discover lifes simple pleasures, hike, fish, golf nearby, cross country or downhill ski, outlet shop and more. Let the Inn at Ellis River rejuvenate your spirits!
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Swiss Chalet Village Inn, 457 Intervale Resort Loop, Intervale, NH 03845 | 800-831-2727
The Swiss Chalet Village Inn offers comfortable lodging at an affordable price. Choose from a wide variety of rooms to meet your needs. Wheather you are here for a family outing, wedding, business or pleasure, you will find clean, comfortable White Mountain lodging. Pet Friendly Rooms available. Please inquire.
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This is a very pleasant and fairly easy hike which affords excellent views of Echo Lake, Cannon Mountain and Franconia Notch. Typically, the entrance to the large parking area is roped off and hikers should park perpendicular to the road near the sign “Hiker’s Parking” and walk across the lot to the trailhead.
The trail starts with a moderate grade and has areas of rocky terrain so footwear with good tread is necessary. It then levels off briefly at the intersection of Bald Knob and Artist’s Bluff (this is a great loop trail, as well, but my destination on this day was the latter). Passing through picturesque woods, the trail continues moderately up with two scenic vistas to the right, sometimes mistaken for the actual bluff, not nearly as rewarding! Also deceiving is the fact that the trail then starts to descend, as the bluff is located halfway up the side of the mountain and not at the actual summit.
A short ways down and past an enormous boulder on the right, the trail forks again and continues down to the right but a left will bring you out onto the rocks that are Artist’s Bluff.
Atop this spectacular vantage point Cannon Mountain, Echo Lake, Mt Lafayette and the highway winding through the notch are visible directly in front of you. The area is large and level enough to pack up a picnic lunch and relax on the rocks with the sun shining down on your face and the incredible view of 4000 foot mountains in front of you – just don’t bring anything that will blow away!
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