North Baldface (3,597 ft) sits in the eastern White Mountains near the New Hampshire-Maine border, its name derived from the steep, treeless southeast face that defines its character. A 1903 wildfire stripped much of the Baldface-Royce Range of its forest cover, leaving the twin Baldface summits with one of the most extensive above-treeline zones in New Hampshire, producing a route with nearly continuous open views across a long stretch of ridge.
The classic approach is the Baldface Circle Trail, a roughly 9.5-mile loop that traverses both North and South Baldface with around 3,500 feet of elevation gain. Most hikers ascend South Baldface first, climbing steep granite ledges that require hand-and-foot scrambling in places; these slabs become treacherous when wet or icy, so clear conditions matter here. The Emerald Pool, reached via a short spur near the trailhead, makes a worthwhile detour on warm days.
The ridge connecting the two summits is largely above the trees, with the Carter-Moriah Range and Mount Washington filling the western horizon and a broad sweep of forested Maine rolling east. The summit of North Baldface is somewhat more wooded than South Baldface and the views, while still wide, are less panoramic. Descent via the northern arc of the loop passes Eagle Crag before dropping into mixed forest; wet roots and stream crossings require care on the way out. Winter and shoulder-season parties should plan for ice on the open ledges.
