HIKE FOR EQUALITY: North and South Baldface

Warm sun, beautiful day, 4 miles of above treeline hiking, and 5 gay hikers with rainbow flags. Who could ask for more?

We set off on our 9.8 mile hike from Evans Notch, NH and climbed moderately to Baldface Shelter. We then tackled the amazing granite slabs requiring some technical scrambling to the Baldface Knob marked by an interesting cairn. During the day we observed Bunchberry, Lady Slipper, Labrador Tea , Rhodora, Trillium and Bluebead Lily. We continue onward onto yep, more granite! Our hike above treeline provided sweeping mountain views unfolding with picture-perfect-postcard vistas of the Presidential Range, Carter Range, Mount Chocorua; just to name a few.

It’s important to celebrate pride in the extreme places and the mundane. Every person who celebrates is another example of who queer people are and what we can do. It’s a chance to remind the world, and ourselves, that our potential is limitless and is in no way inhibited by our sexuality or gender identity.

After lunch on the summit of South Baldface, 3,570 feet, we continued on our trek over to North Baldface at 3,610 feet with smooth sailing. We had no lost or misplaced souls on our trek. In fact, with our rainbow flags flapping in the breeze, our souls were filled with pride and appreciated the words of support from the hikers we met during the day! We don’t have to just go to the gay pride events to celebrate Pride. We can be open and out anywhere, and that means hiking up mountains with rainbow flags flapping in the breeze and meeting our gay brothers/sisters and allies. It’s good to know we are not the only gay people hiking that mountain on a certain day.

Eventually we dropped down to a green tunnel of beech trees with a quick stop to Emerald Pool before returning back to our vehicles. Upon our return, we changed shirts, threw our bare feet in some sandals and took off with the wind blowing in the windows as we drove through Evans Notch…ahhh!!!

We drove to Gorham, NH and sat on an outside deck along the Androscoggin River at Mr. Pizza for a well-earned beer and delicious meal. We then drove back to Mike and Jon’s house [Mad River Lodge] for showers, more good company, snacks, drinks, and watched some gay pride type entertainment on TV.

Many thanks to all for joining us and for making the day so pleasurable!

Jon and I have many other spirited hikes posted on the website for this summer so we hope you can join us!

Our Pride Hike to one of the most magnificent hikes in the White Mountains with a fun social mixer to follow at a local restaurant!

Celebrate Gay Pride with Mike and Jon on this 9.8 mile loop hike with 3,500 feet elevation gain up South Baldface [3,556 ft.] and North Baldface [3,566 ft.]. We will distribute rainbow flags at the trailhead to stick outside of our packs as we hike in solidarity with our brothers and sisters at Boston Pride!

The Baldface Circle Trail is one of the most magnificent hikes in the White Mountains with nearly 4 miles of open ledge rivaling the northern Presidentials in terms of views.  Steep scramble up side of South Baldface may make some people nervous. 

Check out this link for more information about this hike. 

What to wear/bring: Wear clothing suitable for the hike in layers...no cotton or blue jeans.  Have a rain jacket in the event of inclement weather. Bring along plenty of water (at least 2 liters), lunch, snacks and anything else you may require for a day hike. Contact us if you have any questions. 

Following the hike, members are welcome to Gorham, NH to join us for dinner and a social mixer at Mr. Pizza! 

Lodging Option: Bunk beds are available at our house [with Wi Fi] near Waterville Valley, NH for Friday and/or Saturday nights. It's $25 per night. Coffee/bagels each morning and linen/blankets/towels are provided. Space is limited so email ASAP to reserve a bunk!