Bald Mountain
The Bald Mountain trail provides a path for visitors to access the Glastenbury Wilderness and the summit of Bald Mountain. From the Bennington side, after climbing several hundred feet, hikers will reach the “white rocks” (not to be confused with the White Rocks National Recreation Area 40 miles to the north). This rocky opening on the west side of Bald Mountain provides excellent views of Bennington and into New York.
Trail Information
Bennington Side
The west side of the Bald Mountain trail leaves Branch Street in Bennington and travels 4 miles, with 2000' elevation change, to the junction with the West Ridge Trail. The trail travels under a powerline, through a tunnel under Route 279 and then follows an old woods road before entering the Glastenbury Wilderness on the Green Mountain National Forest in approximately one mile. It then climbs several switch backs and reaches the white rocks in 2.8 miles. The junction with the West Ridge trail is approximately 1 mile beyond the white rocks vista. The trail is marked with blue blazes.
Woodford Side
The east side of the Bald Mountain trail off from Harbour Road in Woodford travels 2 miles, with 1580' elevation change, to the junction with the West Ridge Trail. The trail follows an old road that provides access for a few local camps and then enters the National Forest at 0.3 miles. After signing in at the trail register, this path climbs steadily and at 1.6 miles, it meets a spur leading to a seasonal spring at “Bear Wallow.” The trail reaches the West Ridge trail at 2 miles. The trail is marked with blue blazes.
General Information
No horses, mountain bikes or motorized vehicles
Getting There
Latitude / Longitude
Latitude: 42.8899
Longitude: -73.1806
Directions
For the trailhead 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 to the trailhead parking lot. It will be just off the east side of the street near the powerlines. Please park perpendicular to the road in the expanded parking lot to maximize space.
From Route 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. Follow North Branch Street to the trailhead parking lot. It will be just off the east side of the street near the powerlines. Please park perpendicular to the road in the expanded parking lot to maximize space.
For the trailhead leading from Woodford Hollow:
From Bennington, take Route 9 for about 4.0 miles east to Harbor Road.Turn north onto Harbour Road and follow for 0.8 miles. At a concrete water tank, turn left off the road into the constructed parking area on the left. The trailhead is found at the edge of the woods. This parking area is on private property. Please respect our neighbors.
From the east, take Route 9 west for 1.2 miles past the Appalachian/Long Trail crossing to Harbour Road. Turn north (left) onto Harbour Road. and follow for 0.8 miles. At a concrete water tank, turn left off the road into an open area. The trail is found at the edge of the woods.
Facility and Amenity Information
Restrooms
Restrooms are not available at this site.
Water
Potable water is not available at this site.
