SHORT NAKED HIKES #1 – MOUNT DOUGLAS BALD TRAIL

Mount Douglas Bald Trail a.k.a. Bald Peak Trail

Where: Welsford, NB

Access – Burton Lane, to the right off Hwy 101 immediately past the Hwy 7 overpass
There is a parking area there and nothing else, with the trailhead easily recognized but not signed.

Length – Trailhead to summit approx 1.25 km, not much of a hike but pretty good cardio due to the vertical, and the view from the summit  is, I believe, well worth it.

The view from the summit looking south

Degree of difficulty – “Moderate” with the following caveats:

– for the most part the trail is more like a dry stream bed strewn with small boulders and gnarly roots than a trail – footing can be tricky by times;

– the trail is not groomed at all and is absolutely unfit for mountain bikes or baby buggies;

– the probable demographic for this trail is “younger & decently fit.” Because of the treacherous footing the trail is unsuitable for small children or older people, and impossible for anyone with impaired mobility; and

– this trail absolutely should not be attempted in the dark, fog, rain or while under the influence of anything.

The trail has a great deal of vertical, rising 180 metres over its total length.  Almost all of this is in the shade of thick mixed forest -- nice! 

Only the summit is open to the sky and an army helipad there makes an excellent sundeck.  The summit provides great views to the south of Mt Douglas looking down the Nerepis Valley.

Suitability for naked hiking – If there are NO other vehicles in the parking area you are likely good to hike the trail naked . . . I did.  Just keep a good pace so that you don’t get overtaken from behind.  If there are other vehicles there you are taking a chance as this can be a fairly popular trail on nice days.

Looking up to the summit from the plateau

Overnighting – not recommended but possible.  There is no camping area at the top or bottom but there is a plateau below the summit that has been used by campers in the past.  There are no facilities and no water sources near the plateau.  A campfire gone wrong here would be a disaster.