Artist’s Bluff. One of the most iconic viewpoints of the White Mountains of New Hampshire in breathtaking fall.

So iconic that you can expect the mountain to be swamped with people during peak hours in Autumn.

Join us as we hike Bald Mountain and Artist’s Bluff and learn tips to beat the crowds, what the terrain is like, what to wear – and if you’re allergic to crowds, some alternative hikes.

Artist Bluff Stats

Artist’s Bluff can be found in Franconia Notch State Park in the New Hampshire White Mountains right off interstate 93.

The loop we’ll be doing is 1.5 miles round trip with 436 feet of elevation gain. I would consider this a moderate hike. The distance is short and easy, the elevation gain is modest, but the terrain is very rocky and going up to Bald Mountain there are some rock scrambles. Nothing too crazy if you hike often, but for the infrequent hikers, this isn’t just a walk in the woods.

Tips for Artist Bluff

We saw way too many people without the proper hiking gear. We saw people hiking in nice boots and shoes, jeans and normal clothing.

This is a hike that you’ll want hiking boots or trail runners for. You’ll want the extra grip those treads provide, especially considering there will be rocks covered in slippery leaves. You will get muddy.

Also, you’ll want to be wearing athletic wear. Something that has moisture wicking properties. Jeans or cotton based clothing isn’t appropriate. These materials trap moisture which can lead to hypothermia if you get stuck on the mountain.

Chances are, it is going to be on the colder side in late September to mid-October. Be prepared with an appropriate warm midlayer if it is in the 40s or 50s and even a warmer jacket if it is in the 30s or 40s. There is always a chance of snow this time of year too.

We also have to talk about Leave No Trace. We saw plenty of garbage on our way up. If you’re unwilling to take all the garbage with you on your way down, you shouldn’t be hiking. This is a nature trail. There are no maids. There are no trash bins. You’re responsible to ensure that everything you bring up the mountain, you bring back with you. Don’t be a garbage person, no excuses.

Finally, expect it to be busy. This is one of the most hiked trails in the Northeast. Expect crowds and lines to viewpoints. If you want to avoid the crowds, get up earlier or go on a weekday.

We got there at 7:30 am on a Sunday and the crowds were manageable. In fact, we encountered very few hikers between Bald Mountain and Artist’s Bluff and while the viewpoint was busy, we still had plenty of room for ourselves.

Last, have a good time. You’re here to get out into nature, no need to push, shove or be rude.

Up to Bald Mountain

We arrived at the trailhead at Cannon Ski Resort at 7:30 am and there were already 50 cars in the parking lot. The parking lot is ABSOLUTELY MASSIVE and free so you should still be able to find parking no matter how busy it gets.

We found the main trailhead and took a left at the junction leading to Bald Mountain. Here you’ll find your typical New England hiking conditions, rocky rooty trails as you climb in elevation.

It wasn’t long until we got to the intersection for the short spur trail up to Bald Mountain. This is where things will get a little steeper and more vertical. You’ll encounter some rock scrambles where you might need to use your hands to assist you up the trail.

At the top you have a stunning view of Mt Cannon, Mt Lafayette and part of Franconia Notch. The best part is that we had this summit to ourselves for a good 10 minutes. Waaay less crowded than Artist’s Bluff and highly recommend you don’t miss these views.

Over to Artist Bluff

We descended back the way we came, carefully navigating the rocks as we went until we reached the main trail again.

The trail had plenty of roots and rocks to navigate and parts were very pretty with masses of trees with foliage in full bloom.

As we started to approach the bluff there were several outlooks with spectacular views. As we descended to get to the bluff, the trail became steep again. Watch your footing.

It wasn’t long until we got to Artist’s Bluff with 50 of our new friends already there. Despite so many people there was actually still a lot of space to take photos of the stunning view of Echo Lake with Franconia Notch laden in fall colors in the background, flanked by Cannon Mountain to the right and Franconia Ridge in the clouds to the left.

We took it all in for 20 minutes and decided to leave before the crowds got too insane. On our way down it was slow going as masses of people streamed up the trail. While the trail is large enough for people to pass side by side, there were several bottlenecks where you had to go one by one.

Careful of slick roots and rocks covered in slippery leaves on your descent.

We made it back to the car and drove to our next destination – Crawford Notch State Park – which will be featured in a future video.

Alternative Hikes

A lot of people hike to get away from people, so if you hate crowds, here are some great alternative hikes in the area.

Lonesome Lake offers stunning views of Mt Cannon and Franconia Ridge with color laden trees reflecting in the water. This hike is 3 miles round trip with 1,030 feet of elevation gain. While the hike is twice as long with twice the elevation gain, the trail is a lot less rugged, making the hike less technical.

Mt Pemigewasset is also out of Franconia State Park at 3.3 miles round trip with an elevation gain of 1,259 feet. At the end there’s a grand cliff overlooking the beautiful forest below aflame in fall colors.

A little more strenuous, the Welch-Dickey loop is 4.4 miles with 1,781 feet of elevation gain with spectacular views as you hike the duo of mountains.