Stratton Bald Trail #54
6/3/22 Update: This trail accesses Bob Bald which has seen increased bear activity. For safety tips, visit bearwise.org.
The Stratton Bald Trail starts at the Rattler Ford Bridge on State Road 1127 near the Joyce Kilmer Memorial Forest, and gains more than 3,000 feet in elevation over Stratton Bald to its junction with the Stratton Bald Alternate Trail (TR54A). From the trailhead, the trail travels through Designated Wilderness for approximately 2.6 miles and also passes through a portion of the Joyce Kilmer Memorial Forest, slowly gaining elevation to reach the ridge. From that point, it follows a ridge approximately 2.7 miles over boulder fields and through thickets to a junction with the Wolf Laurel Access Trail. From there, the trail ascends moderately for 1.2 miles to the junction with the Haoe Lead Trail at 5,280 foot elevation.
At that point, the Stratton Bald Trail turns westerly and follows the Stratton Bald Ridge for approximately 0.3 miles to the top of Stratton Bald, the tallest point in the Joyce Kilmer Slickrock Wilderness, but this point has no view. The trail continues westerly for approximately 0.8 miles to enter a clearing with great views to the south. This location is near the top of Bob Bald. The trail then enters the forest again, and descends to the junction with the Stratton Bald Alternate Trail (54A), another 0.5 miles. Between this point and the Haoe Lead Junction, the Stratton Bald Trail is also part of the Benton MacKaye Trail.
Trail Length: 7.8 Miles
Difficulty: Very Strenuous
Usage: Light
Average Hiking Times: 7-8 Hours up, 6 hours down