New Hampshire Fun Facts: The State Is Home To 33 Bald Summits

In earlier times, the good citizens of New Hampshire were very literal about the naming of natural features found all over the state. If they saw a mountain or prominent hill, they gave it a very obvious name based on its appearance or from the town in which it was located. Out of all the named features in the state, there is one common name that counts for more of them than any other, and now you can add this knowledge to your stash of New Hampshire fun facts.

According to the United States Geological Survey (USGS) Geographic Names Information System, New Hampshire has 33 hills or mountains with "bald" in the name.

From the plain names like "Bald Mountain" to variations like "Bald Knob" and "Bald Ledge," these places were likely named for their lack of vegetation.

Some of the "baldness" on these summits is not naturally occurring, as is the case on the Baldfaces, which were bared by fires in the 19th century. These are some of my most favorite locations.

Bald Rock on Mt. Monadnock is a great destination on its own for when the summit of this busy mountain is teeming with people.

As is the case with many of the bald summits in the state, nature is reclaiming their openness and they may eventually be completely forested again.

Even with the slow advance of nature, however, there are still good views to be had, such as this one from Bald Mountain in Stark.

Sometimes a summit is not a summit at all. Bald Peak in Easton is a not-very-prominent spur of its much larger parent, Mt. Kinsman.

File this info away for the next party when someone asks you about New Hampshire fun facts. You’ll have your answer!

Want more quirky New Hampshire facts? Learn about some of the weird things we Granite Staters do, these oddball attractions to visit, as well as 14 quirky facts that sound made up but are completely true!

14 Quirky Facts About New Hampshire That Sound Made Up, But Are 100% Accurate

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Did You Know New Hampshire Is Home To 33 Bald Summits?

Ken MacGray

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