Great Gulf Wilderness
A rugged wilderness offering challenging hikes, backcountry skiing, and access to Presidential peaks, with a scenic river trail.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Epic backcountry skiing
Great Gulf Wilderness
Best Time
Epic backcountry skiing
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A rugged wilderness offering challenging hikes, backcountry skiing, and access to Presidential peaks, with a scenic river trail.
"Great gateway to the Gulf Wilderness hiking trails!"
🚗 Ample Parking Available
Plenty of parking at the trailhead, with bathrooms and a kiosk for convenience. :car:
🥾 Gear Up for Ruggedness
Beyond the initial flat section, trails become difficult. Bring appropriate gear and knowledge. :hiking_boot:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Airplane Gully
Great Gulf Wilderness
Iconic backcountry ski descent offering thrilling lines and stunning mountain views.
Peabody River Trail
Gateway to Great Gulf
A scenic and relatively flat initial section, perfect for a leisurely walk by the river.
Presidential Range Access
Connecting Trails
Serves as a gateway to challenging trails leading to the summits of the Northern Presidentials.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Wilderness Etiquette is Key
Seasonal Considerations
Summer and fall provide excellent hiking, but be prepared for rugged terrain and river crossings.Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 Ample Parking Available
Plenty of parking at the trailhead, with bathrooms and a kiosk for convenience. :car:
🥾 Gear Up for Ruggedness
Beyond the initial flat section, trails become difficult. Bring appropriate gear and knowledge. :hiking_boot:
🏕️ Wilderness Camping
Designated camping spots exist; pack a shovel for cat holes as facilities are minimal. :tent:
🏞️ Riverbank Relaxation
Enjoy moments by the Peabody River; it's a perfect spot to rest and enjoy the scenery. :river:
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Ample Parking Available
Plenty of parking at the trailhead, with bathrooms and a kiosk for convenience. :car:
🥾 Gear Up for Ruggedness
Beyond the initial flat section, trails become difficult. Bring appropriate gear and knowledge. :hiking_boot:
🏕️ Wilderness Camping
Designated camping spots exist; pack a shovel for cat holes as facilities are minimal. :tent:
🏞️ Riverbank Relaxation
Enjoy moments by the Peabody River; it's a perfect spot to rest and enjoy the scenery. :river:
🌲 Respect Old-Growth Forests
Be aware of and advocate for the protection of irreplaceable old-growth forests near the wilderness. :evergreen_tree:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise the Great Gulf Wilderness for its stunning natural beauty and challenging terrain, offering a true escape from crowds. The initial river trail is accessible, while deeper sections provide rewarding adventures for experienced hikers and skiers. Some note the ruggedness requires preparedness.
"Beautiful trail away from some of the business of the popular 4k trailhead. The first miles are relatively flat and easy, as far as the Bluff/AT junction, and make for a nice walk in the woods. Past that, the trail gets more difficult and should only be attempted if you have the gear and knowledge."
Meg Nina Miller
"I did an out and back hike for a total of about 6 mi. You could access Mount Washington by continuing on this trail. The best part for me was when the trail came close to the river stopping and stretching out on the bank in the sun for a few minutes and watching the water go by."
Allen Monsarrat
"Great parking here (plenty of parking), with bathrooms and kiosk. Picnic table for those wishing to visit the river. Great gateway to the Gulf Wilderness hiking trails!"
niKols Viden
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The primary access is via the WMNF Fee parking area, often reached by following signs for Pinkham Notch. From there, you'll cross a suspension bridge over the Peabody River to enter the wilderness area.
Yes, there is a dedicated WMNF Fee parking area with ample space, making it a convenient starting point for your adventure.
Yes, Pinkham Notch is a common starting point for hikes that can lead into or through the Great Gulf Wilderness, often involving trails like Huntington Ravine or the Gulfside Trail.
The initial miles, particularly along the Peabody River, are relatively flat and easy. However, as you venture deeper, the terrain becomes significantly more difficult and rugged.
Parking at the WMNF Fee parking area typically requires a fee, which helps maintain the White Mountain National Forest. Check current WMNF regulations for specific pricing.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Generally, permits are not required for day hiking in the Great Gulf Wilderness. However, for overnight camping, specific regulations and potential permits may apply, so it's best to check with the White Mountain National Forest Service.
As a wilderness area, the Great Gulf is open year-round, 24 hours a day. However, access and trail conditions can vary significantly with the seasons, especially in winter.
While there isn't a direct entrance fee for the wilderness itself, the associated parking areas within the White Mountain National Forest often have day-use fees.
No, tickets are not applicable for wilderness areas like the Great Gulf. Access is generally free, though parking fees may apply.
Ensure you have appropriate gear for varied terrain and weather, inform someone of your hiking plans, and familiarize yourself with Leave No Trace principles.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Highlights include the challenging Airplane Gully for backcountry skiing, and the numerous trails connecting to the Presidential Range summits.
The initial part of the Peabody River Trail is beginner-friendly. However, deeper into the wilderness, trails become rugged and require significant hiking experience and gear.
While sightings vary, you might encounter common forest wildlife. Be aware of your surroundings and practice safe wildlife viewing.
The main trailhead parking area has bathrooms. Deeper within the wilderness, facilities are minimal, and you'll need to practice proper cat-hole digging for waste.
Trails like the Great Gulf Trail, Huntington Ravine, and various routes connecting to Mount Washington offer diverse experiences, from river walks to challenging ascents.
📸 📸 Photography
Capture the dramatic landscapes, especially the rugged mountain scenery and the winding Peabody River. Airplane Gully offers unique shots for winter sports enthusiasts.
Early morning and late afternoon light can create beautiful conditions for landscape photography, especially along the river. Consider the dramatic winter light for ski photography.
A sturdy tripod for low-light conditions, a wide-angle lens for landscapes, and a telephoto lens for wildlife. Ensure your gear is protected from the elements, especially in winter.
Drone usage is generally restricted in wilderness areas to preserve their natural character. Always check current regulations with the White Mountain National Forest Service before flying.
Focus on the dramatic mountain cirques, the dynamic flow of the Peabody River, and the challenging ski lines in winter. The contrast between the wild landscape and human endeavor is compelling.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
⛷️ Backcountry Skiers & Snowboarders
+1 Other chutes and gullies provide exciting terrain for those with advanced skills. It's imperative to have proper avalanche safety training and gear, including an avalanche beacon, probe, and shovel. Always check the avalanche forecast before heading out and be prepared for extreme conditions. 🏕️ Backpackers & Overnight Campers
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Winter Adventures: Skiing and Snowshoeing
+1 Other gullies and chutes also provide opportunities for advanced snowshoeing and ski touring. Conditions can be extreme, with deep snow, ice, and high winds, especially near Mount Washington. Proper avalanche safety knowledge, gear (including beacons, probes, and shovels), and experience are absolutely essential for any winter travel in this area. Many visitors share their epic ski descents, highlighting the raw beauty and demanding nature of these winter expeditions.+1When planning a winter trip, always check the avalanche forecast and weather conditions meticulously. Trails can be obscured by snow, and navigation requires strong winter skills. The Peabody River can freeze over, but caution is advised. For those seeking a less extreme winter experience, snowshoeing on the more accessible parts of the Great Gulf Trail can still offer a beautiful immersion in the winter wilderness. Remember that daylight hours are shorter, so plan your itinerary accordingly and be prepared for a potential overnight stay if conditions deteriorate.
Hiking and Backpacking in the Gulf
For backpackers, the Great Gulf offers a true wilderness experience. Designated camping spots are available along the trails, marked by small signs. It's crucial to practice Leave No Trace principles, which include packing out all trash and using a shovel for catholes when nature calls, as there are no facilities deep within the wilderness.
Conservation Concerns
Understanding the ecological significance of the Great Gulf Wilderness is part of the experience. The area is home to diverse flora and fauna, and its pristine condition is a testament to its wilderness designation. When exploring, stick to marked trails to minimize your impact and avoid disturbing sensitive habitats. The community's engagement in protecting these natural resources, as seen in social media discussions, underscores the shared responsibility we have in preserving such valuable landscapes.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit