| Hiking Trail Conditions Report |
 | Peaks |
Mt. Washington, NH |
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 | Trails: |
Great Gulf Trail, Gulfside, Tuckerman Ravine Trail, Lion Head Trail, Raymond Path, Old Jackson Road, Madison Gulf Trail |
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 | Date of Hike: |
Sunday, July 7, 2024 |
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 | Parking/Access Road Notes: |
Plenty of parking at the Great Gulf Trailhead. It's a fee lot with nice bathrooms. |
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 | Surface Conditions: |
Dry Trail, Mud - Minor/Avoidable |
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 | Recommended Equipment: |
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 | Water Crossing Notes: |
Many insignificant, easily rock-hoppable crossings. The only one I found challenging is right at the Bluff, where Madison Gulf Trail crosses Great Gulf Trail. I found it easier to go about 8 ft upstream where there was a small herdpath, and the river is split into 2 smaller sections that could be crossed separately. |
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 | Trail Maintenance Notes: |
Great Gulf Trail is in wonderful shape considering how little use it gets. Between Sphinx and Spaulding Lake there are about 6 significant blowdowns that are difficult to duck under or step over (one, right at the intersection, has a large herdpath around it), but there are no other maintenance issues besides being a little brushy, and some waterbars past Madison Gulf Trail seemed to be quite full of sediment. Lion Head Trail is slightly brushy but otherwise fine. Raymond Path and Madison Gulf Trail between the Auto Road and the Great Gulf Trail are both in excellent shape. |
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 | Dog-Related Notes: |
This hike might be too much for dogs. It was long with a lot of rock-hopping and I think most dogs would have a hard time climbing the headwall. Lots of very high scrambles. I also think Lion Head is not an appropriate trail for dogs. |
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 | Bugs: |
Lots of bugs |
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 | Lost and Found: |
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 | Comments: |
Many have reported that Great Gulf Trail is hard to follow through the headwall. In the beginning 3rd of the climb, it goes directly through the waterfall (for a long distance, possibly a quarter mile). There are occasional faded yellow blazes that confirm this. It is easy to tell where the trail turns gently to the right and becomes dry the rest of the way. From here to the top of the headwall, there were very small cairns that were helpful, as well as the occasional faded yellow blaze. I found it most helpful to look for the slightly reddish, stirred up tiny rocks that mark where people have stepped and created some erosion. Whenever I felt I was off trail, I could look for this and generally get back to it. It took a lot of care to stay on the right path, but the headwall is mainly rock-hopping large rocks, and as long as you stay out of the vegetation, you could go in many different directions to get safely to the top.
I had the Great Gulf Trail entirely to myself. Some of these trails are surprisingly gentle and soft underfoot, namely much of the Great Gulf Trail at the beginning, and most of Raymond Path. There are some truly stunning sights in the Great Gulf, such as impressive waterfalls, and picturesque Spaulding Lake. Along the walk to the headwall, there are some great established campsites, all with access to amazing swimming holes. Great opportunities for out-and-back trips into a quiet, scenic area.
This route was pretty punishing in terms of elevation and terrain, and I highly recommend sunscreen or a wide-brimmed hat due to all of the time above treeline. However, it's an awesome loop and I highly recommend it to anybody looking for a real challenge! |
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 | Name: |
BBQeel |
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 | E-Mail: |
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| Date Submitted: |
2024-07-08 |
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 | Link: |
 https:// |
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Disclaimer: Reports are not verified - conditions may vary. Use at own risk. Always be prepared when hiking. Observe all signs. Trail conditions reports are not substitutes for weather reports or common sense. |
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