| Hiking Trail Conditions Report |
 | Peaks |
Gap Mountain, NH |
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 | Trails: |
Gap Mountain North Trail, Michael John Donovan Trail, Road Walk |
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 | Date of Hike: |
Saturday, May 16, 2026 |
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 | Parking/Access Road Notes: |
Seasonal parking area, closed in winter, near the end of Bullard Road on the left. Room for at least a dozen cars, there is a porta potty, a kiosk and an iron ranger with a request for a five dollar donation. |
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 | Surface Conditions: |
Dry Trail |
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 | Recommended Equipment: |
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 | Water Crossing Notes: |
nice bridges on the Donovan Trail. |
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 | Trail Maintenance Notes: |
I only tossed on little stick off the trail since it was otherwise completely nicely cleared |
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 | Dog-Related Notes: |
I saw no prohibitions but I wonder if they are permitted??? |
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 | Bugs: |
Black fly's teeth have come in. |
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 | Lost and Found: |
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 | Comments: |
Our post Contoocook River packrafting adventure we went to Monadnock Gilson Pond but were denied entry since we did not have a reservation, quite frustrating because the "winter" that is open in foliage season is roped off. So off to Gap Mountain we went. Just maybe four cars in the lot. We passed by a couple carrying a small child in a backpack. Be careful to step over the stone wall, don't turn left a 1/10th of a mile up the trail, Why? Because you will find yourself walking up the wrong trail and they know this happens because a sign is posted this is not the Gap Mountain Trail. We turned around and met the young couple making the same error. Also on the summit we met another couple and asked if they too went the wrong way and they told us Yes they missed the turn too. An arrow is needed or more white blazes. Sweet views from the North bump and the middle, and we went down a short steep pitch and turned left on the well defined heard path to the mountain's true summit, the South Peak. Nice large rock cairn on top and take path to the ledges for big vista! On our return we took the left down trail that was signed something Farm? and it took us down to a trail head with parking for 6+ cars (no cars were there) SP of NH Forest sign reading In Loving Memory of Michael John Donovan. It is a nice path with a couple nice bridge. The road walk up Old Mill Road felt short back to the other trailhead. It was a nice day, sometimes a nice warm breeze felt great and pushed away the hungry black flies on the summits. First day to wear shorts and t-shirt hiking! Felt like summer. Leaves not out yet so views were grand. |
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 | Name: |
Nordic_Gal, Becca Munroe |
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 | E-Mail: |
amybike@gmail.com |
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| Date Submitted: |
2026-05-17 |
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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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