Great Gulf, Glacial cirque and hiking trails in White Mountains, New Hampshire, United States
Great Gulf is a glacial cirque in the White Mountains featuring steep rock walls that rise sharply from the valley floor in a natural amphitheater formation. The basin contains meadows, streams, and dense forest patches spread across its expanse.
The region received its name in 1823 when explorer Ethan Allen Crawford encountered the massive formation during his mountain expeditions. It was later established as a protected wilderness area, becoming one of the state's earliest such designations.
The Great Gulf Wilderness stands as New Hampshire's first designated wilderness area, containing 22 miles of maintained trails for nature observation.
Access requires sturdy hiking boots and weather-appropriate clothing for alpine conditions, as the terrain is demanding with significant elevation changes. Spring through fall offers the most favorable conditions for visiting.
A hiking path crosses a suspension bridge over the Peabody River before heading into old-growth forest dotted with glacial boulders. These hidden details add character to an otherwise straightforward mountain route.
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