Great Gulf Wilderness

Great Gulf Wilderness is a 5,658-acre federally protected Wilderness Area in New Hampshire, managed by the Forest Service. The landscape is primitive backcountry where motorized access and mechanized travel are prohibited, preserving a non-motorized recreation experience defined by solitude and self-reliance.

The wilderness supports hiking and backpacking as the primary pursuits. Visitors must travel on foot, carrying their own gear and supplies. This is genuine wilderness terrain where you'll encounter steep terrain, stream crossings, and exposure to alpine conditions depending on route and season.

Wilderness regulations are strict and non-negotiable: no roads, motors, or mechanized equipment of any kind. Leave No Trace principles are mandatory—pack out everything you pack in, camp only in designated areas where permitted, treat water, and minimize your footprint. Access requires a short hike from the nearest trailhead; there is no road access into the wilderness itself. Late spring through early fall is the practical hiking window; winter brings severe snow, cold, and avalanche hazard that demand specialized skills and equipment.