The Ice Gulch is a wild and beautiful place, but as its name implies, ice may still be found under the rocks. On a hot summer day, the Ice Gulch can be a cool, damp, refreshing place. We will ascend the Ice Gulch Path and take the Peboamauk loop to the falls. We will descend by the Cook Path and the Boothman Spring Cutoff for a 6.5 mile loop hike. Participants should have sturdy hiking boots and a day pack containing at least 2 liters of water, lunch/snacks, outer shell (wind/waterproof), and extra clothing.

Overall this is a moderate hike, but note that the Randolph Mountain Club describes the segment through the gulch itself as “one of the more strenuous segments in the Whites where one must scramble, climb, and sometimes crawl through a challenging landscape.” The gulch may also be wet and slippery. Thus our safety motto will be “slow and low is the way to go through the gulch.” The estimated time for the hike also reflects the slow going through the gulch.

Elevation Gain: 1250 feet
Total Distance: 6.5 miles
Estimated Duration: 5 hours

From Gorham, NH: Drive west on US Route 2. At the top of the hill, turn right onto Randolph Hill Rd.

From Jefferson, NH: Drive east on US Route 2 past Appalachia (the trailheads to Mount Madison/Mount Adams). At the top of the big hill, turn left onto Randolph Hill Rd.

On Randolph Hill Rd 0.6 miles past the 90-degree turn, the Ice Gulch Path begins on the right side of the road at an old farm with a red barn and prominent sign (Sky Meadows). Parking is only allowed off the left (south) side of the road.  I drive a blue Subaru Forester.