U
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Absolutely soaken wet. We hiked as far as the Sphinx/GG intersection (with intentions of 4 days of hiking, 2 on the summits via a GG base camp). The sphinx like always during ANY rain is simply a waterfall. I've always assumed the Sphinx is actually a dry creek drainage as it seems to turn into a waterfall with any extended rain.
This area (Great Gulf) is notorious for being wet/damp even when the summits have been dry for weeks or months. It's the drainage of the entire northern presidential range, any precipitation the summits see finds it's way to the base off the Gulf.
This is the last time I will venture down there during any extended or foretasted period of rain. The fact that NH is 14 inches over annual rainfall at this point SHOULD have been a warning to me.
Campsites miserable, trails are like streams. 6in deep mud in spots where it's not 6 inches of water. (seriously) consider Stabil-Icers for traction. Between the exposed roots, logs and generally tractionless rocks, a minimum of 15 falls over 5 miles should be expected.
Bottom line, I'm not a fair weather hiker, I actually enjoy a little adversity (and the solitude that keeps fair weather hikers away), but head to the Great Gulf in the near future only if you enjoy being soaken wet with NO CHANCE of drying out.
Oh, and of course the GG is simply beautiful if not a bit overused.
Special Gear:
Dry clothes are a must if your summiting via the Gulf. Don't expect anything to dry down there, very limited sun, not much wind, high humidity and lots of condensation.
A NOAA weather radio is a good idea, we had ours and were glad we left. I watched all the orange and red rain on the radar pound the Gulf for 5 hours this morning from home. 1/16 mile visibility (100 meters) from the summits also was less than appealing.
Hammock vs. a tent would be ideal. The established campsites are all hard as a rock, and do not absorb water in any way. Limited camping options unless you really search off trail.
Special precautions:
The river crossings are obviously high. The early crossings have more options (including a bridge), but further in the gulf you may need to walk up or downstream of the trail crossing. In 2000 I almost lost my dog on a crossing in the Gulf during a 24 hour rain storm. Extra caution with dogs and children is a must. The Peabody River is strong, deep, and steep in many spots, and getting swept away by it could mean death or serious injury far from any reasonable help.
This area (Great Gulf) is notorious for being wet/damp even when the summits have been dry for weeks or months. It's the drainage of the entire northern presidential range, any precipitation the summits see finds it's way to the base off the Gulf.
This is the last time I will venture down there during any extended or foretasted period of rain. The fact that NH is 14 inches over annual rainfall at this point SHOULD have been a warning to me.
Campsites miserable, trails are like streams. 6in deep mud in spots where it's not 6 inches of water. (seriously) consider Stabil-Icers for traction. Between the exposed roots, logs and generally tractionless rocks, a minimum of 15 falls over 5 miles should be expected.
Bottom line, I'm not a fair weather hiker, I actually enjoy a little adversity (and the solitude that keeps fair weather hikers away), but head to the Great Gulf in the near future only if you enjoy being soaken wet with NO CHANCE of drying out.
Oh, and of course the GG is simply beautiful if not a bit overused.
Special Gear:
Dry clothes are a must if your summiting via the Gulf. Don't expect anything to dry down there, very limited sun, not much wind, high humidity and lots of condensation.
A NOAA weather radio is a good idea, we had ours and were glad we left. I watched all the orange and red rain on the radar pound the Gulf for 5 hours this morning from home. 1/16 mile visibility (100 meters) from the summits also was less than appealing.
Hammock vs. a tent would be ideal. The established campsites are all hard as a rock, and do not absorb water in any way. Limited camping options unless you really search off trail.
Special precautions:
The river crossings are obviously high. The early crossings have more options (including a bridge), but further in the gulf you may need to walk up or downstream of the trail crossing. In 2000 I almost lost my dog on a crossing in the Gulf during a 24 hour rain storm. Extra caution with dogs and children is a must. The Peabody River is strong, deep, and steep in many spots, and getting swept away by it could mean death or serious injury far from any reasonable help.
