As a hiker, I have to say there’s nothing I love better than scrambling. That “four on the floor” feeling of scrambling over boulders and ledges brings back that feeling of being a kid again. Fortunately for myself and like-minded hikers, New Hampshire’s White Mountains are full of areas that are really just playgrounds for adults. One little-known destination in NH that fits squarely on that list is the wild Ice Gulch in Randolph.

Caution: This is one of the most difficult and strenuous hikes in the White Mountains and should be undertaken by experienced hikers only. The route may take considerable time to complete and once inside the canyon, there are no additional exit routes. Hikers should prepare for this trip accordingly to avoid injury.

Ice Gulch is a wild, narrow, and secluded notch in the mountains of Randolph. It is a unique and unusual area filled with an accumulation of large boulders.
Ryan Delena/All Trails
The unusual topography of the gulch and its less-direct sunlight combine to form a unique microclimate that is cooler than normal.
John Gallagher/All Trails
The gulch gets its name from the constant presence of ice lurking in the crevices under the boulders. This ice can persist even in the height of summer.
Liam Denehan/All Trails
The loop hike through Ice Gulch includes a visit to Peboamauk Falls. The cascade is fed by melting ice within the gulch itself.
Adam Hoyt/All Trails
The trek through Ice Gulch isn't your typical hike. Be prepared to stash the trekking poles for a full-body workout and scrambling over boulders.
Cody Bonnevie/All Trails
As this is such a rugged route and the dangers of injury are real, the journey through Ice Gulch is emphatically not suitable for dogs or small children.
Brian Twardy/All Trails

A visit to this little-known destination in NH is sure to be an adventure to remember. For more information, visit Randolph Mountain Club and refer to the AMC White Mountain Guide for detailed descriptions of the trail segments that make up this loop. Historical information on Ice Gulch (PDF) is available on the State of New Hampshire website.

New Hampshire’s mountains are a place for many challenging hikes. But for something easier away from the higher peaks, you can’t beat a trip up Mt. Kearsarge in the southern part of the state.

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Ice Gulch Path Trailhead, Randolph Hill Rd, Randolph, NH 03593, USA