Hiking, Climbing, and Scrambling through the Ice Gulch in Randolph, New Hampshire
The Ice Gulch in Randolph, New Hampshire, is perfect for hikers looking for something a little different in the White Mountains. This rocky ravine, known as the Ice Gulch, keeps icy cool even in the middle of summer! Stretching for about a mile, the Ice Gulch is surrounded by beautiful forest and filled with jagged boulders and crevices, creating a shady spot where the ice lingers longer than you’d expect. As you head into the Ice Gulch, you'll feel the temperature drop, and the ground stays surprisingly wet and slippery throughout.
Filled with boulders and full of holes and crevices, it’s not the easiest hike, but it’s definitely a rewarding one for those who love a bit of rock scrambling. The coolest part? Even in the summer heat, ice can still be found tucked between the rocks (like we did in late August). Plus, this chilly microclimate creates a home for some rare plants, adding to the Ice Gulch’s charm as a one-of-a-kind outdoor adventure.
Trail Guide: The hike begins at the Crescent Ridge Trailhead at the end of Randolph Hill Road in Randolph, Massachusetts. This trailhead provides access to the trails north of Route 2 and the Appalachia Trailhead including Mount Randolph, Mount Crescent, and the Ice Gulch. From the trailhead you’ll follow the Peek Path 0.4 miles to the intersection with the Cook Path. The 0.4 miles from the trailhead to the Cook Path does climb quickly and steeply on a lightly used, but well maintained trail.
At the intersection with the Cook Path, you’ll follow the Cook Path 1.6 miles to the top of the Ice Gulch. From the intersection with the Peek Path, the Cook continues climbing until it reaches the shoulder of Mount Crescent. Once on the shoulder, the trail levels off and then descends slightly to the top of the Ice Gulch.
At the top of the Ice Gulch, the Cook Path ends and the Ice Gulch Path begins. The trail drops very steeply into the Ice Gulch and then for next little over a mile descends through the boulder strewn and crevasse laced Ice Gulch. After the initial steep descent into the Gulch, it evens off for a bit, before descending steeply down a boulder laced headwall into the heart of the Ice Gulch. The rocks here are moss covered and damp and seemingly always slippery. The Gulch then widens and the grade of descent decreases, but the size of the boulders (and the holes) increase. You’ll be climbing over, under and around car sized boulders at this point and while the trail is marked, it’s often a choose your own adventure type of hike. Just before you reach a mile of descent, the boulders lessen and the creek from the top of the Gulch reappears at Fairy Spring. Shortly after you’ll come to an intersection where the Ice Gulch Path leaves the Ice Gulch and the Peboamauk Fall Loop Trail continues straight ahead, continuing down the Gulch.
We followed the Peboamauk Fall Loop and kept descending the Gulch to the top of Peboamauk Fall and then descended very steeply around the waterfall to its base where we enjoyed a rest, some snacks, and a little rinsing off (the water is cold).
Note that it’s just over a mile from the top of the Gulch to the base of Peboamauk Fall, but that is one tough mile and it took us about 2 hours to make the descent. Could it be done faster? Sure in perfect conditions with dry rocks, but the Gulch is almost always in the shade, sections are almost always damp, and it’s always a half trecherous type of hike that is worth taking it slow.
From the base of Peboamauk Fall, we followed the loop trail as it climbed steeply out of Gulch and rejoined the Ice Gulch Path, which we followed for just under two miles to where it ends on Randolph Hill Road. We turned left on Randolph Hill Road and followed the road back about a mile to Crescent Ridge Trailhead.
Takeaway: The loop hike through the Ice Gulch is about 6.7 miles round trip, and while the majority of the trail is moderate, the mile through the Ice Gulch on the Ice Gulch Path is a challenging and difficult hike. The loop can be done either way, but personally we think descending is the easier way, though it really depends on what you are comfortable with.
For More Information About This Hike
You can find this hike:
Hike On Guides: Need help on a hike like this? Moe is a NYS licensed hiking and backpacking guide. You can hire him for Hiking, Backpacking and Camping Guide Services at Hike On Guides for hikes in New York, New Hampshire, Vermont, and Massachusetts.
Our Hiking Advice and Hiking Gear Recommendations
Gear we used on this hike:
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Important Hiking Considerations:
Weather: Check the weather forecast before your hike and be prepared for changes in conditions.
Safety: Some sections of the trail can be steep and rocky, so use caution and watch your footing.
Leave No Trace: As with any outdoor activity, remember to follow the principles of Leave No Trace. Pack out any trash, stay on the trail, and be respectful of the natural environment.
