Fires are not permitted. Living for several years in Conway, NH, I've hiked the Great Gulf in every season, and find it most appealing in fall when the leaves weave the forest into a vivid tapestry of color and the voracious black flies of early summer are long gone. From North Conway, NH, take State Highway 16 north approximately 25 miles to where the West Branch of the Peabody River merges with the Peabody River. There you'll find a parking lot and a trailhead for the Great Gulf Trail. All seasons offer splendid Wilderness travel.
Winters are often ferocious.
I prefer fall. A Wilderness map is available free from the district ranger. Click here to find out how. Copyright Rodale, Inc. 2001.