Gap Mountain North Trail

Komoot rates this trail as easy. While it features mostly easy grades until the summit, there are sections with a gradual to steady incline, some steep parts, and ledges. It's generally considered suitable for families and less experienced hikers, but be prepared for varied terrain.

The trail begins by winding through woods and crosses a couple of footbridges. You'll encounter varied surfaces including packed earth/dirt, gravel, rock/ledge, and grass. The upper sections become rockier. Some muddy spots can occur in lower areas, but bog bridges are often present.

The highlight of the trail is the stunning panoramic views from the Gap Mountain North Peak. From here, you can enjoy expansive vistas of Mount Monadnock, the surrounding Monadnock Region, and even distant views towards Vermont. Along the way, you'll also pass through second-growth forests and brushy clearings.

Yes, dogs are generally welcome on the Gap Mountain North Trail. However, it's always recommended to keep your dog on a leash and practice Leave No Trace principles by cleaning up after your pet.

Access to the trail is typically from the North Trailhead. Parking is available there, but be aware that during winter months, trailhead parking may be inaccessible due to snow and ice conditions.

The Gap Mountain Reservation is leased to the State of New Hampshire and managed as part of Monadnock State Park. Generally, there are no specific permits required or entrance fees for hiking the Gap Mountain North Trail itself. However, it's always a good idea to check the official Monadnock State Park website for any updated regulations or fees, especially if you plan to visit other areas of the park.

The trail offers beautiful scenery year-round. Spring and fall provide pleasant temperatures and vibrant foliage. In summer, you might find wildflowers and abundant high- and low-bush blueberries along the open ledges. For winter hiking, microspikes are highly recommended due to potentially steep and icy conditions, and trailhead parking may be inaccessible.

Yes, the Gap Mountain North Trail is part of the long-distance Metacomet-Monadnock Trail, which stretches from the Connecticut-Massachusetts state line to Mount Monadnock. The route also passes through sections of the Royce Trail and the Wantastiquet-Monadnock Trail.

The Komoot tour for the Gap Mountain North Trail is an out-and-back route, leading to the summit and returning the same way. The specific tour covers approximately 2.1 kilometers (1.3 miles) in total.

Yes, the trail offers glimpses into the mountain's past. You can find vestiges of its history as extensive farm pastures, such as old stone walls, retired roads, and the tangled remnants of former apple orchards along the route.