NH Trail Gap Options

Gap routes that have been used

I first hiked "the Gap" between Mt Sunapee and the Appalachian Trail in 2018, choosing a western route that linked up with the A.T. at Moose Mountain. In 2021, I learned that a few others had hiked the gap by heading east on the SRK Greenway, then north to Mt Cardigan, linking up with the A.T. further north at Moosilauke or Smarts Mountain. Finally, an article written about the "Ghost Trail" several years ago by K.r. Nilson came to light. This proposed route completely bypasses the busy Appalachian Trail, linking up directly with the southern terminus of the Cohos Trail at Crawford Notch.  The Ghost Trail was intriguing, so in 2021 I hiked that, along with the southern end of the Cohos Trail over the Presidential Range. I have blog posts for all sections except what others did between Cardigan and the A.T.

Here's a summary of each route:

1. "Moose Mountain Express" (Western route -quickest route to the A.T.): That's the route I did in 2018, going north (clockwise) on the SRK Greenway from Mt. Sunapee and then following Snowmobile Trail 5N and the Moose Mountain Orange Diamond Trail (check my 2018 blog posts for more info).  This route has only 6.6 miles on pavement and is the most direct route to the Appalachian Trail from the SRK Greenway. The gap terrain is very easy. Note that you're traveling on snowmobile trails not designed for hikers, although most of these trails were easy to walk (a couple rough spots and one section recently closed by a landowner). Mileage: 28.8 miles total with 6.6 miles paved, 12.8 miles of snowmobile trail, 6.4 miles hiking trail, 2.4 miles rail trail, and 0.6 woods road. Click HERE for more info and a gps file. 

All the following routes start out by heading east and then north on the SRK Greenway from Mt Sunapee, up and over Mt Kearsarge and Ragged Mountain, then heading north on the Northern Rail Trail to Danbury, followed by a long road walk to pick up the Skyland Trail heading to the summit of Mt Cardigan. Note that overnight camping is not allowed on the SRK Greenway. From there, people have gone in different directions. 

2. Cardigan to Smarts Mountain: From Mt Cardigan, this route descends north along a woods road (3.2 miles) to Sculptured Rock Road, and then west and north along various gravel roads and Highway 118 for 6.6 miles to Green Woodlands trailhead, where trails can be follow west for about 2 miles to North Dorchester Road. It's another 4.3 miles along the road to the Smarts Mountain trailhead for the Appalachian Trail. This route consists mostly of maintained gravel roads.  

3. Cardigan to Moosilauke: This route descends north from Mt Cardigan along a woods road (3.2 miles) to Sculptured Rock Road. but continues north from Cardigan with more road walking, eventually picking up a trail heading up the south side of Mt Moosilauke, where the Appalachian Trail is intercepted.  

4. "Ghost Trail": Cardigan to Cohos Trail: This route is based on an article by K.r. Nilson that brings hikers to the southern terminus of the Cohos Trail at Crawford Notch, completely bypassing the Appalachian Trail.  Landmarks include Hebron, Plymouth Mountain, Plymouth, Mt Squam, Mt. Israel, Flat Mountain Pond, Mt Whiteface, the Tripyramids, and Mt Cardigan. Then there is Mt Isolation and Mt Eisenhower as the route follows the Cohos Trail over the Presidential Range and through Bretton Woods. Check my 2021 blog posts for more detailed info and photos, and also check my  quick notes for future hikers.