The Gulf Hagas area is part of the Appalachian Trail corridor, which is federally owned and managed under the auspices of the National Park Service (NPS) and the Appalachian Trail Conference (ATC). Gulf Hagas is a primitive area and help for lost or injured hikers may be many hours and miles away. Inexperienced or ill-prepared hikers and families with young children should be cautious about tackling the Gulf Hagas Rim Trail, which is a difficult and often slippery hike. Consider stopping at the Hermitage, a beautiful old growth pine stand owned by the Nature Conservancy, or at Screw Auger Falls.

Before you hike the Gulf Hagas Rim Trail, you should have a trail map, which can be purchased at the checkpoints, or a USGS topo sheet, and a compass. Sturdy footwear (not sandals or sneakers) appropriate seasonal clothing and an adequate supply of food and water are strongly recommended. From Screw Auger Falls, the Gulf Hagas Rim Trail is about 3 miles to the junction with the old Pleasant River Tote Road. This section of trail is considered difficult and rocks can be quite slippery. From the junction of the Rim Trail and the Tote Road, it’s about 2 miles of moderately difficult hiking along the Tote Road back to Screw Auger Falls.