| Hiking Trail Conditions Report |
 | Peaks |
Zealand Mountain, NH |
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 | Trails: |
Zealand Trail, Ethan Pond Trail, Zeacliff Trail, Twinway, Zealand Spur |
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 | Date of Hike: |
Tuesday, October 4, 2022 |
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 | Parking/Access Road Notes: |
Zealand trailhead parking is a fee lot with an outhouse. Plenty of spaces available today. The is overflow parking aside the access road to the main lot.
Zealand Road is fine. As usual, there are voids in the pavement with none that appeared to be of any depth. |
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 | Surface Conditions: |
Dry Trail, Wet/Slippery Rock, Standing/Running Water on Trail, Mud - Minor/Avoidable |
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 | Recommended Equipment: |
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 | Water Crossing Notes: |
The water levels are higher than in June & July when I last hiked the area. Nevertheless, most crossings are not difficult. The trickiest crossing is the Whitewall Brook on the Zeacliff Trail because one of the rocks upper surface shape is not at all flat. There was a small log abutting this rock that provided additional support for the jump to the next rock. |
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 | Trail Maintenance Notes: |
Trails in good condition.
One evergreen across and in trail on the Twinway near the base of the second ledge ascent above the ladder. The trunk is broken and twisted with a diameter of about 8". Duck under the lower section of the tree and walk beside the upper section of the tree that lies in the path.
Two birches across the Twinway between Whitewall Brook and Zeacliff outlook. One tree is a step over while the other arches over the trail.
The bog bridges on the Twinway near the Zeacliff outlook have been fixed so that no section sinks down to the water. |
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 | Dog-Related Notes: |
Fine for dogs although water scarce in the higher elevations. |
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 | Bugs: |
None |
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 | Lost and Found: |
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 | Comments: |
Decided to hike the Zeacliff Trail in the Pemigewasset Wilderness since my last hike on this trail was 5 years ago. The pitch is steep on both sides of the river. Luckily there are plenty of rocks embedded in the ground to help prevent slippage. I noticed six blue blazes on the Zeacliff Trail (3 on trees & 3 on rocks). Pay close attention to the pathway on the Zeacliff Trail just after it departs from the Ethan Pond Trail. This section runs over a talus slope with a couple of false trails. Higher up there is one wet ledge section on the Zeacliff Trail where roots and trees can assist safe passage. Further up, the most difficult ledge was dry today. A narrow foot/toe hold combined with a rock on top of the ledge as a hand hold is the best way to get up this ledge. Be sure to turn around at the top of this ledge as there is a spectacular view across the Pemigewasset Wilderness to Mt Carrigain.
Zealand Mountain has a sign and an obstructed view through the trees of the Twins. On the way out I stopped at Zeacliff which has one of the finest views in the mountains. The view was enhanced by the vibrant fall foliage. The falls near the hut, the ponds, and the wetlands make for a pleasant fall hike from the hut to the trailhead.
Saw no other hikers on the Zeacliff Trail. On all other trails there were many hikers today. AT section hikers, AT southbound hiker (flipped), an overnight Pemi Loop hiker, three alumni of Brown University, and many hikers overnighting at Zealand Falls Hut.
Saw about a dozen turkeys at the A-A and Zealand trail junction. Four spuce grouse (two males and two females) on the Twinway. A junco was hopping around the ledges at Zeacliff. A gray jay was at Zealand Mountain. Also, spotted a small bird with yellow/green feathers (warbler?). |
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 | Name: |
WAUMBEK |
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 | E-Mail: |
waumbek@roadrunner.com |
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| Date Submitted: |
2022-10-04 |
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 | Link: |
 https:// |
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Disclaimer: Reports are not verified - conditions may vary. Use at own risk. Always be prepared when hiking. Observe all signs. Trail conditions reports are not substitutes for weather reports or common sense. |
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