| Hiking Trail Conditions Report |
 | Peaks |
Zeacliff, NH |
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 | Trails: |
Zealand Trail, Ethan Pond Trail, Zeacliff Trail, Twinway, Zeacliff View Spur |
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 | Date of Hike: |
Saturday, September 14, 2024 |
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 | Parking/Access Road Notes: |
Since this was a beautiful late summer day, and the day for Flags on the 48 to boot, the Zealand trailhead was very busy. When we arrived at 9:15, both the normal lot and the overflow lot were totally full. A few vehicles were parked along the road further away. We found a quasi-legal spot on the side of the road just before the overflow lot. Zealand Road is overall in good condition but does have some potholes to avoid and several washboard sections. |
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 | Surface Conditions: |
Dry Trail, Mud - Minor/Avoidable |
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 | Recommended Equipment: |
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 | Water Crossing Notes: |
The crossings of Whitewall Brook on Zeacliff Trail, and Twinway just above the hut, are easy rock hops. Everything else is barely worth mentioning. Water levels are low right now. |
|
 | Trail Maintenance Notes: |
A couple of blowdowns on Zeacliff Trail, but they're not terribly annoying. Trails are mostly dry, with little mud, and the new bog bridges on Twinway at the junction with the Zeacliff Spur are very nice. Signs are all in place, and many of them look new (including the sign at the entrance to the Pemi Wilderness at the upper end of Zeacliff Trail - my hiking partner was particularly impressed by this sign). |
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 | Dog-Related Notes: |
Saw a couple. They might have trouble with some of the scrambles on Zeacliff Trail, but they'd do fine anywhere else. On the ridges, there's not much water though. |
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 | Bugs: |
Not very many, and not an issue. |
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 | Lost and Found: |
Nothing. |
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|
 | Comments: |
Trails today were generally in good shape. Zealand Trail and Twinway, while still having a few wet and muddy areas, were pretty much as dry as I've seen them. Ethan Pond Trail between Twinway and Zeacliff Trail is mostly flat with only a few minor ups and downs.
Zeacliff Trail was the highlight of the day (and the purpose of this hike). Right at the beginning off Ethan Pond Trail, watch for a few twists and turns as it descends the talus field. Then it descends very steeply (though with fairly good footing - i.e. without ledges) down to Whitewall Brook. That section should give an idea of how steep some sections of the trail are during the climb. The crossing of Whitewall Brook was straightforward, as there was a line of exposed rocks to use. The first part of the climb, up to the top of the ridge, is mostly very steep with a few very brief breathers. Parts of it are quite rough but not terrible. The trail moderates as it reaches the top of the ridge, and the part along the ridge has fairly good footing. But the part above that is also very steep in places, and rough as well with lots of large rocks. The fairly difficult ledge mentioned in the WMG is doable because of a crack in the rock that serves as a good foothold. Going down that ledge would probably require buttsliding.
The view from Zeacliff was excellent, and it was quite a popular spot today! The hut was also hopping too. Very enjoyable hike! |
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 | Name: |
GN |
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 | E-Mail: |
ghnaigles@gmail.com |
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| Date Submitted: |
2024-09-14 |
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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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