Zowies for Zealand Falls

The early fog burned off to reveal a sunny, crispy cool day so the Fat Man and I decided to hike to the Zealand Falls Hut (owned and operated by the Appalachian Mountain Club or AMC) via the Zealand Trail.  

The Zealand Trailhead (a United States Forest Service parking pass required) is located at the south end of the Zealand Road (FR16), which begins at US Route 302, approx. 2.3 miles east of the Twin Mountain intersection.  We got a late start (as usual) and had to park on the road.

Zealand Trailhead

Zealand Trail at the start

More of the trail

It is 2.8 miles to the hut (5.6 miles round trip) and the trail is fairly easy; save for the last section, which is steep, but short by New Hampshire standards.  The total elevation gain is 650 feet, but you do most of it at the end.  As we get older, going downhill is much harder than going uphill.  I really do miss the cartilage in my knees.  This wasn’t so bad but I would not want to do it in wet weather. 

Beautiful scenery

More gorgeous views

Beaver pond

We lost count of all of the bridges but we did count 7 people who echoed that it was indeed a beautiful day.

One of many lovely bridges

It was like Grand Central Station at the Zealand hut, but we expected that on a sunny Saturday. 

AMC Zealand Hut

Zealand Hut benches

The trail is pretty flat most of the way, save for a boulder den and a section of exposed roots.  These sections felt much shorter on the way up!

We passed the bottom of the falls and several beaver dam ponds that were gorgeous.  Some of the leaves have started to turn red and orange, which made the trip quite colorful.

Fall colors

Beaver dam pond

Along the way we saw one moose print, but no moose like we did at Sawyer Pond. 

A the beginning of the steep section we noticed there was a white blaze, which means the Appalachian Trail comes through there.  There are many signs along the way to help you know which direction to go in. 

Which way?

From the AMC hut you can hike to the Pinkham Notch hut, (if you have 5 days) where we stopped earlier in the week for a wonderful pesto and mozzarella cheese Panini and tomato soup.  You can also cross over the waterfalls, which were stupendous.

The falls

View from the falls

We passed several young girls carrying supplies on their backs up to the hut.  I give them a lot of credit.  The trail was enough of a workout just carrying a daypack.  They don’t get paid much and it’s really hard work. 

AMC "backpack"

Most of the hikes we’ve done this week have only been about 3 miles so this was an excellent longer hike and is probably even better midweek when it isn’t so crowded.

Heidi’s rating: ★★★★★ for diversity, hiking ease (save for the last mile) and a glorious fall day

The Fat Man’s rating: 1 Deluca sausage and garlic pizza, a calzone, and 2 Fanta orange sodas