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A good hike through the White Mountains can be had on the way to the Zealand Falls and AMC's Zealand Falls Hut.


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Map Key

2.5

Miles

4.1

KM

Point to Point

2,499' 762 m

High

2,076' 633 m

Low

454' 138 m

Up

38' 12 m

Down

4%

Avg Grade (2°)

11%

Max Grade (6°)

Dogs Unknown

Features Fall Colors · Lake · River/Creek · Views · Waterfall

Family Friendly The majority of the trail is easy terrain, and the variety of woods, marshland, and mountain views make for an interesting trip.

Parking along the Zealand Road requires a parking permit, available at the trailhead for $5/day (2017).

Description

This trail takes you on a relatively easy 2.8 mile trail through Zealand Notch to the Zealand Falls Hut, managed by the Appalachian Mountain Club. To find the trailhead, turn off Route 302 onto Zealand Road, and follow it to the end. Along the way, you'll see the trailheads for Sugarloaf and the Hale Brook Trail. Continue to the end of the road, where a loop provides for some parking at the trailhead. You're more likely to need to park alongside the road itself, but either way, make sure to fill out an envelope at the pay station and hang a parking tag in your car.

The trail begins from the end of the parking lot on a smooth dirt and gravel trail with very little incline. As you continue, you'll wind through woods and along Zealand Brook, crossing over it in various places. At about 1.8 miles, a wooden walkway carries the trail over a wetlands created by beaver activity. Shortly after, you'll come to an intersection with the A-Z trail and Zealand Pond. At 2.5 miles, you'll intersect with the Ethan Pond Trail and Twinway Trail. Turn right to continue to Zealand Falls Hut. The last 0.1 to 0.2 miles are a steep scramble up stone steps and boulders to reach the hut, but the view from the front porch of the hut is worth the climb.

At Zealand Falls Hut, you can use the restrooms, fill up with potable water, and purchase snacks (my wife appreciated a brownie for the journey back). The Zealand Falls are to the left of the hut, and provide a great spot to sit out and enjoy a snack before retracing your steps to return to the trailhead.

Contacts

Shared By:

Carl Lambrecht

Trail Ratings

  4.4 from 12 votes

#2363

Overall
  4.4 from 12 votes
5 Star
50%
4 Star
42%
3 Star
8%
2 Star
0%
1 Star
0%
Trail Rankings

#61

in New Hampshire

#2,363

Overall
19 Views Last Month
4,465 Since May 24, 2016
Easy/Intermediate Easy/Intermediate

14%
29%
57%
0%
0%
0%

Photos

Clouds burned off during our hike and we were treated to a nice view on the way back.
Sep 30, 2019 near Deerfield, NH

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Current Trail Conditions

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Check-Ins

Sep 4, 2021
Chris Jones
Beautiful rock slabs on the river within the first mile. Great place for a swim. 2.8mi
Jun 19, 2021
Jamie Marshall
May 30, 2021
Jamie Marshall
Mar 13, 2021
Jamie Marshall
Feb 5, 2021
NH Hiker95
Very easy hike up through scenic Zealand wetlands. Mostly flat with rough terrain early. Only a short climb up Twinway to the hut.
Aug 2, 2020
Jamie Marshall
Jul 25, 2020
Jamie Marshall
Jul 4, 2020
Ed Fournier
5mi — 4h 00m
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