A pleasant hike to Zeacliff
Memorial Day weekend was fast approaching and that means crowds will be in full force for the next six months.
I decided to take a day off a week before the big holiday and hike to one of my favorite views in the White Mountains.
I left early in the morning because I love watching the changing colors as the sun rises. A friend of mine had let me know that Zealand Road had just been open for the season. This was one of the reasons I choose this hike.
| Date: | 05-21-2021 |
| Location: | Twin Mountain, NH |
| Distance: | 7.7 mi |
| Elevation Gain: | 1,605′ |
| Total Time: | 7 hr 52 min |
| Parking: | 10+ cars |
| Difficultly Rating: | Moderate |
When I got to Zealand Road it was indeed open and I made my way up the 3 mile road. I got the parking lot with lots of room to park.
The weather was bright and sunny with some passing fluffy passing clouds. I started up the 3 mile Zealand trail to ward the AMC Zealand Hut. This trail is mostly flat and only climbs about 500 feet through the whole length. Along this trail there are rivers, ponds, waterfalls, and mountain views.
The trail was mostly dry and the water crossings were minimal and easy to cross.
Once at the hut I took a break. The Croo was in side getting it ready to open in June.From here I continued to climb up the Twinway trail to the outlook.
This is a steep trail and it was getting hot out. So I decided to slow down, stay hydrated and enjoy the day. It was really nice to not have to rush or be on a time schedule.
Once at the Zeacliff lookout the views were fantastic. There is something about the view of Carrigian Notch from this angle that I totally love. I had the place mostly to myself. So I sat around and had lunch.
After a while I made my way back down the steep trail to the Hut. Here I was able to fill up my water again. I chatted with some other hikers that were coming through for a while.
On the way back to my vehicle I took a number of pictures and checked out some little side trails. If was fun to explore some new areas on this well traveled path.
The hike to the hut is pretty easy but the the last 1.3 miles to the lookout will have you huffing and puffing but it is all worth the view when you get there.
