Zealand Hut Overnight via South Twin

Six GO members took on a long and difficult hike over three 4000-footers to the north of the Pemi Wilderness. For 11.6 miles, and for just over eleven hours, we traversed over Galehead, South Twin, and Zealand; with an overnight stay at Zealand Falls Hut. We met a number of people during the trek including a surprise guest! We had spectacular weather, sunny and cool temperatures, and the views were some of the best I’ve ever seen from these peaks!

We left two cars at the Zealand Trailhead and drove to the Gale River trailhead to begin our hike. With the time it took for spotting cars we had a late start of 8:30 in the morning.  

The last water crossing over the North Branch of the Gale River was a bit challenging – nothing major, but because of the stepping stones having a hidden glace of ice, some creative effort was involved. That said, Rob slipped and fell into the water with his shirt and pants getting wet. Thankfully he had a spare shirt due to the planned Zealand Hut overnight so he switched into something dry.  We continued up the trail to the spot that overlooks the river where there would be views up to the Twins. There was blue sky above the ridge - I could tell it was going to be a beautiful day in the mountains. We reached the Garfield Ridge Trail (about 4 miles) in just a few minutes over 3 hours - a nice warm-up.

We reached the Galehead Hut to be greeted with excellent views of South Twin and Twin Valley! We chatted a bit with a south bounder thru hiker, took a quick snack break, dropped our packs, and scooted up the Galehead summit.

The .8 mile 1,100 ft. ascent of South Twin was the crux of today’s climb with intense, steady and sometimes-steep climbing. As we ascended we met our surprise guest, Steve from GO! It was great to see you Steve! We began to encounter ice flows in some sections that required us to skirt the trail and climb up in the woods. As we inched nearer to the summit, we were awe-struck by the views behind us of the Franconia Ridge and Galehead.

As we reached the rocky summit of South Twin, we could see mountains forever! We had lunch here taking in those sights. The Presidentials were eye-catching to say the least. There was not much wind and sunny. From there, it was onward to Zealand Mountain and then the Zealand Hut for the overnight. At this point, we were quite sure we would have to hike in the dark to get there, it was now a matter of how much hiking in the dark we would have to do. To minimize hiking the dark, we really could not change how fast we were going so from this point on we had very few stops.

As we passed over Guyot, we slowed down a few steps, did some 360s, and took it all in - this was the spot to be on a day with visibility like today!

After tagging Zealand Mountain, we began to run out of gas a bit, but the going there on Twinway was pretty easy with interesting patches of granite on the trail and granite outcroppings. Further on Twinway, though, the going was a bit slippery and icy and things slowed down considerably as we picked our way over ice, slick rocks, and trippy tree roots. At the junction for the Zeacliff outlook, it was getting dark so we put on our headlamps. A few minutes later we were hiking in the dark. We reached Zealand Hut around 7:30 and were happy to have arrived! The hut was hopping with  people playing games and finishing up dinner. We dumped our packs and ed our bunks before heading to the common area to cook our meals. We then drank some wine and recalled the events of the day before calling it a night. We had no problem falling asleep that night.

The next morning, before leaving the Hut, we checked out the scenic ledges on Whitewall Brook. A few minutes after we left, we took the side path to a viewpoint of Zealand Falls. The scenery was incredible on our hike down the Zealand Trail to the trailhead! It began with Zealand Pond and then walking over a couple of boardwalks across beaver ponds and marches. The trail was lined with white birches and beeches; and there was a section of towering red pines. We celebrated our accomplishment by having breakfast together at Munroe’s in Twin Mountain.

Other than starting the hike early so we did not have to hike to Zealand Hut in the dark, this hike couldn't have gone more perfect with a great bunch of guys! This one was a favorite!

~ Mike Boisvert
[Photos taken by Jon Normand]

Join us as we hike over Galehead, South Twin and Zealand Mtns. to spend Halloween at Zealand Falls Hut!

The foliage past peak golden brown colors will be in display! We will be hiking over three 4,000 footers: Galehead [4024'], South Twin [4902'], and Zealand [2360']. Twinway trail offers magnificent views from the the summits of South Twin mountain, Mt. Guyot and the outlook at Zeacliff! We will be spotting a car where we end up on the Zealand Trail and then carpool to the start at Gale River Road.

We'll reach the Garfield Ridge Trail at 4 miles and reach closed Galehead Hut at 4.6 miles. We'll take the Frost Trail for 0.5 mile to climb Galehead [250 foot climb from the Hut]. We'll then begin the long, grueling climb up the well-constructed rock staircase, rising 1100 feet in 0.8 mile to reach the summit of South Twin [5.4 miles]. It will take another 6.2 miles to reach Zealand Hut; highlights include the open flat northeast summit of Mt. Guyot [7.4 miles], Zealand Mountain [8.7 miles], the magnificent Zealand Outlook [10.3 miles] and finally reaching Zealand Falls Hut at 11.6 miles to spend the night. Sunday it's an easy hike out at 2.8 miles out following an old railroad grade much of way, and passing through an area of beaver swamps, meadows, ponds, with views of the surrounding mountains.   

We will hike 11.6 miles on Saturday and 2.8 miles on Sunday. Total elevation gain is 3,400 feet all of which occurs on Saturday. This will be a fun and awesome trip! Halloween costumes Saturday night is optional.

We will start to encounter possible winter like conditions with traces of snow so attention to safety is of paramount importance and having microspikes in your pack is not a bad idea. Be prepared for cold weather conditions. Proper gear is a must!!!

Zealand Hut: Zealand Falls Hut is on a caretaker basis meaning that you bring your own food and cook it on their gas stove. They supply all the pots, pans, plates, eating utensils, etc. and we sleep on bunk beds. It will start getting cold so bring a sleeping bag to sleep in. Bring a change of clean clothes for when you get into the hut and footwear. We like to bring a small flask of whiskey to drink and will bring a game to entertain ourselves. The cost per person is $27 [AMC member] or $33 [AMC non member] and you'll have to make your reservations directly with the Appalachian Mountain Club website: http://www.outdoors.org/lodging/huts/zealand/. This Hut will sell out so reserve your bunk ASAP. Zealand Hut is cozy, the view of Carrigain Notch is spectacular and it sits next to a series of water cascades! 

Friday Night Lodging Option: Bunk beds are available at our house near Waterville Valley, NH for Friday night at $20 per night. Coffee/bagels each morning and linen/blankets/towels are provided. We have limited space in the fridge to store your beverages/food so it's best to bring a small cooler. Space is limited so email ASAP to reserve a bunk!