Zealand Turkey Trot

Zealand Falls Turkey Trot

Need to escape? Are you tired of the news? Holiday rush and crowds? Saturday, November 30th, is a Day hike to Zealand Falls AMC Hut. Zealand Falls Hut is one of three AMC huts that remain open year-round. In the “off-season,” the hut is open to guests on a “self-serve” basis. Full kitchen access and water are available. An AMC staff member is an available resource.

Hike to Zealand Falls Hut is rated EASY to MODERATE – short distance (2.5 miles)

Zealand Trail – departs the parking area at the end of the Zealand Road (directions below). This trail is a relatively easy grade, following an old railroad bed to the junction of the Twinway and Ethan Pond Trails (2.3 miles). The last quarter mile is a steep but stable (stone stairs) approach to the hut. 

If time allows and there is interest, hiking past the hut to Z-Cliff is an option that can be discussed. It is optional, and those who wish to hang out and wait at the hut may do so.

The group will meet at the Zealand Notch Trailhead, located 3.5 miles off Route 302 in Twin Mt (Carrol, NH), at 10 a.m. Zealand Road remains open but UNTREATED. Ice near the parking area is possible, and information from pre-trip days prior will be posted on the trip page. If you drive a vehicle incapable of life above the state line, arrangements can be made to carpool from Route 302. Please email the trip leader directly regarding any issues or concerns.

PREPARATION/WHAT TO BRING:

For this trip, it is important to bring along flexibility, patience, and a sense of humor. This is also an opportunity to pack some holiday leftovers. A cook stove and hot water are available to heat up quick and easy items.

The White Mountains can and do experience unpredictable and extreme weather changes year-round. Hikers should prepare for possible winter conditions, as snow and ice can be possible along the trail, especially at higher elevations.

• Winter conditions are possible. Gear should be planned according to the season's conditions. Micro-spikes are recommended but not required.
• If you need suggestions on what to bring, PLEASE ASK!!

Group Size: Leaving folks out of trips and adventures is not fun.

• PLEASE cancel so others may join. If you are on the waiting list, please get in touch with me the days before the trip. Most likely, there is room, and if needed, this trail will allow us to break the group into smaller groups. 
• Decreasing the impact on the environment is always a priority!
• Please plan to “carry in and carry out” all items. Collecting other hikers’ debris along the way may also be possible. AMC is not a recycling center – plan to carry out trash, so pack accordingly.
• Restroom facilities are available.

Weather: The weather for this trip will be monitored the week before. If it is a concern, any updates or cancellation information will be posted by the Wednesday before 6 p.m. If conditions require a cancellation, it will include a rescheduled date so participants can watch for that opportunity.

For weather details.

• Primary source for mountain conditions. The Mt Washington Observatory  www.mountwashington.org
• National Weather Service – NOAA www.weather.gov
• Weather www.weather.com

Safety is a priority! Any time a hiker is injured or lost a HUGE team of volunteers is dispatched to aid in the search and rescue efforts.

• No one wants to be injured or put others in harm’s way.
• Always be prepared. Know your limits.
• If you have any questions, feel free to contact me.

Resources used to plan this trip:

• AMC White Mountain Guide
• Alltrails.com
• Mount Washington Observatory www.mountwashington.org
• US Forest Service www.usfs.gov

Trip Stats

• The elevation of the Zealand Hut is 2640ft. and is 2.5 miles from the parking lot located on Zealand Road.