| Hiking Trail Conditions Report |
 | Peaks |
Zeacliff, NH |
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 | Trails: |
Zealand Trail, Ethan Pond Trail, Zeacliff Trail, Twinway |
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 | Date of Hike: |
Sunday, September 25, 2016 |
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 | Parking/Access Road Notes: |
Zealand parking lot, great as usual, thanks! |
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 | Surface Conditions: |
Dry Trail, Wet Trail, Standing/Running Water on Trail, Mud - Minor/Avoidable |
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 | Recommended Equipment: |
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 | Water Crossing Notes: |
All easy, due to drought. However, I chose the wrong rocks to step on in Whitewall Brook, and I slipped in with both feet! I couldn't do this when it was 90 out? I had to do it when it was low 40s with strong winds.... |
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 | Trail Maintenance Notes: |
All good! Zeacliff Trail is in the Pemi Wilderness, so it is held to a minimum standard, but I found it easy to follow. It had several blow downs, all manageable. Thank you! |
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 | Dog-Related Notes: |
For the most part this would be good, but there is a difficult ledge right before you get to the top. I could barely get myself up, I don't know how a dog would do. However, two women descending with a dog were able to manage. Then, on Zeacliff, we met some people who helped their dog up and over. Know your dog's comfort level and ability before you even think of this one. Also, while most of this loop had great opportunities for sips and dips, there is no water once you cross Whitewall Brook (ascending Zeacliff), so plan accordingly. |
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 | Bugs: |
Too cold and windy. there weren't even any spider webs! |
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 | Lost and Found: |
Near the scenic outlook there are some nice clearings which people use as campsites (not legal). We were checking one out and found a quart sized food storage bag full of trash. Since whoever was there was careful enough to bag their trash, I am giving them the benefit of the doubt that they forgot it rather than left it. I carried it out. |
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 | Comments: |
This was a great one for a bright but brisk day. Most of the climb up Zeacliff is in the trees, so we were sheltered from the strong winds. Even the top of Zeacliff had a lot of wind breaks from the many trees, but a good portion is open, so you get some of the best views in the Whites.
This was the long, hard, haul to Zeacliff. There is a steep descent from the Ethan Pond Trail down to Whitewall Brook, and then a good deal of steep climbing that eventually levels off and gradually ascends. However, don't let this lull you into a false sense of security and thinking you're on Easy Street. There is a ledge that will be difficult for those under 5 feet. Finding handholds and not having much to step on was the challenge. But Prema helped me (although she said not that much). The area after the steep climb has some of the most beautiful birches I have seen.
We finally got to the top and enjoyed the views for the first time (we had been there before, but it was foggy, rainy, miserable, and the one time we did have views was under the full moon in the middle of night and we had to hurry to get to Guyot for the sunrise). IT WAS GREAT! Carrigain Notch, Whitewall, etc. Our way out was good; descended Twinway, had a hot drink at the hut, and enjoyed the late afternoon light on the way back to the car. Foliage is great, too. |
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 | Name: |
Beckie and Prema |
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 | E-Mail: |
beckiejani@yahoo.com |
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| Date Submitted: |
2016-09-25 |
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 | Link: |
 https:// |
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Disclaimer: Reports are not verified - conditions may vary. Use at own risk. Always be prepared when hiking. Observe all signs. Trail conditions reports are not substitutes for weather reports or common sense. |
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