| Hiking Trail Conditions Report |
 | Peaks |
Zealand Mountain, Mt Guyot, West Bond, Mt Bond, Bondcliff, NH |
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 | Trails: |
Zealand Trail, Twinway, Zealand Spur, Bondcliff Trail, West Bond Spur, Bondcliff Trail, East Side Trail |
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 | Date of Hike: |
Wednesday, October 7, 2026 |
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 | Parking/Access Road Notes: |
There were a few cars in the Zealand lot when I arrived at 5am. Luke and Devon said that they were the only car at Lincoln Woods at 4:15am. When we returned both lots had more cars but were not full. Both lots require a $5 fee to park or the WMNF pass. |
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 | Surface Conditions: |
Dry Trail, Wet Trail, Mud - Minor/Avoidable, Leaves - Significant/Slippery |
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 | Recommended Equipment: |
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 | Water Crossing Notes: |
No issues for us today. We did look at the tree as a possibility to cross the Pemi but all agreed we would prefer to ford it. The water was knee high and refreshing (to quote Luke). |
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 | Trail Maintenance Notes: |
There are a few stepovers along the way but nothing problematic. Thank you to whoever gave the West Bond spur a haircut. What a game changer! |
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 | Dog-Related Notes: |
No puppers seen today but experienced trail dogs with good stamina will have no issues. |
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 | Bugs: |
Back in Hell. |
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 | Lost and Found: |
We saw an orange headwear kind of thing along the Twinway. We left it where it hung. |
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 | Comments: |
Just wow. What a gift of a day. We had watched the weather and this one was the winner. Huge thanks to Devon and Luke for joining me today. Luke didn't even need these for October but went along for grid support. I am not sure what kind of amazing friend gets up at 1:30a to drive and hike 20 miles when he doesn't even need the peaks. My friends are the best. Anyhoo, things were mostly dry with some wet areas here and there. We made it up to the hut just as the sun was peeking over the horizon. The climb up to the Zeacliff was a grind as usual but we had all the views there and Luke brought his special snacks so we were all good. The trail over to Zealand was cruisy and all the mud was still frozen so nothing was squelchy yet. From there to West Bond went fast with dry rocks and good footing. The winds picked up on Bond so we didn't stay long but hustled over to Bondcliff for a more extended break. The long trudge out the Bondcliff trail feels like it takes forever. I am fortunate to have great friends who can talk about anything and everything and we shared stories to pass the time. We forded the Pemi and then made it out the last 3 miles in 45 minutes fueled by the desire for food and dry feet. I told Luke and Devon we were going to have the best day ever and I think I delivered. |
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 | Name: |
Uki |
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 | E-Mail: |
ukisukinaminanu@yahoo.com |
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| Date Submitted: |
2026-10-07 |
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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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