Zealand Notch Hike to Thoreau Falls

At ten o'clock eight of us met at the end of Zealand Road ready to start the hike.  We began twenty minutes late to be certain there were no others who joined the hike at the last moment since Mark and I were out of internet service range at a local campground since the night before.  The weather was cloudy, cool, very calm, and no rain.  A great temperature for hiking.

The hike started on a very gradual and steady climb through Hemlock forest eventually leading up to several ponds created by beavers.  We all hiked at a very steady rate with a few short stops for water and the all important photo opportunities.  As we approached our lunch destination, the Zealand AMC hut, we took a short path to check out our first of two waterfalls, Zealand Falls.  We made it to the hut exactly at noon and enjoyed a relaxing forty minute lunch with spectacular views of the Zealand Valley which we would eventually hike.

We were expecting to meet up with a ninth person who planned to meet at the hut, but he did not show so we moved on.  We backtracked a short distance than followed the Ethan Pond Trail along a very level, but often rocky path.  It followed an old rail bed along the side of Whitewall Mountain which eventually crossed a very impressive scree field with outstanding valley views.  We continued and eventually arrived at our second waterfall, Thoreau Falls.  Here we had a casual break to enjoy the sights and explore around.  Our activities included, relaxation, photography and sketching.  Three of us did a short bushwhack to the base of the 80 foot waterfall for a better view.

Once we were all satisfied with our stay at Thoreau Falls we set off by returning the same way we came.  Our return trip was a very steady hike with random short stops on the way.  As we were nearing the end of the hike we passed many other people who were heading to the hut for either a late day hike or an overnight visit.  We made it to the parking lot just after four-thirty.

After the hike six of us decided to head to Lincoln for a dinner at the popular Woodstock Inn.  Unfortunately with its popularity and the fact that foliage season in the mountains was still full blown there was over a one hour and forty-five minute wait time for a table.  With that we decided to patronize a lesser known restaurant just around the corner.

Join us for a fall foliage hike through Zealand Notch.  We will visit the Zealand Falls AMC Hut near Zealand Falls for lunch, than continue through the notch on the old Zealand Valley Railroad bed leading to Thoreau Falls, an 80 foot cascade and slide waterfall.

• Total distance: 9.4 miles
• Elevation gain: 700 feet
• Hiking pace: moderate / sight-seeing
• Duration: 6 hours (book time excluding lunch), may vary with a large group
• Difficulty: easy to moderate, long hiking distance

First, we will follow the Zealand Trail from the Zealand Road parking lot.  This 2.6 mile leg will comprise 650 ft. of the 700 ft. of elevation gain we will do.  It will gradually climb into the notch passing several beaver ponds and lead to a steep, but short, climb to the hut where we will have lunch.  After lunch we will back-track a quarter mile than follow the Ethan Pond Trail to Thoreau Falls Trail.  This 2.1 mile leg will be very flat following an old railroad grade which passes an interesting boulder field and several views of the valley.  The waterfall will be a short distance once we turn onto the Thoreau Falls Trail.  There we will have a small break to enjoy the upper part of the falls and to bushwhack for a view of the lower falls if desired.  We will than return by the way we came. 

Please bring a lunch and plenty of water.  The AMC hut sometimes has food items for sale, carrying some cash may be desired.  Sturdy footwear is recommended along with clothes for the fall mountain weather we may encounter.

Zealand Road should be open at the time of the hike, but it has a very remote chance of closing due to serious weather conditions (fluke snowstorm, heavy rains).  You will be d if this occurs.

Feel free to e-mail WalkaboutBrian with any questions.  More information will be sent to those signed up shortly before the trip.