Overview. We keep checking off our list of 4,000 footers, and that’s the only reason to hike to the summit here. BUT, Zeacliff provides an outstanding look of White Mountain National Forest, and the ponds had nice views and ambience below the peak. This hike starts as a gentle gainer, but classic high peak rocky steeps await past Zealand Hut - a great stop to top off water and use the facilities.

Route Type | Out and Back
Total Distance | 11.59 miles
Elevation Gain | 2,730 feet
Physical Demand | Moderate with a Strenuous Section
Navigational Skill | Beginner

GPS Waypoints
Trailhead | 44.224728, -71.478636
Zealand Hut | 44.195767, -71.494061
Zeacliff | 44.183347, -71.495428
Summit | 44.180039, -71.521594

Parking. Ample parking is available at the trailhead with overflow parking a little ways short of the trailhead. We parked in the overflow on a busy day.

Trail Navigation. The trail is simple enough to navigate with only a few intersecting trails.

• Take Zealand Trail off the far end of the road and walk a gentle grade uphill for the first 2.75 miles.

• Pass the ponds and turn right (west) onto Twinway Trail to reach Zealand Hut. Refill water and use the bathroom here before moving uphill much more steeply from here.

• Stay left (west-southwest) at the junction with Lend-a-Hand Trail.

• Continue until reaching the loop spur to Zeacliff and turn left (south-southeast) at the sign that simply says, “VIEW”. Take in that sprawling “VIEW” with Mt. Carrigan as the center of attention.

• Continue the loop spur back to Twinway Trail and continue uphill more easily before the climb up Zealand Ridge.

• Make a right onto the spur trail to Zealand Summit and enjoy the view of the sign. And the trees. And the rocks. When you’ve had your fill, retrace your steps back to the trailhead.

FEE AREA - Self Service. Be sure to pay your user fee or pick-up an annual pass. Fees collected are used locally in White Mountain National Forest and are not part of the U.S. National Forests’ collective budget.

HIKER NOTE - Skip the Summit. Unless you are bagging 4,000 footers, save the miles and skip the no-view summit. You’ll save yourself 3.6 miles and about 700 feet of elevation gain.

HIKER NOTE - Sunrise Here. This is a very nice sunrise location year-round. It’s about 4 miles to Zeacliff with 2.75 miles as a gentle glide uphill and 1.25 miles of more strenuous hiking to reach the viewpoint.

CAUTION - Cliffs. Long falls from high places can happen here. Be smart and stay safe on the clifftops.

CAUTION - Be Bear Aware. Black bear are plentiful in the region. Know Before You Go => US Forest Service Black Bear Safety Tips

CAUTION - Moose. Be aware and never approach moose. Leave a wide berth and turn back if needed.