Pets allowed
Allowed with Restrictions
Elevation Gain
575.00 ft (175.26 m)
Trail type
There-and-back
Distance
5.40 mi (8.69 km)
Please respect the outdoors by practicing Leave No Trace. Learn more about how to apply the principles of Leave No Trace on your next outdoor adventure here.

Zealand Falls is a White Mountain adventure the whole family can enjoy. At 2.7 miles each way with generally easy terrain, you’ll enjoy scenic woods, mountain views at two ponds, and a waterfall, all without a lot of hard work. The waterfall is an approximately 25-foot-high series of cascades on Whitewall Brook, which can run low in drier times of year. The trail near the waterfall is the steepest of the whole trek, with a moderately uphill grade on rocky terrain. It’s worth hiking the extra tenth of a mile to the Appalachian Mountain Club’s Zealand Falls Hut to check out the view from the porch. During the summer and fall, the hut provides a great place to take a break, use the restroom, or take cover during a passing shower. The hut was built in 1932 and sleeps 36 people. Staff are on duty June through October, offering not only a place to stay, but also coffee, lemonade, and baked goods, which are available for a small donation.

Zealand Falls Hut is popular among beginners and families due to the fairly easy hike to reach it; other AMC huts require hikes with more mileage and elevation gain over steeper terrain. Zealand Falls is accessible year round for those who like to snowshoe or cross-country ski; however, the dirt access road is seasonal and closed in winter. If you venture out once the snow flies, you’ll need to plan for a longer day, as walking the road adds a few miles each way.

Logistics + Planning

Preferable season(s)

Summer
Fall

Congestion

High

Parking Pass

General Day Use Fee

Pros

Scenic. Great for all ages. Backcountry hut.

Cons

Road closed in winter.

Trailhead Elevation

2,000.00 ft (609.60 m)

Features

Historically significant
Lodging
Waterfalls
Bird watching
Wildlife
Big Game Watching
Big vistas
Wildflowers

Location

Nearby Lodging + Camping

Comments

Have updates, photos, alerts, or just want to leave a comment?
Sign In and share them.