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Mt. Hale
Bethlehem, NH
Trailheads, measurements, times, distances, and maps are all approximate and relative to the hike(s) as shown below.
The Zealand Trail
Route: Zealand Trail, Twinway, Lend-A-Hand Trail, (Mt. Hale), Lend-A-Hand Trail, Twinway, Zealand Trail
With a decent, but windy, day forecasted below treeline, I decided to take advantage of Zealand Road still being open and head up the Lend-A-Hand Trail.
The Zealand Trail was covered in a dusting of snow and the rocks at water crossings covered in ice. The steeps on the way to the hut, as well as on the Lend-A-Hand Trail were icy as well, requiring the use of light traction. The Lend-A-Hand Trail itself was less than pleasant on this day, as much of it was covered in puddles and running water with a breakable ice crust on top. Add half an inch of snow on top, and it was hard to figure out what you'd be stepping into.
After a few brief steep sections and a few false heights of land, I eventually reached the summit of Hale in the middle of a light snow squall. With that, the normally mediocre at best views were zilch, resulting in a very short stay on the summit.
Upon reaching an open, marshy area where the Lend-A-Hand Trail first clears a ridge, I weighed going to South Hale. Though originally my objective for the day (the cliffs especially), it seemed less than desirable in dropping temperatures, limited visibility, and increasing winds. Thusly, I decided to keep descending and instead settled for a break at the Zealand hut.
Upon reaching the Zealand Trail below the hut, the clouds and snow started to move out, resulting in a nice, partly sunny afternoon with decreasing winds.
| Hike Ratings |
|
Getting To Trailhead: |
Easy |
| Destination: |
Mt. Hale |
|
Length: |
Moderate |
|
Steepness: |
Difficult |
|
Navigation: |
Easy |
|
Views: |
Minimal (due to weather) |
|
Crowds: |
Minimal |
|
| Hike Stats |
|
Date Hiked: |
Saturday, November 20, 2010 |
| Hike Commenced: |
8:44 AM |
| Parking Elevation: |
2,000' |
| Destination: |
Mt. Hale |
| Ascent Commenced: |
8:45 AM |
| Summit Reached: |
11:22 AM |
| Time Elapsed: |
02:37 |
| Trailhead Elevation: |
2,000' |
| Summit Elevation: |
4,054' |
| Distance: |
5.6 miles |
| Vertical Gain: |
2,224' |
|
|
| Hike Ended: |
2:20 PM |
| Hike Time Elapsed: |
05:36 |
| Hike Distance: |
11.2 miles |
| Hike Vertical Gain: |
2,394' |
|
The Zealand Trail trailhead at the end of Zealand Road
The upper Lend-A-Hand Trail
A lack of views from the Mt. Hale summit
Directions to trailhead: Take US 302 west from Bartlett past Bretton Woods Ski Area. A few minutes after, take a left onto Zealand Road. The Zealand WMNF fee parking area and Zealand Trail trailhead are located at the end of the road.
Back to Mt. Hale Profile
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