woodland wanderings: Mount Hale, Zealand Hut Loop

Hale Brook Trail, Lend a Hand Trail, Zealand Trail, Zealand Road road-walk

I had intended on hiking Mount Pierce and Mount Eisenhower looking for some 360 views. I haven't had much luck. The first time I hiked Eisenhower there were hurricane winds and rain. When I hiked Pierce, I was completely and eerily fogged in. Seeing the weather forecast I knew I wasn't going to find my views today, so I set off for Mt. Hale.

I had a miserable cold but I rallied (sort of) fighting through clogged nasal passages and wheezy lungs to the summit. The Hale Brook trail is rated as Easy on some trail logs and Moderate/Difficult on others. If you are a regular hiker this will be a very easy hike. If you are new to hiking, I would consider it a Moderate level hike. There are two main water crossings on the Hale Brook trail. They were fast moving after the previous day's rain, but were easily crossed.

My friend Lisa crossing Hale Brook

I read a few blogs saying there are limited views on the summit of Hale. No. There are no views. It is a pretty summit with a wonderfully large and interesting cairn, but there are NO views.

Mt. Hale Summit Cairn

If you want to make the hike more interesting, hike down the Lend a Hand Trail to the Zealand Hut (it becomes self-service after October 17th) and stop in for a cup of tea, soup, or a wonderful dessert. Continue down the beautiful Zealand trail to see Zealand Falls, Zealand Pond, and a enjoy a visual foliage fiesta crossing a boardwalk through the wetlands.

Even with the heavy rains the day before, I was able to keep my feet dry. The trail was well maintained, very well marked and easy to follow. It is an easy descent all the way down to Zealand Road with a small downhill .9 road walk back to Hale Brook parking area.