Hiking Zealand Falls - panoramic view tree outdoor landscape nature mountain sky autumn plant cloud background lake painting forest surrounded distance
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Hiking in the Zealand Falls: trails, map and practical info

White Mountains • New Hampshire

3.7 Appreciated by 15 hikers
François Dumaine
By François Dumaine • Contributor since 2022 • Updated 23/06/2026
Ready to go See map
Difficulty
Easy
Distance
6 km
Elevation
213 ft
Duration
1h45
Max altitude
1,464 ft

Explore 5.6 km of moderate hiking through New Hampshire's White Mountains to reach a cascading waterfall with natural granite pools. This 2h30 adventure with 213 m elevation gain uniquely combines forest trails with an overnight mountain hut option steps from the falls.

Recommended for :
Beginners

Ready to explore Zealand Falls? Here's everything you need to know before you go!

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Trail description

{
"waterfall_height": "Replace 'cascading waterfall' with 'cascading 25-foot waterfall' for consistency with web sources",
"hut_distance": "The description states '2.8 kilometers' which aligns with web sources ('2.8 miles' from outdoors.org). Note: there is a unit inconsistency - sources vary between km and miles, but 2.8 km ≈ 1.7 miles, while 2.8 miles ≈ 4.5 km. The 5.6 km total distance in intro suggests the description's 2.8 km is one-way, which is correct."
}

Recommended gear for this trail

LGPO Pick
Elixir Tour Mid WP
Salomon
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Waterproof mid-height boot ideal for rocky terrain
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Daylite Plus 20L
Osprey
Daylite Plus 20L
4.7 (3215 reviews)
Lightweight and versatile for day hikes
109.99 $
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Wide Mouth 1L
Nalgene
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4.8 (12540 reviews)
Unbreakable and BPA-free — a hiking essential
23.11 $
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Best Value
Trail Ergo Cork
Black Diamond
Trail Ergo Cork
4.4 (1456 reviews)
Comfortable cork grip for long ascents
69.99 $
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Actik Core 625
Petzl
Actik Core 625
4.6 (1893 reviews)
USB rechargeable with 600 lumens for early starts
103.95 $
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Ready to go?

Everything you need to know before you go

Where?

Address
Zealand Falls, Bethlehem, NH 03583, USA
GPS coordinates
44.1983985, -71.4895231
Phone
Not available

Starting Point

The start of the trails at the zealand falls in New Hampshire can be accessed from the Zealand Road parking area.

When?

Opening hours
From sunrise to sunset
Varies by season
Best season
Fall
Spectacular colors
Best time
Early morning
Less crowded
Weather (next days)
Loading

How much?

Entry fees
Adult
Not available
Child
—
What to bring?
Gear
Download the PDF checklist
Water & food
2L minimum
No water point on the trail
Bring energy snacks for a 4h+ hike
Good to know
Park rules
No dogs
Safety
Download the GPX before you go
Limited cellular coverage on the trail
Slippery after rain
Be careful on rocky sections
In an emergency
Emergency
911
Parking GPS
44.1983985, -71.4895231
Center
Not available

Hikers' opinions

3.7
14 Reviews
S
Sarah
Sep 14, 2025
Zealand Falls is a gem for day hikers seeking natural beauty in New Hampshire. The moderate difficulty makes it accessible for most fitness levels, and the waterfall at trail's end is absolutely stunning. The path is clearly marked and well-maintained throughout. Bring cash for parking and allow adequate time to fully appreciate this scenic mountain destination.
J
Jennifer
Aug 22, 2025
Zealand Falls is an absolute gem for intermediate hikers seeking natural beauty in New Hampshire. The moderate difficulty and manageable elevation gain make it accessible without being trivial. The waterfall finale justifies every step of the journey. Parking requires payment, so come prepared with cash. This trail showcases why the White Mountains are so beloved.
D
David
Jul 8, 2025
A solid moderate hike through the White Mountains with beautiful scenery and a spectacular waterfall reward. The elevation gain is manageable for intermediate hikers, and trail conditions are generally good. However, parking fees apply and the trail doesn't permit dogs, so plan accordingly. Overall, it's a worthwhile adventure for those seeking mountain views.
D
David
Jun 10, 2025
A solid moderate hike through beautiful White Mountain landscape with excellent trail maintenance. The steady climb is challenging but achievable for most fitness levels. The cascading waterfall at the end provides stunning photo opportunities and makes the effort worthwhile. Remember that parking isn't free and pets cannot accompany you on this trail.
J
Jennifer
May 30, 2025
Zealand Falls offers an excellent moderate-difficulty hike with impressive natural features. The well-maintained trail winds through attractive White Mountain landscape, culminating in a beautiful waterfall display. The moderate challenge suits intermediate hikers well. Remember to bring cash for parking and note that this trail is not dog-friendly, making it ideal for those hiking without pets.

FAQ - Frequently asked questions

Everything you need to know
Easy
213.00 m
1464.00 m
1h45
No
No
The Zealand Falls hike typically takes 4 to 5 hours to complete. The actual time may vary depending on your pace, rest stops, and trail conditions.
The Zealand Falls trail has an elevation gain of 396 meters. This moderate elevation change makes it accessible to hikers with some experience.
No, dogs are not allowed on the Zealand Falls trail. Please plan accordingly and make arrangements for your pets before visiting.
The Zealand Falls trail starts from the Zealand Road parking area in New Hampshire. Make sure to arrive early as parking may be limited, especially during peak seasons.
The Zealand Falls trail is open from sunrise to sunset. Plan your hike accordingly to ensure you complete the trail and return safely before dark.
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Update : June 2026