Mt Hale - Fire Warden Trail July 09

Mt Hale

Fire Wardens, Lend-a-Hand, Ethan Pond, Kedron Flume trails

July 25, 2009

Went for a hike with Steve and Amy today to explore Zealand Notch. We started our hike by summiting Mt Hale via the old Fire Wardens trail which is no longer maintained, but used often during the Winter by back counry skiers. The trail is a very gentle grade, goes through a large glade of birch, and even has views of the Presi's along the way.

At the summit of Hale we found several others with more coming as we enjoyed a quick bite to eat. Leaving the summit we headed down to Zealand Hut via the Lend-a-Hand trail. The trail was set and muddy in places, but offerd nice views of the Notch and the cliffs of Whitehall.

We refilled our water supply at the hut, enjoyed a snack, and watched a snake sunning itself before heading out. We headed South on the Ethan Pond trail which cuts across the slide of Whitehall before making it's way out to Thoreau Falls, a common destination on hot summer days.

After checking out the falls which were flowing rapidly, we continued our journey towards Ethan Pond. The trail climbs for what seems to be forever before leveling out at the junction of the spur trail to the pond and the Ethan Pond shelter. From there the trail is all down hill back to Route 302.

We had left a car at the Wiley House which can be reached by the Kedron Flume trail. A very steep trail with few switchbacks, we slipped a few times on slick compressed mud. At this point we all were looking forward to a hot shower, cold beverage, and the cookout that waited us back at our campground.

Crossing the Flume, we found the 2nd half of the trail in better shape and were crossing the railroad tracks in no time, followed by our arrival at the Wiley House shortly after.

Another great day in the mountains! Thanks to Steve for planning the hike.

Length of Hike: 9:00 hours

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