Mount Israel sits below the Sandwich Range at the southern edge of the White Mountain National Forest. The Wentworth and Mead Trails both offer moderate climbs up Mount Israel, where an open summit reveals views of Sandwich Dome and surrounding 4000 Footers to the north, as the Lakes Region stretches to the south.
The Wentworth Trail is the most popular and direct route up Mount Israel, beginning from the Mead Base parking area and continuing 2.1 miles to the summit. From Mead Base, the trail passes a stone wall at 0.3 miles and crosses a stream at 0.5 miles. There is a view of Squam Lake on the left at 1.4 miles before the trail quickly climbs to the ridge. At 2.0 miles, the Mead Trail joins the Wentworth Trail on the left. Continue following Wentworth Trail for less than 0.1 miles to reach the Mount Israel Summit.
The Mead Trail is located on the north side of Mount Israel, accessed via the Guinea Pond Trail from Sandwich Notch Road. From the Guinea Pond Trailhead, the trail crosses under the power lines at 0.2 miles. Follow the old railroad grade another 1.4 miles north to the junction with the Mead Trail. The Mead Trail gently climbs 1.7 miles to the summit of Mount Israel. There are brook crossings at 0.3 miles and 0.9 miles up the trail which may be difficult to cross during periods of high water. 1.6 miles up the mountain, the Mead Trail meets up with Wentworth Trail. Continue left on Wentworth Trail for less than 0.1 miles to reach the Mount Israel summit
NOTE: Portions of the Guinea Pond Trail are flooded due to beaver activity, some sections of trail have been temporarily rerouted.
Before you hike, know the hiker responsibility code and be prepared:
Visit the hikeSafe website to learn more!
For more information, visit the White Mountain National Forest trail page, or contact:
Wentworth Trail - Mead Base Trailhead: From Center Sandwich, head north on Diamond Ledge Road for 2.9 miles, continuing until the road dead ends at Mead Base Conservation Center where parking is available.
NOTE: The parking lot accommodates roughly 30 vehicles. Please do not park on the side of the road as it can inhibit access for first responders and adjacent residents.
Mead Trail - Guinea Pond Trailhead: From Center Sandwich, head north on Diamond Ledge Road for 2.5 miles, then turn left onto Sandwich Notch Road. Continue on the steep and winding Notch Road for 2.9 miles to the Guinea Pond Trailhead located on your right. Parking is located along the road on the far side of Beebe River, at the junction with Algonquin Road.
NOTE: Sandwich Notch Road is a steep and narrow road not suitable for all vehicles. The road is closed to vehicles from December to May.
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