Sandwich Notch Road(edit)

Overview

This is a Forest Road in the White Mountain National Forest that runs thru the notch and connects Sandwich with Thornton. In the summer months the road is open to passenger vehicles and in the winter to snowmobiles. In the shoulder seasons the gates are closed at either end to prevent damage to the road bed. There are several trailheads along the route that give access to trails to the Squam Range, Sandwich Range and the Sandwich Wilderness Area. Parking at these trailheads is limited to only a few cars. Its a very nice walk when the gates are closed and usually on weekdays when open but not something I would recommend on a weekend.

Trailheads: Starting at the Southeast gate (Sandwich side)
.25 miles: (right) There is a short side trip to Beebe Falls and a trail that will take you to Mead Base. Parking for 6 - 8 cars.
.75 miles: (left) TH for the Crawford Ridgepole Trail that will lead you down the spine of the Squam Range. 2 cars
2.5 miles: A major trail junction. The Algonquin Trail and the old Beebe River Logging RR grade (snowmobile trail) enter from the left giving access down the Beebe River to Campton. The Guinea Pond trail leaves right and gives access to a number of interior trails and the Sandwich Wilderness area. There is also an old road grade into Kiah Pond on the right.
4 miles: (right) Algonquin Trail leaves for Black Mountain and Sandwich Dome (Sandwich Wilderness Area). Just a tenth mile on an unnamed trail on the left to Lower Hall Pond.
7.5 miles: Junction with NH Route 49 in Thornton, NH. Mountain biking trails intersect with the notch road at the NW end of the road. Park at the Smart's Brook TH just to the north on NH 49.

Getting Started

If you are hiking the road the best place to park is at the junction of the Sandwich Notch Road and Diamond Ledge Road where there is room for about 8 cars as there is very little room at the gate to park a car and not block the gate. This will add .5 mile to your walk and the distances cited above.

Taking Children

With the diversion of Beebe Falls this hike is probably a 6 when the gates are closed. There is a long uphill grade from the gate that might otherwise be trying.