Mount Israel

[Jim lombard]

Does anyone know if the Sandwich notch road to the trails ascending Mount Israel are still open in Waterville valley? Has anyone ever tried reaching it from Center Sandwich on Rt-113?

 

[Waumbek]

On Tuesday, Nov. 9, the USFS said there were no "imminent" road closures in WMNF including Sandwich Notch. The weather has not deteriorated since then so I assume that statement holds good. But if you're concerned call the new WMNF Visitor Center in North Woodstock at 603-745-3816 and ask for one of the two rangers who staff the desk, Doug or Chris. They're there 7 days a week but I don't know their actual hours during the day. They probably close up early (4 or so) on weekdays. They might have advice concerning the 113 approach. My advice would not be up to date for that area as it's been a good 10 years since I've hiked in the Sandwich range. Time to go back....

 

[adamiata]

I drove through the Sandwich Notch road from Waterville to sandwich on the 12th. It wasn't too bad, no significant snow and only a little ice. I had no problem getting through in my Protege'.

I don't beleive the Sandwich Notch road gets closed in winter, there was no gate at either end, just a sign that says "Not maintained for winter travel", so as long as there's little or no snow, you should be good.

 

[stopher]

As long as the road is bare (which it is now) there's no problem. Living in Tamworth, I always head to Sandwich Notch from Center Sandwich. If you are going up Wentworth Trail, you don't even have to get on Sandwich Road. Just follow Diamond Ledge Road to the end. If you're going up Guinea Pond/Mead Trails, it's still easier to get to from the Sandwich end.

 

[Jim lombard]

Thanks for the information everybody, had a first-time hiker with me so we hiked the Squam range instead. Israel is on my list of hikes to do.