The Little-Known Park in New Hampshire That Transforms Into an Ice Palace in The Winter

The town of Sandwich, New Hampshire is tucked away near the White Mountains and its natural beauty has drawn both visitors and residents for generations. One of the town’s most beautiful gems, Beede Falls, lies in the small Sandwich Town Park. It’s a popular swimming hole in summer but transforms into an icy wonder in winter. Come along as we show you why we think this is one of the best places to enjoy winter in New Hampshire!

The hike begins at the Mead Base Conservation Center in Sandwich and follows a portion of Bearcamp River Trail.

This former 18th-century homestead also serves as a trailhead for access to Mt. Israel and educates visitors about the historical significance of the site.

The featured spot here is Beede Falls.

Along the 0.6-mile walk to Beede Falls, visitors will pass an overhanging ledge known as Cow Cave. Local legend states that a cow allegedly survived a winter by sheltering under the ledge.

Beede Falls is not big by White Mountains standards...

...but it is a very scenic spot where the Bearcamp River slides over ledges into a pool on its way downstream.

In cold winters with solid ice, it's possible to climb under the main ledge of the falls and behind the ice.

This stunning New Hampshire scene takes on an entirely different perspective from here.

In summer, the natural beauty of Beede Falls and its inviting pool make for a refreshing swimming spot on a hot day.

Sandwich Town Park and Beede Falls lie at the base of 2,636-foot Mt. Israel.

This mountain lies in a unique location between the Lakes Region to the south and the higher White Mountain to the north, and offers views of both.

With easy access and a short walk to reach it, Beede Falls is an excellent spot to check out in winter for its icy beauty, or in spring when water levels are high. To get started park at the Mead Base Conservation Center at the end of Diamond Ledge Road in Sandwich. And download the AllTrails+ app as your guide along the trail.

Have you previously heard of Sandwich, New Hampshire? Have you ever visited Mead Base Conservation Center during winter in New Hampshire? What other things to do in winter in New Hampshire would you suggest? We'd love to read about your experiences in the comments section below!

For more hikes to beautiful water features, check out our Ultimate Bucket List of Waterfall Hikes in New Hampshire and this list of 25 waterfalls located in Coos County, New Hampshire.

A lot of hikers also love to go camping. If you'd like to try it in an RV but don't have one, visit RVShare. Whether you are new to RVing or are a seasoned pro, here are some great RV tips for your next adventure!