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 had 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.
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. For more information, visit the Friends of Mead Base Conservation Center.
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. The scene takes on an entirely different perspective from here.
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 Mountains to the north, and offers views of both.
With easy access and 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 Rd. in Sandwich.
