Join fellow GO member Eric and I for a mid-week moderate adventure.  At 2,630’ Mt. Israel promises to deliver outstanding views of the higher peaks of the surrounding Sandwich Range.  We are just past the prime of leaf peeping but we may still catch some fading colors.  I love the seasonal transitions and I hope we get to glimpse the reds and yellows fading to the greens and grays.  Elevation from trail head to summit is approx. 1,600’ with total distance of 6 miles, 8 miles if we don’t spot a car.

We’ll meet at the Bear Camp River Trail on Sandwich Notch Road at 8:30am.  We’ll hike the .6 miles to the Mead Base Conservation Center and carry onward up the Wentworth Trail for 2.1 miles of a steady incline to summit Mt. Israel.  This will be a relaxing meandering hike where we’ll take in the beautiful cascades at a river crossing, check out the “Cow Cave” – a legendary spot that a lost cow safely spent the winter in addition to passing through deciduous forest to the more dense coniferous forests that offer that sweet smell of autumn and pine.

At the summit we can snack, lunch, relax and when we are ready carry on the Mead Trail for 1.7 miles and connect with the Guinea Pond Trail for 1.6 miles back to Sandwich Notch Road.  At this trail head we’ll walk back to Bear Camp River Trail – approximately 2 miles – or depending on participants, will have spotted a car.

This time of year promises to be chilly.  It may be a lower elevation hike but fall and early winter gear is important – no cotton please.  Bring layers and despite the warmer temps we are experiencing, gloves to keep your hands warm may well be in order.  Two liters of water and plenty of snacks and lunch.  Inclement weather cancels for the 19th, Rain date is the 20th!!

From Route 93 north or south take exit 24 and follow Route 3 to the intersection of Routes 3 & 25 and 113 in the center of Holderness.  Turn left onto 113 and follow this road for several miles and look for Dinsmore Pond Road which is right after signage for the Sandwich Transfer Station.  Dinsmore Pond Road is a left turn.  Follow this road to Diamond Ledge Road where you will turn left onto Sandwich Notch Road.  Stay on Sandwich Notch until you reach Bear Camp River Trail.  A short bit before the trail head the road will fork and you will want to bear left and the trail head should be just after that.