Mt Israel, Squam Lake NH
• 4-star hikes
• 4 mile out-and-back
• Moderate | Gain 1,750 feet
• Sandwich, NH | White Mountains
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Looking towards the White Mountains from the summit.
Standing at 2,636 feet of elevation and located just four miles north of Squam Lake, Mount Israel's trails lead panoramic viewpoints in all directions. From up here you can enjoy sights that include Squam Lake and the ragged Sandwich mountain range with a White Mountain backdrop.
Leading up the southern flanks of the mountain, The Wentworth Trail is by far the most popular way to reach the summit and features the best lake views of the two routes. Beginning from the Mead Base trailhead and a large parking area, this moderate trail features a steady climb with no rock scrambles to negotiate. Around a third of the way up you'll be accompanied by the sounds of water trickling down a nearby creek before switchbacking away to negotiate a route around a rocky cliff.
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4★ Wentworth Trail
AllTrails · GPX File · Directions |
The Wentworth Trail breaks its consistent tree cover as you approach the Squaw Lake overlook. Beyond you'll hike over several false summits as you traverse the partially vegetated ridgeline to reach its highest peak. Mount Israel's sloped summit provides its best panoramas here with a vista that ranges from Stinson Mountain in the west to Mount Chocorua in the east. Along a spur trail to the east is an additional viewpoint marked on our map that looks out towards the Ossipee Mountains. (Thanks to Michael for sharing information about this this spot with us).
Located at the southern reaches of the White Mountain National Forest, this US Forestry service land is accessible at all times of the year. This includes the spring mud season, when many other trails in the Squam Lake region are closed - including nearby Rattlesnake Mountain and Mount Morgan. The Wentworth trailhead includes a trailside potable water spigot by the Mead Base building, and a compostable toilet towards the small campsite.
Mead Base marks the start of the Wentworth Trail.
The Guinea Pond and Mead Trail is the other route to reach Mount Israel's summit. It is much less well traveled and reached by Sandwich Notch Road, which is subject to winter closure. Though this route features less elevation, expect Guinea Pond Trail to be difficult to traverse after wet weather. For those that want to investigate further, we've included an AllTrails link in the Tangents section at the bottom of this article. Ticks are reportedly a particular problem on this trail also.
Mount Israel is featured as part of the New Hampshire 52 With A View hiking list, which showcases peaks with some the best scenic views in the state. The link at the foot of this article takes you to Trailspotting's map of the peaks on the full list and shows all of the trails on which to reach them. Follow us as we explore all the peaks on this list and publish trail reviews featuring descriptions, photography and downloadable maps.
Lake views from the Wentworth Trail.
Northerly views towards Mt Sandwich from the summit.
Wentworth Trail is a steady climb.
Tangents:
• Public Maps at AllTrails: Wentworth Trail, Guinea & Mead Trail
• Facebook Group: Follow, Comment on this Article
Trailspotting Nearby
4★ Rattlesnake Mt (2-4 mi) ·
4★ Mts Morgan & Percival (4-5 mi) ·
4★ Sandwich Mt (6-8 mi) ·
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NH 52 With A View
Trailspotting map and routes to reach the 52 New Hampshire peaks with the best views in the state!
Trailspotting map and routes to reach the 52 New Hampshire peaks with the best views in the state!
New Hampshire Lake Trails
Find trails that feature lakes along their journey.
Find trails that feature lakes along their journey.