Beede Falls, Sandwich NH
• 4-star hikes
• 1 mile options
• Easy | Gain 60 to 130 feet
• Sandwich, NH | Lakes Region
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Bearcamp River gushing over Beede Falls.
Located at the northernmost edge of New Hampshire's Lakes Region, just outside the southern boundary of the White Mountain National Forest, the picturesque Beede Falls cascades over a smooth granite face into a large, shallow, sandy pool. Both sightseers and swimmers are drawn here in equal measure, wading in the pool beneath the falls and following the small river downstream to explore a second, lower cascade.
A quarter-mile trail leads from the Sandwich Notch Road trailhead to Beede Falls; an easy-to-moderate route with only the occasional rock or tree root to navigate. The dense tree cover of the forested Sandwich Notch provides ample shade and serves as a stunning backdrop to the falls.
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4★ Beede Falls Loop
GPX File · AllTrails · Directions GPX? |
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4★ Bearcamp River Trail
GPX File · AllTrails · Directions |
| P Free parking |
A makeshift trail south of the main falls leads to the lower falls, with slightly more rugged terrain, though it remains manageable for most hikers. Our map outlines a short loop trail continuing from below the lower falls back to the Sandwich Notch Road parking lot, though it requires a river crossing that can be challenging at times.
An alternative route to the falls begins at Mead Base to the east, following a half-mile journey along the narrow Bearcamp River Trail. This option allows for a more immersive forest experience on a quieter trail before reaching the falls.
Lower Beede Falls looks impressive after a spring rainfall.
The second half of the Bearcamp River Trail passes beneath a long, rocky overhang known as Cow Cave, which creates a linear alcove stretching all the way to the falls. In fact, Beede Falls drops directly over this very overhang. The Mead Base trailhead also serves as the starting point for a four-mile hike to Mount Israel.
When winter conditions close Sandwich Notch Pass, the waterfall and its trails can still be explored by parking at the junction with Diamond Ledge Road. At the bottom of this article, we’ve linked a winter route provided by AllTrails. You can also convert that out-and-back route into a loop by continuing along the Bearcamp River Trail and returning via Diamond Ledge Road.
Hiking to the falls along the Bearcamp River Trail.
Tangents:
• AllTrails Public: Bearcamp River Trail, Winter Access Route
• Facebook Group: Comment, Follow Us
Trailspotting Nearby
4★ Mount Israel (4 mi) ·
4★ Sandwich Mountain (6-8 mi) ·
5★ Red Hill Fire Tower (3 mi) ·
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