Waterville Valley/Squam Lake Area

Sandwich Notch Road: Where Squam Lake rises up to meet the Waterville Valley, the 11-mile “Notch Road” is a dirt road running from Route 113 in the center of Sandwich to Route 49 which continues up to the ski resort. It’s a nearly traffic-free hill with a soft surface. And this route is about as rural as they come — in winter, it’s closed to cars except for a series of dog-sled races. If you’re feeling extra-energetic, you can branch off and enjoy one of the many single-track trails that link to the Notch Road. To get there, follow Grove Street north out of Sandwich until it turns into Diamond Ledge Road. Park your car on Grove, and run up Diamond Ledge about two miles. Just after the top of the hill, Diamond Ledge becomes Sandwich Notch Road. If you run all the way to the end of Sandwich Notch, you’ll gain 900 feet of elevation in a little over five miles!  ROUTE MAP

Roads Around Squam Lake. Although there isn’t a ‘perimeter road’ around the lake, there are some lovely, quiet roads in this area that make for a quiet, traffic free run. From Sandwich Town Beach, run on the wooded Squam Lake Rd., headed south, which turns into Bean Rd. and leads to other spur roads. Create your own route here. Mainly wooded — especially nice in fall!.

Trail Run: Eagle Cliff Trail. For a challenging run with great views, take the Eagle Cliff Trail to the Fire Tower. It’s 2.3 miles from the  Eagle Cliff tralhead off Squam Lake Rd., climbing 1350 feet! For a long run, continue past the fire tower down the hill for 1.5 miles to the Red Hill Fire Tower Loop Trail Head, and then loop back on Red Hill Rd. for 3 miles. Full Loop is 7 miles (11 km), 1400 foot gain). ROUTE MAP

Chapman Sanctuary & Visny Woods. 10 miles of trails in Sandwich, located 20 miles south of Waterville Valley. Lovely spot for a foliage run/hike. Trails of varying elevation and difficulty, but generally easier. TRAIL MAP