Sandwich Notch Spring, Sandwich, NH

## Overview Sandwich Notch Spring is a charming roadside spring tucked along the historic Sandwich Notch Road in Center Sandwich, New Hampshire. Situated in Carroll County within the foothills of the White Mountains, this public drinking spring has long served as a refreshing stop for hikers, cyclists, and travelers exploring one of New Hampshire's most scenic and storied back roads. The spring flows through a plastic pipe into a rustic log trough, giving it a classic New England character. Adding to its charm, a small water wheel spins at the outfall — a delightful detail that makes this spring especially memorable. The water has historically been used as a drinking water source by locals and passersby, though visitors should assess conditions for themselves upon arrival. Sandwich Notch Road itself is a narrow, unpaved route that dates back to the early 1800s, once serving as a vital connection between the towns of Sandwich and Thornton. The road passes old cellar holes, stone walls, and remnants of a community that thrived here in the 19th century before residents gradually moved away. The spring sits within this evocative landscape, making a visit feel like a step back in time. ## Directions 1. From **NH Route 49**, turn onto **Sandwich Notch Road** heading east. 2. Follow Sandwich Notch Road for approximately **3.4 miles**. 3. Watch for a **white farmhouse** on the right side of the road — the spring is located roughly **200 yards west** (before) the farmhouse. 4. The spring is roadside and visible from the road, with the log trough and water wheel marking its location. **GPS Coordinates:** 43.864166, -71.537819 **Important:** Sandwich Notch Road is **not maintained during winter or mud season** (typically November through May, depending on conditions). The road is unpaved, narrow, and best suited for vehicles with decent clearance. Check local road status before heading out in spring or late fall. ## What to Expect Sandwich Notch Spring is an accessible, roadside stop — no hiking required. The spring flows continuously through a plastic pipe into a hand-hewn log trough, and the small water wheel at the outfall adds a whimsical, photogenic touch. The surrounding area is wooded and peaceful, with the quiet beauty of the White Mountain foothills all around. The spring is open **24 hours a day, year-round**, though practical access depends on road conditions. During summer and early fall, Sandwich Notch Road is a popular route for leaf-peepers, mountain bikers, and history buffs exploring the old homestead sites along the way. The white farmhouse nearby serves as a helpful landmark. There are no facilities at the spring — no restrooms, parking lots, or signage beyond the spring itself. Pull off to the side of the road carefully, as the road is narrow. Visitors have reported the water tastes clean and cold, consistent with a mountain spring fed by the granite geology of the region. The spring was submitted to the community by Bob Kilham, a local who has helped document natural water sources in the area.