Mead Explorer Base Camp

Easily one of the best campgrounds in the White Mountain National Forest. It's a small off the beaten path campground and is often almost empty, even on summer weekends. It's just a short hike away from a beautiful waterfall and other trails also start from here. There are all of the useful amenities here (privies, potable water, firewood, fire rings, picnic tables).

It was 1969, I was a boy scout. Meade Base had a 50 mile hike. We went with two donkeys to carry our food, everything else was on our backs. (remember, I was 14 years old) When I close my eyes, this will be one of those memories that flash by.

My brother went here as a scout many years ago and I visited him and saw it as it is today. Great campgrounds and hiking.

We actually did Wentworth trail to Israel trailhead. For Israel Mt. It was a great hike well trafficked and would rate it moderate. Bring proper gear if your winter hiking. I saw some people show up in jeans and sneakers and no spikes. You absolutely need spikes! As well as winter jacket because it's cold and windy at the top. Gloves, hand warmers, winter hat, gators, and face mask. It's winter not the time to be a hero. Come prepared and not just for this one but all hiking especially winter hiking. It's a whole new ball game. Views at the top were great and we had a nice sunny day but was still windy/cold.

It's 8:30 on an October night, and my Scouts and I sit by the fire as an owl calls off in the distance. Today, we spent the morning at Beede and Lower Falls and Cow Cave and the afternoon hiking Mount Israel. Though the weather was imperfect, the day was sublime. This is a truly special, historical, place, and, even better, the people who manage it (The Friends of Mead) are exceptional. MEBC is simply a gem—one more reason why NH is the best!