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The Rattlesnakes are two small rocky mountains on the NW side of Squam Lake which provide excellent views of the Lakes Region. (There are also about 8 Rattlesnake Hills and 5 Rattlesnake Mountains in New Hampshire, the most notable of which is in Rumney. Few if any of them house actual rattlesnakes.)
There are many old bridle paths in New Hampshire from the pre-automobile days of genteel summer vacations with travel by train from major cities. While the most famous Old Bridle Path ascends Mount Lafayette, this one is the easiest trail up West Rattlesnake, and receives heavy use from summer camps and other visitors. The trail has been heavily rebuilt with gravel and rock and log steps, and there is a donation box at the trailhead for those who wish to contribute.
Distance: About .9 miles one-way
Elevation gain: About 400 feet, nominal on return
Maps:
USGS Squam Range
AMC Crawford Notch-Sandwich Range
Location: Lakes Region
NH 2003-2004 map J-7
DeLorme NHA&G 39-G14 - Holderness
Holderness lies on Squam and Little Squam Lakes and can be reached by following US Route 3 from Exit 24 off I-93
Trailhead: NH Route 113 about 5.6 miles from US Route 3 in Holderness or about .5 miles N of Pinehaven Road (signed for Rockywold and Deephaven camps), elevation about 800 feet
Note that the trail starts as a footpath by a trail sign and does not go up a driveway
N 43.7888, -71.5490 (WGS84)
The trailhead can be reached by following US Route 3 S from Exit 24 off I-93 about 4.6 miles to Holderness. Turn L on NH Route 113 and continue about 5.6 miles to trailhead on R.
There is no parking lot at this trailhead. Some hikers park in the lot for Mount Morgan on the other side of NH Route 113 about 100 yards further N, but this lot is often full on nice days.
Far End: Ledges near summit of West Rattlesnake, elevation about 1220 feet
Owner: University of New Hampshire and others
Maintainer: UNH Caretaker - report trail issues
Special regulations: No camping or fires, see signs for others
The first part of the trail is nearly level but the ascent soon begins. A vast number of rock and log steps and waterbars have been placed and gravelled behind to keep the trail from eroding under the heavy traffic. Near the top, a view ledge is passed on the R which can be used for a picnic if the summit is too crowded. After a last section of intense trail work, the summit ledges are reached at .9 miles, and offer views over Squam Lake and beyond to Lake Winnipesaukee. Several dirt "islands" have been marked off to protect rare plants - be careful not to step on them.
Unobtrusive signposts on the R mark the beginnings of the Ramsey Trail and Pasture Trail, which both descend to Pinehaven Road. The Ridge Trail ascends slightly to the L and continues to the east summit. The actual west summit, about 1260 feet, is located a short distance along the Ridge Trail.
Unknown
Map Notes: The beginning of the trail is incorrect on the USGS map
Old Bridle Path near W Rattlesnake
Squam Lake from W Rattlesnake
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