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The Pasture Trail provides an ascent of the west peak of The Rattlesnakes from Pinehaven Road and can be used in many loop hikes. It is narrow and steep above the junction with the Col Trail.
During the 1800's most of southern NH was cleared for pasture, with land too rocky and steep to plow being used for sheep grazing. The pasture which this trail once led across, like many others, is now grown up in trees.
Distance: From gate on Pinehaven Road to Ridge Trail near west peak, about .6 miles one-way
Elevation gain: About 600 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: Gate on Pinehaven Road, elevation about 620 feet
43.7756°N, 71.5397°W (WGS84)
To reach this point, follow 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 5.1 miles to Pinehaven Road. Turn R on Pinehaven Road and follow it about .9 miles to a gate. Park outside the gate.
Upper End: Ledges near summit of West Rattlesnake, elevation about 1220 feet
Owner: private
Maintainer: Squam Lakes Association
Special regulations: No camping, fires, or motor vehicles
From the gate, hike along the road just over 100 yards to a gravel driveway on the L (sign "All Trails"). Walk up the driveway 25 yards, and turn R onto a path between two wooden sheds. At about .2 miles from the gate, the East Rattlesnake Trail diverges R leading also to the Five Finger Point Trail. About 20 yards later, the Col Trail continues ahead up the brook while the Pasture Trail turns L at a post and follows a ridge steadily uphill. After a few short narrow switchbacks often on slippery pine needles, the trail climbs steeply again on a narrow gravel surface. The summit ledges are reached at .6 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.
Unknown
Map Notes: NA
Ledges on W Rattlesnake at upper end of trail
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