West Rattlesnake Mountain

Mountain:  West Rattlesnake Mtn. (1260')
Trails:  Old Bridle Path, Ridge Trail
Region:  NH - Central East  
Armstrong Natural Area, Lakes Region
Location:  Holderness, NH
Rating:  Easy/Moderate  
Features:  Views, summit, ledges
Distance:  2.0 miles  
Elevation Gain:  450 feet (cumulative)  
Hiking Time:  Typical: 1:10  
Outing Duration:  Typical: 2:15  
Season:  Summer
Hike Date:  08/31/2008 (Sunday)  
Last Updated:  07/23/2021  
Weather:  Clear, temperature in the mid 80's
Author:  Burt Hemp

Route Summary   

This hike goes to the summit of West Rattlesnake Mountain and offers fantastic views of Squam Lake and its many islands at the foot of the mountain.

  • Follow the yellow-blazed Old Bridle Path for 0.9 mile to its end which will lead you to rocky outcrops with fantastic views.
  • Shortly before the end of Old Bridle Path, Ramsey Trail will leave to the right. Then a bit farther along, Pasture Trail will veer to the right and Ridge Trail will go to the left. Go left to reach the summit of West Rattlesnake in less than 0.1 mile.
  • Return via the same route or look at the map below for options on making a loop and/or extending the hike.

Place         Split
Miles
     Total
Miles
Old Bridle Path Trailhead on Rt. 113 (810') 0.0 0.0
West Rattlesnake Mtn. summit (1260') 1.0 1.0
Old Bridle Path Trailhead on Rt. 113 (810') 1.0 2.0
 
Map of Rattlesnake Mtn. (map by Ben Kimball for NH Natural Heritage Bureau)
 

  Trail Guide   

The trail to West Rattlesnake Mountain and its ledgy outlook just below the summit starts on the southeast side of Route 113 and is relatively easy. When you get to the top of Old Bridle Path there is a set of rocky outcrops that provide a wonderful view of Squam Lake and beyond looking south and west.

This is an ideal hike for young kids, ages 4 or 5 and up. It is not strenuous and is mostly dirt covered except for the very beginning where it is somewhat rocky. It is easy enough that we took our 6-year-old granddaughter and she had no trouble at all.
 
 


NH - Central East



  Driving Directions   

The trailhead for Old Bridle Path is located in Holderness, New Hampshire along Route 113.

  • From I-93, take Exit 24 and follow Rt. 3 East to Holderness (about 4.5 miles).
  • From Holderness, turn left (north) and follow Rt. 113 (a slow, curvy road) northeast for 5.5 miles.
  • At the top of a hill, just past Pinehurst Road on the right, park in the large lot on the right-hand side of the road. It will look like you are turning into a private driveway, but then you will immediately bear right to enter the parking lot.
  • Old Bridle Path starts from the back of the parking lot.
  • There is also a smaller parking area on the opposite side of the road that is intended for hiking Mount Morgan Trail.

Note that there is no parking at the trailheads for the Ramsey Trail or the Five Finger Point Trail. If parking in this vicinity, vehicles should park off the road before the gate on Pinehurst Road (about 1/4 mile east of trailhead), taking care to not block the gate.

Other Notes   

Note that this trail may be closed during mud season.

Property Use Guidelines   

This property is open to the public for recreation and education. Please, for the protection of the area and its inhabitants, and for everyone’s enjoyment:

  • Foot travel only; please stay on the marked trails
  • No horses, bicycles, or motor vehicles allowed
  • No camping or fires
  • Do not collect or disturb plants or animals
  • Please respect private property
  • Carry out all trash and litter

Credits   

This property is owned and managed by The University of New Hampshire Office of Woodlands and Natural Areas.

The University of New Hampshire owns and manages a portion of this site as a natural area. In keeping with the educational and research goals of the University, natural areas are intended to remain kept in a natural state for the purpose of study. Recreational activities are promoted on all UNH lands.

The trails at the Rattlesnakes are maintained by the Squam Lakes Conservation Society.

More Rattlesnake Reports   

 
 

Website by LeapfrogProgramming.com Logo LeapfrogProgramming.com


© 1998-2025
Page copy-protected against website content infringement by Copyscape
The information on this site may freely be used for personal purposes but may not be replicated on other websites or publications. If you want to reference some content on this site, please link to us.