Rattlesnake Mountain, Squam Lake NH

• 4-star hike
• 1.7 to 3.9 mile options
• Easy difficulty | Gain 360 to 990 feet
• Holderness, NH | Lakes Region
• Driving Directions: Trailhead


Enjoying Squam Lakes views from the Old Bridle Path trail.

Old Bridle Path to Viewpoint 4★
1.7 mi, Out & back, Easy, Gain 360 ft
Trailspotting Map at AllTrails

Possibly the most popular easy hike in the Squam Lakes region, the walk up the wide Old Bridle Path to the viewpoint near the summit of West Rattlesnake Mountain rewards with supreme views over the lake. The trail begins with the steepest part of the ascent, so this will impress on you that the route is not hard, and the rocks and roots underfoot are few and far between.

Rattlesnake Mountains 4★
3.9 mi, Out & back, Easy, Gain 990 ft
Trailspotting Map at AllTrails

Those who wish to double the length of their hike and include the two summits of Rattlesnake Mountain, continue on the narrower ridge trail across the saddle between the two peaks. Though the peaks themselves are both shrouded in tree cover, the hike is pleasant and there's another excellent lake viewpoint - except this one you're much more likely to have to yourself. Watch out for a sharp right turn after the junction with Col Trail when the trail routes you up an old stream bed - I watched folk miss the turning and continue straight on at this point.

Old Bridle, Rattlesnake Expand ↓ Map

The parking lot for this popular trail can fill up rather quickly, so note the additional parking lot on the other side of the road (meant for the Mts Morgan & Percival trails). Due to the short length of the Old Bridle Path, the turnover at the parking lot can be quite high, so if the lot is full you may want to hang around to see if a spot opens up.

Note that trails in this area are closed during spring mud season. Check out the 'official' link below to find any notifications of these closures, or see if there have been any recent trail reviews at the Public AllTrails link.


The wide and gently ascending trail up the Old Bridle Path.


Even more Squam Lakes views close to East Rattlesnake's peak.

Tangents:
• Trail Links: Official
• Public Maps at AllTrails: Old Bridle, Rattlesnake Mts
• Nearby Trails: Show on map

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