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Rattlesnake

RECOMMENDED ROUTE
Intermediate Intermediate
 4.7 (26)
  1. Areas
  2. NH
  3. …Lakes Region
  4. …Squam Lake
  5. Armstrong Natural Area
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“An extremely popular trail rewarded by one of the best Lake Region views. ”

Tom Robson
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Map Key

1.8

Miles

2.8

KM

Out and Back

1,208' 368 m

High

867' 264 m

Low

344' 105 m

Up

346' 105 m

Down

7%

Avg Grade (4°)

15%

Max Grade (9°)

Dogs Leashed

Features Birding · Lake · Views · Wildlife

May be closed during the muddy seasons.

Overview

Rattlesnake has some of the best "bang for your buck" in the Lakes Region. This wide singletrack proves simple to follow, easy to ascend/descend, and rewards with great views.

The one downside of Rattlesnake is its high traffic nature. On a clear day this is probably one of the most heavily crowded trails in NH.

This trail is officially called Old Bridle Path.

Need to Know

The main parking area fills up pretty quickly on a nice summer day. Park along Rt. 113 if necessary.

Description

Start at the Old Bridle Path trailhead and take Old Bridle Path up the mountain. This wide singletrack trail is well maintained and has several stairs to increase ease of use. Additionally, keep an eye out for birds and wildlife - although Old Bridle Path can get incredibly congested with people, the birds don't seem to mind!

Once at the top take in those amazing views! Directly below you is Rockywold Deephaven Camps and Five Finger Point. If you're looking to take a dip in the lake, head down Pasture Trail to Five Finger Point Trail.

To finish, head back down the Old Bridle Path exactly the way you came.

Contacts

Land Manager: UNH - Office of Woodlands and Natural Areas

Shared By:

Tom Robson
Full Details

Trail Ratings

  4.7 from 26 votes

#1

in Armstrong Natural Area

#420

Overall
  4.7 from 26 votes
5 Star
72%
4 Star
20%
3 Star
8%
2 Star
0%
1 Star
0%
Recommended Route Rankings

#1

in Armstrong Natural Area

#7

in New Hampshire

#420

Overall
78 Views Last Month
16,159 Since Dec 14, 2014
Intermediate Intermediate
16%
12%
64%
8%
0%
0%
Add a Photo

Photos

Sunrise on West Rattlesnake
Jun 30, 2021 near Holderness, NH
Squam from Rattlesnake.
May 24, 2016 near Holderness, NH
Heading up the steps on the Old Bridle Path.
Dec 14, 2014 near Holderness, NH
Another beautiful January day in NH.
Jan 11, 2021 near Holderness, NH

3 Comments

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Weather

Current Trail Conditions

Minor Issues 16 days ago
Add Your Check-In

Check-Ins

Nov 8, 2022
Nicholas Marshall
Sep 28, 2021
Willie Lees
With K during wedding weekend. Sunrise trek turned foggy.
Sep 27, 2021
Willie Lees
With J, T & K for the wedding weekend 1.8mi
Feb 5, 2021
NH Hiker95
An easy but very busy route to a scenic overlook of Squam lake.
Nov 9, 2020
Rick01
Sep 7, 2020
Gabriel Vasquez-Billin
1.8mi
Jul 3, 2020
Joel Sherman
Easy and family friendly trail. Great for young kids. 1.8mi — 0h 45m
Sep 6, 2019
Maureen Ritchey

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