BEGINNER WINTER HIKE – WEST AND EAST RATTLESNAKES

The Old Bridle Path up West Rattlesnake [1,243 feet] and East Rattlesnake [1,289 feet] is one of the busiest trails in New Hampshire but today it was quiet. It was 3.7 miles round trip with 800 feet elevation gain. Today was a good day to head over for a hike up the Old Bridle Path and share with everyone the famous watery view from the summits! 

We pulled into an almost full parking lot at 11AM. We started up the wide well-trodden trail that was once a cart path. The trails are maintained by the Squam Lakes Association, and the land is owned by the University of New Hampshire.  They have done an amazing job with replacing & installing steps, retaining walls and drainages along the trail! 

We enjoyed the walk up the trail.  We work Microspikes the entire day. All the leaves were down so we had better views than summer!

We approached the top and walked out on the granite ledge, and found a quite spot overlooking the southern view of Squam Lake. The views from the top over Squam Lake is phenomenal! 

We continued over to East Rattlesnake using the Ridge Trail and saw a few people enjoying this section of trail. There was nice section of hemlock. The East Rattlesnake Ledge was peaceful, and while the outlook there isn’t as expansive as west peak, it’s quite nice!   

This was one of the best days ever for a hike here - temperature was good, lake views couldn't have been better and the group of guys enjoyable! The Rattlesnakes are well worth many more visits.

So, you just got some new MicroSpikes and/or snowshoes [or expecting them for Christmas] and are itching to try them out. Perfect!! Join us for a hike up to West and East Rattlesnakes in Holderness, NH.  It's a nice trail for members who would like to try winter hiking with lovely views of the Squam Lake!  

You'll be traveling with patient, easy going leaders who will take the time to help you with MicroSpikes and/or snowshoes with cranky bindings, pole adjustments and the logistics of carrying snowshoes on your pack. Bring your own bungee cords and straps!

The Rattlesnake Mountains are dwarfed by the towering Squam Range behind them, but they have an amazing view for their size! Both have an up-close look at Squam Lake, something the larger mountains of the area don't offer. We’ll have lunch at less visited East Rattlesnake with good views angled more to Red Hill and Ossipee Range.

West Rattlesnake is 1,243’ and East Rattlesnake is 1,289’. The hike will be an easy pace, 3.7 miles with 800 feet elevation gain. West and East Rattlesnake can be climbed via the gradual Old Bridal Path. After West Rattlesnake, we’ll hook up with the Ridge Trail to reach East Rattlesnake.

What to wear/bring:  MicroSpikes will be necessary. We’ll let you know a few days prior if snowshoes will be needed. Don't forget to wear warm layers [NO COTTON OR BLUE JEANS], gloves, warm hat, rain/wind shell, headlamp/flashlight, water, lunch, snacks, and anything else you would bring for a cold weather hike. We are taking hand warmers for our gloves. Winter insulated boots to keep your feet and toes warm recommended.

We’ll have lunch at one of the summits. Carry at least 2 liters of water [use hot water and place your water bottle in a thick wool sock, insulated thermos or water bottle parka], lunch and snacks. A small thermos of hot liquids is a welcome treat at the summit!

Après Hiking Dinner:  Everyone is welcome to join us back at our house in Waterville Valley to relax beside our fireplace with views of the Sandwich Mountain/Mad River [BYOB and bring snacks] followed by one of Jon's delicious dinners. We ask $10 per person to help pay for our food costs. Showers are available so bring a change of clothing to make your visit with us more comfortable.   

Lodging Option: Bunk beds are available at our house [with Wi Fi] near Waterville Valley, NH for Friday and/or Saturday night. The cost is $25 for Friday night and $35 for Saturday that includes dinner [$60 for the weekend]. Coffee/bagels each morning and linen/blankets/towels are provided. Space is limited so email ASAP to reserve a bunk!

Winter Hiking Clothing/Gear Tips and Recommendations

For winter hiking, you are basically wearing the same clothing/gear you did in summer except you need to have additional layers to keep your core body warm, dress in synthetic layers [no cotton], wool hat, and gloves [we highly recommend buying the chemical hand warmers for your gloves]. The only piece of gear you will have to buy is MicroSpikes [Kahtoola is a popular brand], which are essentially cleats that you attach to your boots to prevent falls from black ice encountered on the trail.  That being said, if we had significant snowfall just before the hike, you will need to buy/bring snowshoes! Winter hiking boots is something you may want to invest in later on, since it helps keep your feet warm, dry and comfortable.

One of the biggest mistakes beginner winter hikers do is overdress. You don’t need a heavy winter jacket since you will be heating up naturally during the hike. Wear thin, insulated layers so you can easily regulate your temperature. If you overdress, you will start sweating and actually make yourself get colder. Assess if your summer daypack is big enough to put your clothes in as you warm up and if not, then that is probably another investment you’ll have to make for this trip.