East and West Rattlesnake Mountains

Length: 3.7 miles out-and-back

Difficulty (click for info): Easy

Elevation Gain: 800 feet

Rating (click for info): 7/10

Elevation: 1240' (West) and 1293' (East)

Prominence: 251' (West) and 481' (East)

Driving Directions:
Trailhead and parking area are on Rt. 113 in Holderness, NH (East Rattlesnake is in Sandwich). The parking area is 5.5 miles east of Rt. 3 and 6.3 mile west of Rt. 109.

About the Hike:
Notice: The trails described here are among a set of trails maintained by the Squam Lakes Association which are closed annually for mud season. The trails remain closed for at least a month starting from snowmelt.

The Rattlesnake Mountains are dwarfed by the towering Squam Range behind them, but they have an amazing view for their size. West Rattlesnake can be climbed via the gradual Old Bridal Path, an easy hike less than a mile long. East Rattlesnake can be reached on a path of the same length beginning at the summit of West Rattlesnake. They both have directional views to the south, but West Rattlesnake's view is much wider. In addition, West Rattlesnake's summit area is much larger and better to enjoy for a longer time. West Rattlesnake is the more popular of the two, and since it is so easy to get to, it is almost always crowded. East Rattlesnake is usually less busy. Both have an up-close look at Squam Lake, something the larger mountains of the area don't offer. We think that visiting both Rattlesnakes is a wonderful plan, but if you are looking for a shorter hike, just visit West Rattlesnake (a 1.9 mile hike). To get to East Rattlesnake from West Rattlesnake, Follow Ridge trail for 0.4 miles, continue straight where Col Trail crosses, and ascend another 0.3 miles to an open ledge just after the junction with East Rattlesnake Trail.

Printable directions page