West Rattlesnake Mountain

We had seen the rocky outcropping of West Rattlesnake Mountain throughout the day as we were exploring Big Squam Lake. Captain Dave from Squam Lake Cruises and some of the passengers cemented the idea to hike the mountain for a sunset view of the lake.

The added bonus was a trip around the lake to get from our vacation home on Grapevine Cove to the Bridle Path trailhead off Route 113.

I hope you enjoy the short video and story below that highlights our adventure watching the sun set across Big Squam Lake.

 

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The Bridal Trail

The Bridal Trail offers plenty of parking at the trailhead and is easy to get to from Route 113.

The summit sits at 1,293 feet and the easy to moderate trail is around a two-mile round trip. It took us around 45 minutes to hike and we found the trail to be well marked and maintained.

West Rattlesnake Mountain

West Rattlesnake Mountain

We stopped for a bit at what we thought was the peak but actually wasn’t. It was our mistake but it offered some nice first views of Big Squam and the pending sunset.

West Rattlesnake Mountain

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West Rattlesnake Mountain

West Rattlesnake Mountain

Some temporary routing at the top was in place due to the trail improvements being made. The signage got us back on track and headed towards the rocky summit within 5-10 minutes.

While on the “Squam Lakes Cruise” earlier in the day, we learned from our guide that Boy Scouts had recently lugged timbers up to the summit for the improvement project. Carrying this pile of 4X4 posts up the mountain looked like a daunting task!

West Rattlesnake Mountain

West Rattlesnake Mountain

West Rattlesnake Mountain

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 A Big Squam Sunset

The amazing pinkish granite at the peak added even more color to the unfolding sunset. As with most things, the reward comes after the work. The pink skies, mountain peaks, and Big Squam views made for a great way to top off the day.

There are other trail options to explore that include East Rattlesnake Mountain. West Rattlesnake offers a rocky granite peak and wide open views.

West Rattlesnake Mountain

West Rattlesnake Mountain

West Rattlesnake Mountain

West Rattlesnake Mountain

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Summit Hut

There is no shortage of things to do in New Hampshire’s Lakes Region and visiting Big Squam should be one of them! If you enjoyed this post, feel free to leave a comment below.

Check out more of New Hampshire’s beautiful Lakes Region with my post on Weirs Beach in Laconia.

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Until the next post: “Live Free and Explore!”

New Hampshire Live Free and Explore!

 

 

5 Comments

  1. Kathleen

    As always, a beautiful presentation! Rattlesnake Mountain is on my list to hike this fall. Thanks for sharing. I’m glad to be on your email list so I can view your journeys. Keep exploring and sharing🌄

    Reply
    • TIMOTHY ZINN

      I bet it will be amazing in the fall! Glad you enjoyed it, Kathleen! Thanks for the comment.

      Reply
  2. Andrea

    Beautiful photos! As usual enjoyed your article! Thank you bringing me along on another splendid adventure!

    Reply
    • TIMOTHY ZINN

      I’m glad you enjoyed it, Andrea. The Lakes Region is full of beautiful places to explore!

      Reply
  3. Aunt Jeanie

    Our hiking days are over so we enjoy being able to see all the beautiful sights in our state by watching all your adventures.

    Reply

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