Rattlesnake Mountain, Squam Lake NH

• 4-star hikes
• 2 to 4 mile options
• Easy | Gain 360 to 990 feet
• Hoderness, NH | Lakes Region
.

Two individuals stand on a rocky outcrop, overlooking a vast, scenic landscape of a lake with numerous islands and distant mountains under a clear blue sky. They are facing away from the camera, towards the natural vista, capturing a moment of human connection with nature.

Enjoying Squam Lakes views from the Old Bridle Path trail.

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.

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.

Trail Options Expand KML · Google Earth ·

⬤ 4★ Old Bridle Path 1.7 mi out & back, easy, gain 360 ft
AllTrails · GPX File · Directions GPX?

⬤ 4★ Rattlesnake Mountain 3.9 mi out & back, easy, gain 990 ft
AllTrails · GPX File · Directions

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 Squam Lake link below to find any notifications of these closures, or see if there have been any recent trail reviews at the Public AllTrails link.

Two individuals hiking on a wooden boardwalk trail through a forested area with sunlight filtering through the canopy above.

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

A panoramic view of a vast lake with numerous small islands scattered throughout. The water is a deep blue, and the sky above is clear with few clouds. The surrounding landscape is lush with greenery, and there are hills in the distance under the blue sky.

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

Tangents:
• Official: Squam Lakes Association
• Public Maps at AllTrails: Old Bridle, Rattlesnake Mt
• Facebook Group: Follow, Like or Leave a Comment

Trailspotting Nearby
4★ Morgan & Percival Mts (4-5 mi) · 5★ Red Hill Fire Tower (3 mi) · 3★ Livermore & Cotton Mts (1-4 mi) · Show Map

New Hampshire Lake Trails
Find trails that feature lakes along their journey.

New England Covered Bridges
Maps, lists, directions and nearby trails to New England's covered bridges.