Wednesday Winter Hike: East and West Rattlesnake via Col Trail

Join Director of Education, Kyle Salmons, on an easy 2.8 mile out-and-back hike to the summits of both East and West Rattlesnake. It's a great time of year to get out and hike, but it's best to have company on a chilly winter day. Whether you are an experienced hiker or you are just looking for a starting point, our Wednesday Winter Hikes are a great way to get out and explore!

Our Wednesday Winter Hike series can help you get comfortable hiking in the winter season and introduce you to both locals and visitors looking to explore in the winter season. Additionally, these hikes are all a part of the Squam Rangers challenge hosted by the SLA. While not required, this is a great chance to check some hikes off your list if you are working towards your Squam Ranger!

All skill levels are welcome. Children must be accompanied by an adult.

Registration is required for this free event.

Trailhead on Pinehurst Road, Sandwich

About one third of the Rattlesnakes are located on the Armstrong Natural Area, owned by the University of New Hampshire. Five Finger Point is also owned by UNH and the lands surrounding these conservation areas are privately owned. Other partners include Squam Lakes Conservation Society (who owns East Rattlesnake Preserve), Pinehurst Association (of which Lakes Region Conservation Trust holds a conservation easement on a portion of land), Webster Land Co, and Rockywold Deephaven Camps (where SLCS holds an easement on a portion of land).

Please pack snacks, water, and a lunch! We will be taking breaks on the trail as needed, and we plan to stop at the West Rattlesnake summit for lunch if our toes aren't too cold!

Participants should be sure to have appropriate attire and layering for winter hiking. Extra layers, comfortable water resistant hiking shoes, and snowshoes and/or microspikes may be needed depending on conditions. The SLA can provide snowshoes & microspikes for up to six participants. Other snow hiking gear may be available upon request.

Not sure what to pack? Check out our Winter Day Hiking Checklist for some ideas. Feel free to reach out to the SLA with any questions!

Kyle Salmons is the Director of Education at SLA and first came to the Squam Lakes Association in 2015 as a Squam Conservation Intern.

Kyle grew up in western New York where he graduated from the State University of New York at Oswego with a BS in Chemistry.

In his free time, Kyle can be found jumping off a paddleboard, playing board games, or, if you look closely enough, huddled under a pile of blankets listening to his newest Sci-Fi novel.