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Hiking on squam

Hiking Trails & Maps

Watch: Hiking on Squam

Trails rating guide

The following lists provide a general description of the level of difficulty for each of the SLA’s trails. Please note that these ratings are generalizations. Weather and the experience and physical condition of the hiker may make trails more or less challenging.
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Easy trails

Gradually sloped over minimally uneven terrain.

Moderate trails

Moderate slopes with occasional uneven terrain and steep slopes.

Hard trails

Steep slopes for extended periods over mostly uneven terrain.
*
Limited access in winter months due to closure of Thompson Rd.

Strenuous trails

Extreme slopes and terrain, includes very steep climbs.
  • Algonquin Trail*
  • Black Mountain Pond Trail*
These trails are minimally maintained in order to provide a more immersive natural experience. The trail corridor is narrow single-track and the tread may be indistinct. Trails are not blazed and signage only occurs at junctions. Encounters with other hikers are minimal.
*
Limited access in winter months due to closure of Sandwich Notch Rd.

West & East Rattlesnake Trails

Driving directions

Parking is located off of NH-113 in Holderness, NH. From the Holderness town center turn onto NH-113. Drive North on NH-113 for 5.5 miles. The parking lot for Old Bridle Path is on the right.

Please note: The Rattlesnake network trails are heavily used. Please stay on the trail and respect private landowners’ property. Do not hike these trails during the mud season as it causes erosion and impacts the surrounding forest.
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Belknap Woods Trails

Driving directions

Parking for Belknap Woods is located on the south boundary of Squam Lake off of NH-25B. When traveling southeast on US-3 towards Meredith, turn left on to NH-25B. Parking is roughly a mile down NH-25B on the right side of the road.
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Whitten Woods Trails

Driving directions

Parking for Whitten Woods is located off of Highland Street in Ashland, NH. When traveling on US-3 from Holderness towards Ashland, turn right onto Owl Brook Road. At the next intersection, turn left onto Highland Street. The parking lot is roughly a mile up the road on the right.
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Chamberlain Reynolds Memorial Forest Trails

Driving directions

Parking for Chamberlain Reynolds Memorial Forest is located off of College Road in Center Harbor, New Hampshire. When traveling south on US-3 towards Center Harbor, turn left onto College Road. There are two parking lots located on the left.
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Hiking in the winter

Winter hiking is wonderful, but be ready for more challenging conditions
Hikers should be prepared with clothes for winter conditions, including a wicking base layer, a wool or fleece insulating layer, and a waterproof shell.

Regardless of the trail, all winter hikers should have traction spikes or snowshoes, gaiters, a minimum of two liters of water, snacks, hand and foot warmers, a headlamp, compass, map, and an extra of each clothing layer in their packs.

Help us minimize the impact on Squam hiking trails

Signs of overuse are apparent on popular hiking trails: erosion, trail widening, muddy sections, and user created trails. Here are some simple ways to minimize your impact on hiking trails in the Squam Lakes region:
  • Stay on established trails and durable surfaces at mountain summits.
  • Pack in and pack out all trash, including biodegradable foods.
  • Rock staircases and waterbars are created to reduce the impacts of erosion on the trail. Days of labor go into building these structures. Please walk on them, not around them.
  • Switchbacks are designed to prevent erosion by reducing the steepness of the trail. Do not shortcut switchbacks.
  • Wear appropriate footwear and gaiters. Hike through puddles, not around them.
  • Avoid hiking on trails during the mud season (usually April), as the trails need a chance to dry out. During this season SLA closes trails in the Squam Range and Rattlesnake networks to protect these well-loved trails.

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