Rattlesnake Island

bigdog · 03-25-2011, 01:41 PM

Is there any public access or docking anywhere on Rattlesnake Island ?

Was thinking it might me interesting to hike to the top for the view !

Thanks,
BD

ishoot308 · 03-25-2011, 02:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bigdog

Is there any public access or docking anywhere on Rattlesnake Island ?

Was thinking it might me interesting to hike to the top for the view !

Thanks,
BD

The Lakes Region Conservation Trust has a dock on the Southeast side of the island. If you call and ask they will allow you to use it.

Dan

welchislandman · 03-28-2011, 06:38 AM

I never knew that. Would like to do that also.
Now just have to find the number for the conservation group !

Just Sold · 03-28-2011, 07:39 AM

I believe that you have to be a member of the Lakes Region Conservation Trust in order to get permission to access/use their dock and hike on Rattlesnake Island. The center of the island is controlled by the trust and the waterfront land is privately owned by individuals.
Without LRCT permission you have to know someone and be invited to visit and hike on the island.

Bear247 · 03-28-2011, 07:37 PM

One of my best memories on The Lake was taking a hike to the top Rattlesnake with my dad when I was younger. It was much easier back then to gain access to the island.

tis · 03-29-2011, 07:16 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bear247

One of my best memories on The Lake was taking a hike to the top Rattlesnake with my dad when I was younger. It was much easier back then to gain access to the island.

Me too. Every summer my Dad would take us kids (cousins and all) out to the island to climb it. We usually went early in the morning.

bigdog · 03-29-2011, 07:30 AM

FYI, I sent LRCT.org an email several days ago, regarding access to the Rattlesnake Island dock, but as yet have had no response?

Do they have a tel# I could call?

Thanks,
BD

olimec · 03-29-2011, 11:15 AM

Does anyone know what the hike up Rattlesnake is like? Is it an easy hike or more of a challenge?

CateP · 03-29-2011, 11:27 AM

Or you could take the 1-mile hike up West Rattlesnake Mountain in Holderness for an amazing view of Squam. Very popular day hike.

Info here:
http://www.hikenewengland.com/RattlesnakeWestGen1.html

Slickcraft · 03-29-2011, 11:30 AM

BD, the phone # is 603-253-3301
http://www.lrct.org/contact-us.html

olimec, the vertical rise looks like about 350 feet, pretty easy in that regard. I have no idea if there is a trail or if is a bush whack hike. As noted some permission may be required.

Sunset Bob · 03-29-2011, 11:51 AM

Taken on 10/10/10
http://www.winnipesaukee.com/photopo...7243&ppuser=15
http://www.winnipesaukee.com/photopo...7242&ppuser=15
http://www.winnipesaukee.com/photopo...7245&ppuser=15
http://www.winnipesaukee.com/photopo...7244&ppuser=15
http://www.winnipesaukee.com/photopo...7246&ppuser=15
http://www.winnipesaukee.com/photopo...7247&ppuser=15
http://www.winnipesaukee.com/photopo...7248&ppuser=15
http://www.winnipesaukee.com/photopo...7249&ppuser=15

Pricestavern · 03-29-2011, 12:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by olimec

Does anyone know what the hike up Rattlesnake is like? Is it an easy hike or more of a challenge?

The trail is fairly well marked and maintained. That being said, there are some boulders to climb over and around. There is one quite steep section just to the north of the high point of the island that is a pretty strenuous ascent/descent (I wouldn't be happy doing it when it's wet).

Bear247 · 03-29-2011, 01:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bigdog

FYI, I sent LRCT.org an email several days ago, regarding access to the Rattlesnake Island dock, but as yet have had no response?

Do they have a tel# I could call?

Thanks,
BD

I got an email today from someone from the LRCT. You do need to be a member to gain access to there dock.

ishoot308 · 03-29-2011, 03:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bear247

I got an email today from someone from the LRCT. You do need to be a member to gain access to there dock.

I believe a simple small donation will make you a member...

tis · 03-29-2011, 04:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ishoot308

I believe a simple small donation will make you a member...

Sorry, but I don't like them. They get contribution to get all this property and then they don't let anyone use it. Like the snowmobile trails.

ishoot308 · 03-29-2011, 08:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tis

Sorry, but I don't like them. They get contribution to get all this property and then they don't let anyone use it. Like the snowmobile trails.

That's not 100% true...

They have done a wonderful job with the Ragged island project. The entire island is open to the public. They have a couple public docks, picnic area and walking trails. They have just completed a large demo project on the island where they removed many of the old abandoned and unsafe buildings, They are hoping to eventually have public tent camping sites. They are renovating one of the old beautiful camps so they will eventually have a camp directors lodge there.

They also have a lot of land on Stonedam island which is also open to the public with one dock, walking trails and beach area.

I believe 5 mile island is another one of their acquisitions and is open to the public, though I personally have not stopped by there to check it out.

Yes I am sure there are parcels of land they have that have been shut down to the public and without knowing the circumstance I have no comment except to say that sometimes the public is it's own worst enemy. Ever since Ragged Island has been opened up, they have had massive vandalism issues. I personally have seen the many vandalism issues that occurred there on multiple occasions and its heart wrenching to all the volunteers who gave their time to help make something nice for the PUBLIC. How long can something like this continue before they have no choice but to shut it down??

While I do not completely disagree with you, I just wanted you to realize that there is a some good with LRCT.

Dan

Rattlesnake Gal · 03-30-2011, 06:36 AM

I believe the reason why Rattlesnake Island has been closed to the public was due to inappropriate behavior by hikers - trash and campfires. It only takes a few to ruin it for all.

tis · 03-30-2011, 06:57 AM

It is true, but sad some people trash land which looks vacant. I know that from personal experience. Maybe there is another answer than rather than these trusts buying them and shutting them down?

Lakegeezer · 03-30-2011, 07:50 AM

If you get a chance to climb Rattlesnake Island, you may notice that while standing on the top, looking north, it appears as if you are in the control room of a big battleship, on a small ocean.

Regarding LRCT: they are guilty of soliciting funds from the snowmobile clubs to buy land in the Ossipee mountains and then shutting down many (not all) of the trails to snowmobile use. There is no longer a snowmobile trail to an outlook of Winnipesaukee, where there used to be several. I was suckered into contributing quite a bit, so now their requests for donations are returned with an explanation of why there is no money in the envelope, or just go in the trash. That said, most of their actions seem honorable and I hope some day they make right on their Ossipee use policy.

Just Sold · 03-30-2011, 07:52 AM

On Rattlesnake Island in past years I had seen some trash and evidence of the camp fires RG mentioned. I do pick up what I find and dispose of it properly.
I have also seen some trail errosion in a few spots that if not protected/repaired could get larger and cause other damage. I have seen joggers on the trail at times and believe that this could be adding to erosion issues.

John A. Birdsall · 03-30-2011, 11:20 AM

I can recall as a younger person back in the early 60's of four of us taking the Puddy-Tat into the cove on the sW part of rattlesnake, and tying it too a tree, We then spent the better part of the afternoon climbing rattlesnake. There were not very many camps on the island at that time. Today it would be nice if the residence there would build a public dock, and have an escalatore to the top of the island for all to see.

bigdog · 03-30-2011, 08:43 PM

FYI.....

Just received a response back from my email to lrct.org regarding membership. Annual membership fee is $35.

BD

Rattlesnake Guy · 04-01-2011, 10:45 PM

JustSold
The center of the island is owned in common by all of the owners of the lots surrounding the island. The trust owns a large lot on the south east end. We pay the town of Alton property taxes and also pay for liability insurance for the common land in the middle.

Rattlesnake Gal · 04-03-2011, 09:02 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Just Sold

On Rattlesnake Island in past years I had seen some trash and evidence of the camp fires RG mentioned. I do pick up what I find and dispose of it properly.

You're a great guest Ken! That's one of the reasons why you get invited back.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Just Sold

I have also seen some trail erosion in a few spots that if not protected/repaired could get larger and cause other damage. I have seen joggers on the trail at times and believe that this could be adding to erosion issues.

There has been a marked increase in erosion since our arrival to the island back in 2003. Hopefully the association can figure something out to combat this very concerning issue. Does anyone have ideas that we should pass along to remedy this erosion problem? It would be great to deal with it before it gets worse and becomes an even bigger problem.

Rattlesnake Gal · 04-03-2011, 09:25 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by John A. Birdsall

Today it would be nice if the residence there would build a public dock, and have an escalator to the top of the island for all to see.

A lookout like Abenaki Tower would be nice too!

mhtimber · 04-03-2011, 02:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Just Sold

On Rattlesnake Island in past years I had seen some trash and evidence of the camp fires RG mentioned. I do pick up what I find and dispose of it properly.
I have also seen some trail errosion in a few spots that if not protected/repaired could get larger and cause other damage. I have seen joggers on the trail at times and believe that this could be adding to erosion issues.

How would jogging impact the trail any more than hiking? I use the trail several times a week for a cardio workout, being careful to stay on trail and on rock wherever possible (perhaps it was me you have seen).

One suggestion to repair & preserve the trail would be for the board to organize volunteer trail maintenance days, given the number of enthusiastic
Hikers I encounter I'm sure we would get a good turnout. I will propose this at the annual mtg this year.

Can't wait for ice out!

Jeff

coltgov101 · 04-26-2011, 02:32 AM

I can remenber when rattlesnake was a deserated island! The only thing interesting about it was the measured mile! In those days almost no one had a speedometer on their boat, it was fun to get up early before the lake got choppy and ride through the measured mile and calculate how fast your boat could go. If I remember a top speed of 35 mph was very fast! My how times have changed!

03-25-2011, 01:41 PM	#1
bigdog Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Central MA-Gilford Posts: 1,410 Thanks: 307 Thanked 117 Times in 94 Posts	Rattlesnake Island Is there any public access or docking anywhere on Rattlesnake Island ? Was thinking it might me interesting to hike to the top for the view ! Thanks, BD

03-28-2011, 07:39 AM	#4
Just Sold Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: Suncook, NH, but at The Lake at Heart Posts: 2,612 Thanks: 1,082 Thanked 433 Times in 209 Posts	I believe that you have to be a member of the Lakes Region Conservation Trust in order to get permission to access/use their dock and hike on Rattlesnake Island. The center of the island is controlled by the trust and the waterfront land is privately owned by individuals. Without LRCT permission you have to know someone and be invited to visit and hike on the island. __________________ Just Sold At the lake the stress of daily life just melts away. Pro Re Nata

03-29-2011, 07:30 AM	#7
bigdog Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Central MA-Gilford Posts: 1,410 Thanks: 307 Thanked 117 Times in 94 Posts	Rattlesnake Island FYI, I sent LRCT.org an email several days ago, regarding access to the Rattlesnake Island dock, but as yet have had no response? Do they have a tel# I could call? Thanks, BD

03-29-2011, 11:15 AM	#8
olimec Member Join Date: Feb 2011 Posts: 20 Thanks: 2 Thanked 4 Times in 4 Posts	hiking rattlesnake Does anyone know what the hike up Rattlesnake is like? Is it an easy hike or more of a challenge?

03-29-2011, 11:27 AM	#9
CateP Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: Wolfeboro Posts: 868 Thanks: 584 Thanked 540 Times in 210 Posts	West Rattlesnake-Squam Or you could take the 1-mile hike up West Rattlesnake Mountain in Holderness for an amazing view of Squam. Very popular day hike. Info here: http://www.hikenewengland.com/RattlesnakeWestGen1.html

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03-28-2011, 06:38 AM	#3
welchislandman Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Welch Is, Gilford Posts: 79 Thanks: 91 Thanked 8 Times in 8 Posts	I never knew that. Would like to do that also. Now just have to find the number for the conservation group !

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03-28-2011, 07:37 PM	#5
Bear247 Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2010 Location: Natick Ma. Posts: 110 Thanks: 149 Thanked 20 Times in 15 Posts	One of my best memories on The Lake was taking a hike to the top Rattlesnake with my dad when I was younger. It was much easier back then to gain access to the island.

The Following User Says Thank You to tis For This Useful Post:
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03-29-2011, 11:30 AM	#10
Slickcraft Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Welch Island and West Alton Posts: 3,216 Thanks: 1,172 Thanked 2,000 Times in 914 Posts	BD, the phone # is 603-253-3301 http://www.lrct.org/contact-us.html olimec, the vertical rise looks like about 350 feet, pretty easy in that regard. I have no idea if there is a trail or if is a bush whack hike. As noted some permission may be required.

03-29-2011, 11:51 AM	#11
Sunset Bob Deceased Member Join Date: Jul 2002 Posts: 1,701 Thanks: 115 Thanked 25 Times in 13 Posts	Pictures of a hike on Rattlesnake Taken on 10/10/10 http://www.winnipesaukee.com/photopo...7243&ppuser=15 http://www.winnipesaukee.com/photopo...7242&ppuser=15 http://www.winnipesaukee.com/photopo...7245&ppuser=15 http://www.winnipesaukee.com/photopo...7244&ppuser=15 http://www.winnipesaukee.com/photopo...7246&ppuser=15 http://www.winnipesaukee.com/photopo...7247&ppuser=15 http://www.winnipesaukee.com/photopo...7248&ppuser=15 http://www.winnipesaukee.com/photopo...7249&ppuser=15

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03-30-2011, 06:36 AM	#17
Rattlesnake Gal Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: Central NH Posts: 5,252 Blog Entries: 1 Thanks: 1,447 Thanked 1,349 Times in 475 Posts	Rattlesnake Island & LRCT I believe the reason why Rattlesnake Island has been closed to the public was due to inappropriate behavior by hikers - trash and campfires. It only takes a few to ruin it for all.

03-30-2011, 06:57 AM	#18
tis Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2006 Posts: 6,405 Thanks: 719 Thanked 1,379 Times in 955 Posts	It is true, but sad some people trash land which looks vacant. I know that from personal experience. Maybe there is another answer than rather than these trusts buying them and shutting them down?

03-30-2011, 07:50 AM	#19
Lakegeezer Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2003 Location: Moultonboro, NH Posts: 1,657 Blog Entries: 1 Thanks: 342 Thanked 618 Times in 278 Posts	If you get a chance to climb Rattlesnake Island, you may notice that while standing on the top, looking north, it appears as if you are in the control room of a big battleship, on a small ocean. Regarding LRCT: they are guilty of soliciting funds from the snowmobile clubs to buy land in the Ossipee mountains and then shutting down many (not all) of the trails to snowmobile use. There is no longer a snowmobile trail to an outlook of Winnipesaukee, where there used to be several. I was suckered into contributing quite a bit, so now their requests for donations are returned with an explanation of why there is no money in the envelope, or just go in the trash. That said, most of their actions seem honorable and I hope some day they make right on their Ossipee use policy. __________________ -lg

03-30-2011, 07:52 AM	#20
Just Sold Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: Suncook, NH, but at The Lake at Heart Posts: 2,612 Thanks: 1,082 Thanked 433 Times in 209 Posts	On Rattlesnake Island in past years I had seen some trash and evidence of the camp fires RG mentioned. I do pick up what I find and dispose of it properly. I have also seen some trail errosion in a few spots that if not protected/repaired could get larger and cause other damage. I have seen joggers on the trail at times and believe that this could be adding to erosion issues. __________________ Just Sold At the lake the stress of daily life just melts away. Pro Re Nata

03-30-2011, 11:20 AM	#21
John A. Birdsall Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: Norwich, CT Posts: 599 Thanks: 27 Thanked 51 Times in 35 Posts	climb Rattlesnake I can recall as a younger person back in the early 60's of four of us taking the Puddy-Tat into the cove on the sW part of rattlesnake, and tying it too a tree, We then spent the better part of the afternoon climbing rattlesnake. There were not very many camps on the island at that time. Today it would be nice if the residence there would build a public dock, and have an escalatore to the top of the island for all to see.

03-30-2011, 08:43 PM	#22
bigdog Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Central MA-Gilford Posts: 1,410 Thanks: 307 Thanked 117 Times in 94 Posts	Rattlesnake Island FYI..... Just received a response back from my email to lrct.org regarding membership. Annual membership fee is $35. BD

04-01-2011, 10:45 PM	#23
Rattlesnake Guy Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2004 Posts: 1,254 Thanks: 423 Thanked 366 Times in 175 Posts	The jelly in the middle JustSold The center of the island is owned in common by all of the owners of the lots surrounding the island. The trust owns a large lot on the south east end. We pay the town of Alton property taxes and also pay for liability insurance for the common land in the middle.

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04-26-2011, 02:32 AM	#27
coltgov101 Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Nj now. Spindle point in the past.(35 yrs.) Posts: 87 Thanks: 105 Thanked 10 Times in 4 Posts	rattlesnake Island I can remenber when rattlesnake was a deserated island! The only thing interesting about it was the measured mile! In those days almost no one had a speedometer on their boat, it was fun to get up early before the lake got choppy and ride through the measured mile and calculate how fast your boat could go. If I remember a top speed of 35 mph was very fast! My how times have changed!