HIKES & EVENTS

BEGINNER WINTER HIKE – WEST AND EAST RATTLESNAKES

Half Day Hike

DATE: Jan 15, 2023
END DATE: Jan 15, 2023

Hike/Event Location: Holderness NH

Trip Leader(s)


Gandalf
Thornton, NH United States,

JDNnh
Thornton, NH United States

Meeting Time: 11:00 AM

Max # People: 12

Hike Guiding / Event Fee: No, I will not be asking participants for money

Hike Difficulty Level:

Easy to Moderate

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Disclaimer: The club and its members take no responsibility and will not be held responsible for any injuries or accidents that may occur during club events. Outdoor sports are inherently dangerous and accidents will happen. By joining the club or participating in any events posted on our website you are taking responsibility for your own safety and well-being. Anyone with an internet connection can post a trip on our web site. It is your responsibility to determine if this person has the experience and competence to lead the trip. We do not certify or confirm the qualifications of any of our members to lead or participate in trips.
Summary

So, you just got some new MicroSpikes and/or snowshoes [or expecting them for Christmas] and are itching to try them out. Perfect!! Join us for a hike up to West and East Rattlesnakes in Holderness, NH.  It's a nice trail for members who would like to try winter hiking with lovely views of the Squam Lake!  

You'll be traveling with patient, easy going leaders who will take the time to help you with MicroSpikes and/or snowshoes with cranky bindings, pole adjustments and the logistics of carrying snowshoes on your pack. Bring your own bungee cords and straps!

The Rattlesnake Mountains are dwarfed by the towering Squam Range behind them, but they have an amazing view for their size! Both have an up-close look at Squam Lake, something the larger mountains of the area don't offer. We’ll have lunch at less visited East Rattlesnake with good views angled more to Red Hill and Ossipee Range.

West Rattlesnake is 1,243’ and East Rattlesnake is 1,289’. The hike will be an easy pace, 3.7 miles with 800 feet elevation gain. West and East Rattlesnake can be climbed via the gradual Old Bridal Path. After West Rattlesnake, we’ll hook up with the Ridge Trail to reach East Rattlesnake.

What to wear/bring:  MicroSpikes will be necessary. We’ll let you know a few days prior if snowshoes will be needed. Don't forget to wear warm layers [NO COTTON OR BLUE JEANS], gloves, warm hat, rain/wind shell, headlamp/flashlight, water, lunch, snacks, and anything else you would bring for a cold weather hike. We are taking hand warmers for our gloves. Winter insulated boots to keep your feet and toes warm recommended.

We’ll have lunch at one of the summits. Carry at least 2 liters of water [use hot water and place your water bottle in a thick wool sock, insulated thermos or water bottle parka], lunch and snacks. A small thermos of hot liquids is a welcome treat at the summit!

Après Hiking Dinner:  Everyone is welcome to join us back at our house in Waterville Valley to relax beside our fireplace with views of the Sandwich Mountain/Mad River [BYOB and bring snacks] followed by one of Jon's delicious dinners. We ask $10 per person to help pay for our food costs. Showers are available so bring a change of clothing to make your visit with us more comfortable.   

Lodging Option: Bunk beds are available at our house [with Wi Fi] near Waterville Valley, NH for Friday and/or Saturday night. The cost is $25 for Friday night and $35 for Saturday that includes dinner [$60 for the weekend]. Coffee/bagels each morning and linen/blankets/towels are provided. Space is limited so email ASAP to reserve a bunk!

Winter Hiking Clothing/Gear Tips and Recommendations

For winter hiking, you are basically wearing the same clothing/gear you did in summer except you need to have additional layers to keep your core body warm, dress in synthetic layers [no cotton], wool hat, and gloves [we highly recommend buying the chemical hand warmers for your gloves]. The only piece of gear you will have to buy is MicroSpikes [Kahtoola is a popular brand], which are essentially cleats that you attach to your boots to prevent falls from black ice encountered on the trail.  That being said, if we had significant snowfall just before the hike, you will need to buy/bring snowshoes! Winter hiking boots is something you may want to invest in later on, since it helps keep your feet warm, dry and comfortable.

One of the biggest mistakes beginner winter hikers do is overdress. You don’t need a heavy winter jacket since you will be heating up naturally during the hike. Wear thin, insulated layers so you can easily regulate your temperature. If you overdress, you will start sweating and actually make yourself get colder. Assess if your summer daypack is big enough to put your clothes in as you warm up and if not, then that is probably another investment you’ll have to make for this trip.

Directions To Trailhead Parking Lot

If you’re coming from the south, turn off US 3 in Holderness onto NH 113, and drive 5.3 miles to the parking area on the right. From the north on NH 113, drive 6.3 miles from the overhead blinking light in Center Sandwich to the parking area on the left.

Trip Leader(s)

Gandalf

Outdoor Fitness Level: Very Strenuous


Thornton, NH


United States
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JDNnh

Outdoor Fitness Level: Very Strenuous


Thornton, NH


United States
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members signed up for this event

jkelaghan

Outdoor Fitness Level: Moderate


Plymouth, NH


United States
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Attended
MO

Outdoor Fitness Level: Moderate to Strenuous


Lancaster, NH


United States
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Attended
phoenix

Outdoor Fitness Level: Moderate to Strenuous


Somersworth, NH


United States
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Attended
baezfred

Outdoor Fitness Level: Moderate to Strenuous


Lancaster, NH


United States
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sustaining member
jconroy

Outdoor Fitness Level: Moderate


Beverly, MA


United States
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GpD

Outdoor Fitness Level: Moderate


Manchester, NH


United States
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Mark S

Outdoor Fitness Level: Moderate to Strenuous


Manchester, NH


United States
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tdefauw

Outdoor Fitness Level: Moderate to Strenuous


Plymouth, NH


United States
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Attended
Happy Trail

Outdoor Fitness Level: Moderate to Strenuous


Manchester , NH


United States
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Attended
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Hiking, backpacking, camping or vacation adventures, GayOutdoors [GO] has been the LGBTQ outdoorzy community leader for the last 22 years. We are an informal group of diverse hiking enthusiasts in the United States with a shared love of the mountains who prefer hiking with friends. We invite you to join us on our hikes, to post hikes for other members to join you and to share your hiking photos, stories and advice.

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