rattlesnake island questions
 

I am fortunate enough to be spending the next week at a home on Rattlesnake Island, and I have some questions.

It is my understanding that a portion of the island is owned by the Lakes Region Conservation Trust, and while there is no public access(docking) to the island, if you are on the island legitimately, you may hike on the LRCT land.

Is this correct? I want to make sure I don't end up trespassing.

I seem to have read somewhere that the LRCT land is mostly in the center of the island, combined with some undeveloped lots that go all the way down to the water. Are these lots well marked?

Is there an available map showing what parts of the island are LRCT as well as trails and other points of interest?

Also, I wanted to send some honeymoon postcards (I sound like such a tourist!) with a 'Lake Winnipesaukee' postmark on them- is there some place that I can drop off mail for the mail boat?

Lastly, is the supermarket in Center Harbor the closest place to get groceries?

Thanks in advance

Rob

Groceries
 

I can't say much about LRCT land but for groceries I'd think 2 other options would be better than Ct Harbor. If your needs are basic then the corner store in Alton Bay is the easiest option. Dock at the town docks and it's 100 yds to the store. Their bakery was (? still is ?) pretty good. If you need a "real" grocery store then Hunter's IGA in Wolfeboro might be the answer. I've not shopped there but it's closer than Ct Harbor. It's up the street ( ? 0.25 mi ?) from the town docks so bring some form of cart (or your kids). Good luck getting a slip at certain times of day though.

Bakery
 

yup....it's still there in Alton Bay. :coolsm:

Rattlesnake Island
 

Congratulations on your marriage! :cheers: It is a wonderful spot for a honeymoon. :love: I am a bit biased though.
You are correct that Lakes Region Conservation Trust has possession of a small amount of the island, near the top I believe. As you stated though, there is no public access or docking to get there. :eek: There are lots owned by the Rattlesnake Island Association, which can be used by us owners. (Not well marked.) If you are renting on the island that means you may hike here. No problem. There is a trail that is marked and well traveled. Hiking boots are a good idea.
What part of the island are you going to be on? Wolfeboro seems to be the closest for shopping by boat at IGA and there is a bakery in town, The Yum, Yum Shop. If you are talking by car, that depends on where you have it.
If you would like to talk more, feel free to e-mail me. Island living requires some planning, but it is the best. Good luck!

Wolfeboro IGA
 

I've shopped Wolfeboro's IGA after getting there by boat. Its not too too far, but it IS uphill (go through the parking lot, take a right on Main Street and its just up on the left).

You'd better check before doing so, but I seem to recall that they will let you take one of their shopping carts back down to the docks to carry your groceries and just leave it there, then they send one of their kids down to retrieve it. But maybe I'm just dreaming.

They ARE really nice, though. I had my two kids with me one time (this time I was in my car), one in my arms, and they insisted on carrying my bags to my car for me, even though I could have managed.

Gotta love that small town feel.

And ditto on the congrats.

Are there any cottages on Rattlesnake Island that are not waterfront? If not who owns the property behind the waterfronts if the LRCT just owns the top?

Are there any roads or paths to get around?

I've always wondered what is between all the waterfront cottages and the summit, besides trees :rolleye2: .

J

As far as I know they are all water front cottages and homes. Rattlesnake Island Association (all of us owners) co-owns like a condo association the center and quite a few lots around the island. There is a trail to hike if you live here or rent. I have not hiked the whole island, but I understand on the north end there is a road of sorts for some equipment. Most of the island is nice unspoiled wilderness. There are lots of rocks, boulders and trees. That is all the encouragement I need to take some pictures!

On Bear Island, in the no wake zone between Bear and Pine Islands there is a mail dock that has a US Mail box. You can drop your mail there and it will be picked up and canceled by the Mail Boat.

Other Mail Stops
 

Mail stops at Birch and Jolly Islands are somewhat closer to Rattlesnake Island. The Birch Island mail dock is on the south side of the island, between Birch and Jolly.
Sophie C mail stops
If you prefer to travel by car, you may be able to drop mail off in Weirs for the Mail Boat. Try calling the Mount Washington Steamship Co.

Rattlesnake Hiking
 

Rob,

A number of years ago I had the joy of using a family member's place on the island for a few summers.

The trail starts on the west end and goes to the top down the center of the island. It is a beautiful and unspoilled hike. The view from the top is wonderfull. In season we picked blueberries as well. A 360 degree view of the lake as you can no where else. There was and I assume still is a small herd of Deer on the island and my son and I would see the every time we hiked there.

I have not seen any non waterfront cottages on the isalnd and that has kept the island so wonderfull. :)

Yes there is a construction road on the broads side that goes a little more than 1/3 down the island but only heavy duty vehicles and 4WD's could traverse it. There are lot markings on the interior side of the road and I was told that those are owned by the association.

Enjoy your time there as I feel island life is like no other on the lake.


Rattlesnake Gal - it would be great to see some photo's from the top as only islander's can go there. Is sure miss the island and tell my wife about it every time we pass by.

Just Sold

Thanks for all the information and kind wishes everyone. This has been very helpful.

RG and Just Sold, I think that the road you mention starts at the waters edge, right behind the #25 buoy/light. I have only seen it from the water, but it looks like it is to unload equipment.


Regards,

Rob

Island Road
 

Rob,

That is the road. I stayed at lot # 129 which is almost at the end of that road. We had a camping platform there at that time.

Just Sold

It is against the by-laws of the Rattlesnake Island Association for an owner to rent his/her property to anyone.

You are absolutely right Eki. It is none of my business, so therefore I stay out of it.

Hiking the 'snake
 

As a longtime island resident and occasional hiker, I don't think that you need to worry about tresspassing. Most of us are pretty laid back, and as long as you're just passing through and not walking into the kitchen, feel free to walk on my land. Our place is facing Treasure island, and the land goes all the way to the peak, but LRCT has an easement above the power lines. This is so no camps are built away from the water. When I hike, I usually stick to following the power lines to the southeast end, then walking the spine of the island. You can take this alll the way to the #25 light bouy.

Have fun - it really is the best place in the world! :)