Rattlesnake Island

Rattlesnake Island, Alton NH

Rattlesnake Island in Alton NH is the third largest non-bridged island on Lake Winnipesaukee with 368 acres affords spectacular views across the broads to the White Mountains.

Rattlesnake Island is 2 miles long and approximately 5 miles in circumference.  The topography varies greatly. Some sections of the island are quite steep, with the land rising steeply from the shore (affording views of the area), while other sections, particularly on the "peninsula", which protrudes from the southerly side of the island, rise gradually.

Utilities - Electric power and wired telephone service is available to all parts of the island. As of 2016, DSL service from Fairpoint Communications is available to most parts of the island, but other services such as cable or fiber optic services are not available.

The tallest and easiest to recognize, a great landmark to help boaters orientate themselves on the Lake.  Due to its great height, the island affords extensive views of the lake. There are hiking trails interconnecting with other parts of the island, and these are used frequently by island residents.

Some people believe the island is named as such due to its shape and some believe it looks like an alligator. Whichever way you think Rattlesnake is an island with a lot to offer.

Rattlesnakes - There were rattlesnakes on the island although it has been many decades since anyone has confirmed seeing one on the island. How the snakes got there is a mystery, although the ledges were an ideal habitat for them.  One of the stories on how the snakes got there is the Indians wanted to protect some of their possessions from the white man when he entered the area. The Indians transported their possessions to Rattlesnake and then set the snakes loose to keep the white man off the island. Another story is that two brothers lived on the island. They had a falling out in which one brother built a stone wall down the island to split it in two and then in an effort to drive the other brother off his side of the island he set the snakes loose. This, according to the legend, was a great failure as both brothers were driven off the island when the snakes multiplied rapidly.

Libby Museum in Tuftonboro has some of the island snakes stuffed for the public to see therefore documenting the history. In the early 1900’s there was a gentleman by the name of Jesse Whitten from Wolfeboro who considered himself a healer of sorts. He would harvest the snake tails from the island to use in his healing potions. There are also reports of workers from the lumbering operations who got bitten by the snakes. To try to eliminate the snakes the island a fire was set but the snakes were able to hide deep in the crevices in the ledges and survived. The island was finally eliminated of the snakes by the introduction of razorback hogs which in turn killed the snakes.

The island is actually part of the Belknap Range and the peak of the island is known as Rattlesnake Mountain. Rattlesnake Mountain is 900’ in elevation, which is 400’ above mean lake level and 886’ lower than Mount Major. The panoramic views from atop the island are spectacular.

There are many hiking trails on the island and great bonanzas of blueberries and raspberries. However, there is no public access to the island so unless you own a property on the island, or know an owner, there is no way to hike it.

In the late 1950’s, early 60’s, there was a measured mile on the northwest side of the island so boaters could measure their boat speed.

Rattlesnake Island Association - Island property owners are required to join the Rattlesnake Island Association, including payment of yearly association dues. In addition to owning land on the island itself, the Rattlesnake Island Association owns a mainland area to the east of Smith Point in Glidden Cove which includes short-term docking, a boat launching ramp, and two large parking areas for residents and guests. There is also an area for the parking of boat trailers.

Conservation Land - At one time, interior lots were to be sold for development. However, this did not occur, and the interior of the island is now set aside as a conservation area. The easterly half (more or less) of the island's interior is owned by the Lakes Region Conservation Trust, while the westerly portion of the interior is owned by the Rattlesnake Island Association. The Lakes Region Conservation Trust maintains a dock at the far southeastern end of the island, and Conservation Trust members are permitted to dock there and access the hiking trails.