For this week, while the leaves are changing colors and the air is still a comfortable temperature for spending time relaxing outdoors, the best place to get out for a hike is Five Fingers Point in Holderness. This easy level hike leads out to edge of Squam Lake. It’s mostly flat, with a few hills and rocks to get over, but the scenery along the base of Rattlesnake Mountain is worth the effort. The second half of the trail is a loop around a small peninsula with beaches or rocky areas jutting out into the lake. Getting out there in the morning is best to see the sun coming up over the mountains and fog coming off the water. Keep an eye out for signs of wildlife too. Only twenty minutes away, this hike is nothing short of rewarding.
To get to Five Fingers Point travel past the P.E. Center on Rt. 175 into Holderness. At the end of the road turn left onto Rt. 3 South until you come to Rt. 113 (look for a brown sign pointing to the Science Center and Squam Lakes). Take a left onto 113 and drive for about five miles and take a right onto Pine Hurst Rd. continue on that road heading toward Rocky World Camp. You’ll have to park outside the Pine Hurst gates and walk three hundred feet to well labeled trails, including Five Fingers Point. Once on the trail follow the blue blazes to the edge of Squam Lake.