Rattlesnake Mountain

 

Have you ever heard of Rattlesnake mountain? Rattlesnake is a short two and half mile hike located in Rumney only fifteen minutes away from Plymouth State University. Since it is very close to the university it is a very popular spot for many college students to go to. It isn’t just tailored to college students though since rattlesnake is an easy trail you don’t have to be a very well experience hiker to go. Many times I see people bring their dogs or small children along with them. Being from New York and not having a ton of experience with hiking this trail was perfect for me.  It doesn’t seem to take hours to get to the summit either unlike some trails, and to top it off the view is amazing.

There is nothing like when you finally reach the top of the mountain with your friends, and you just sit back and think about how lucky you really are.

As a member of the Women’s Rugby team one time we were asked to go for a sunrise hike to do some team bonding. Even though this day was in September I remember it like it was yesterday. I had to wake up at 6 in the morning and be ready to leave by 615.  I am not a morning person at all so I was already regretting my decision for going.  It was so dark during our drive to the mountain that we accidentally  made a wrong turn, and got lost. Once we finally figured out where we were going and arrived there was only about twenty minutes until sunrise. I kept thinking to myself how I should have just slept in. The second we stepped foot on the trail all the older girls started at running. It was still pretty dark, so it was really hard to see. I remember watching so many people trip over sticks, and  me falling on my face so many times.  Once I was outdoors with my team my attitude suddenly changed,  I was actually having fun and glad that I went.  Since we practically sprinted up the mountain we made it up a couple of  minutes before sunrise and just sat and talked.  We went on this hike only a few days after I joined rugby and was one of my first but best memories I have with the team. We were all huddled together in the cold, patiently waiting for the sun to rise. Once the sun rose we were all silent.  It was my first time seeing the mountain at sunrise, and it was such a beautiful view sight to see.  It made me so grateful for the opportunities I had, and put me in a really good mood.

I recently went to Rattlesnake back again in February.  This time was a lot different than the time I went in September. This time I went for a sunset hike, and it was so icy.  I remember it was pretty difficult to walk, without falling.  We were all trying our best to find ways not to fall, which was so funny to watch.  I went with a few good friends, and even despite the ice I was having a really good time. Once we got to the top, we saw the sunset and it was breath taking.  It is just such a pretty view, and it was great  that I got the chance to share it with people who mean a lot to me.

There are many different reasons why people hike. Some people hike for the physical part of it. I have a lot of friends that hike long and difficult trails just for the love of hiking. My parents on the other hand love to hike because they like that you are able to reflect and think about so many different things during it. I personally love seeing the view, and having a good time with my friends. It’s different for everyone. I think Rattlesnake is a great place that everyone needs to go to at least once!