How to get there
To get to Rattlesnake Mountain in New Hampshire from the north, south, or east, take Interstate 93 to exit 26 and the Tenney Mountain Highway. Follow the highway to the traffic circle and bear right, following the signs to Rumney. Stay on Route 25 approximately 3 miles to the second flashing yellow light. Turn right onto Main Street and follow it approximately half a mile. Turn left onto Buffalo Road and proceed 1 mile to the National Forest Service parking at the foot of Rattlesnake.
To get there from the west: Follow Route 25 to the town of Rumney. Once in Rumney, look for the Nathan Clifford Rest Area on the left. From there, proceed 1 miles to the first flashing yellow light. Turn left onto Main Street and follow it approximately half a mile. Turn left onto Buffalo Road and proceed 1 mile to the National Forest Service parking at the foot of Rattlesnake.
Where to stay
At least one private landowner permits camping across from the climbing area. Several campgrounds rent tent space along Buffalo Road. Whatever you do, however, do not attempt to camp at the foot of the crags. Rumney police -- and other climbers -- strive to maintain good relations with the local population. Recreational parking permits are required of anyone using the White Mountain National Forest. Rattlesnake is part of the National Forest, so you need a parking permit available at area stores.
Baker River Campground
56 Campground Road
Rumney, N.H.
603-786-9707
Plymouth Sands Campground
RR 1
Plymouth, N.H.
Common Man Inn
231 Main St.
Plymouth
603-536-2200 or 866-theCman
www.thecmaninn.com
Full-service spa, indoor/outdoor Jacuzzi, special ski, snowmobile, and golf packages. Peak season rates, $89-$189; midweek, $79-$169.
Pilgrim Inn & Cottages
307 Main St. (Route 3)
Plymouth
800-216-1900; 603-536-1319www.pilgriminn.com
Cottages with kitchens and fireplaces from $55-145. Queen, depending on season, $40-$75.
Guides
Rhinoceros Mountain Guides
603-536-2717
www.navbuoy.com/rhino/
Jim Shimberg runs Rhinoceros Mountain Guides and the Rumney Rock Barn on Tenney Mountain Highway west of Plymouth. Young climbers can have birthday parties at the Barn.
Chauvin Guides International
North Conway, N.H.
603-356-8919
North Conway is on the other side of the state from Rumney, but Chauvin guides visit Rumney often.
