What is the summer of 2020 status for paddling to islands on Winnipesaukee?

[MRJS]

What is the current relationship between the LRCT, the homeowners, and the public on these islands?

Bear Island
Rattlesnake Island
Stonedam Island
Cow Island
Ragged Island
Five Mile Island
Edit: Blanchard Island

In other words, which islands are acceptable to visit and where are the access points?

Thank you all so much! Enjoy the summer!

[Garcia]

Originally Posted by MRJS

What is the current relationship between the LRCT, the homeowners, and the public on these islands?

Bear Island
Rattlesnake Island
Stonedam Island
Cow Island
Ragged Island
Five Mile Island

In other words, which islands are acceptable to visit and where are the access points?

Thank you all so much! Enjoy the summer!

LRCT has a dock on Rattlesnake, Stonedam, and Ragged. There is no dock on 5 Mile, but there is easy access to shore. The mail dock on Bear island is town owned, but there is no public access to the island. I am not sure about Cow. Your best bet is to look at their website, https://lrct.org/. I think LRCT is a great organization - if you're not a member, you should join.

[DBreskin]

Originally Posted by Garcia

I am not sure about Cow.

Cow island has a town beach not far from the hole in the wall.

[MRJS]

https://lakes-region-conservation-tr...aps/14?cs=true

[Descant]

The listed islands mostly have some access with some restrictions. I hope you're a member o LRCT and get their info.
Depends where you launch from, but I'm always apprehensive about paddlers getting out too far from shore where they are not visible to boaters. Paddlers ideas of visibility are far different from a powerboat helmsman traveling at 45 mph. Launching at, say, the Weirs, and paddling to Stonedam, in my mind, is just plain foolish and dangerous in a highly trafficked part of the lake. Similar if you go from Center Harbor to Five Mile Island or Alton to Rattlesnake. Etc. Etc.

[MRJS]

Originally Posted by Descant

The listed islands mostly have some access with some restrictions. I hope you're a member o LRCT and get their info.
Depends where you launch from, but I'm always apprehensive about paddlers getting out too far from shore where they are not visible to boaters. Paddlers ideas of visibility are far different from a powerboat helmsman traveling at 45 mph. Launching at, say, the Weirs, and paddling to Stonedam, in my mind, is just plain foolish and dangerous in a highly trafficked part of the lake. Similar if you go from Center Harbor to Five Mile Island or Alton to Rattlesnake. Etc. Etc.

The Winnipesaukee Paddle Maps publication was a great purchase. It shows multiple routes to each island from marinas, boat launches, and beaches. Some routes are short, some are long, and most hug the shoreline. The relatively few long open crossings look to be the shortest distance between land masses. It is a very impressive map.

The information for Bear Island and Cow Island is found on their websites.

Side Note: By contrast, the Maine Island Trail Association lists 200 wild islands people can visit off the coast. Think I'll stick with the ole "beautiful water in a high place" for now!