Venomous: Yes. Once they become fully mature snakes, theyll switch to choosing to eat small mammals above all else. These secretive reptiles are frequently misunderstood and feared, even though they are important links in the food chain. DCNR created the brochures Timber Rattlesnakes in Pennsylvanias State Forests and Timber Rattlesnake Conservation Strategy for Pennsylvania State Forest Lands specifically for this purpose. You may also like: 22 Interesting Facts About Rattlesnakes, Scientific Name: Sistrurus catenatus catenatus Description: An informational sign describes the history of the trail on one side, and a long list of contributors is acknowledged on the back. And York County is not free of these venomous reptiles. The Timber Rattlesnake is the more common one and is found in the space between the Blue Ridge and westernmost of the Appalachians. William Penn Hwy, Mapleton, PA 40.391739, -77.913766, Mifflintown, PA 17066. If you are hiking in the woods, be aware of your surroundings. And timber rattlesnakes in Pennsylvania awaken from their hibernation, emerging from their dens all around the state. 0000008041 00000 n Were built in 1930's for a mine/quarry at the top. The 1,000+ stone steps were actually built by workers who had to traverse them every day to get to and from the sand mines on top of the mountain. Also, be careful when visiting sunny, open, and rocky areas. Before you go make sure you are in good physicsl condition, have proper footwear and water. Be on the lookout for pieces of rusted metal and other evidence of the mining days. It also gives you a chance to explore the local flora and fauna. 39K views 1 year ago Rattlesnake Hunting 2021. South of Mount Union, along Route 522, youll find Saint Marys Covered Bridge, the last remaining covered bridge in Huntingdon County. The trail begins on the east end of the parking area, just past the stream. Length: 36 60 in This was a hot and humid day; remember to pack some water! This enabled a small dinkey engine to pull a few cars at a time up and down the mountain making a nearly 180 degree turn at each switchback. 0000006949 00000 n Kennett Square, Pennsylvania 19348. Rattlesnakes must be treated for parasites and routinely examined for illnesses. Make sure you're well-prepared for your climb up the 1,000 steps of Jacks Mountain by wearing sturdy and . The much-maligned rattlesnake generally exhibits a docile nature but still must be respected. Timber Rattlesnake -. Chance of rain 60%. No questions have been asked about this experience, Thousand Steps Trail, Mifflintown: Address, Thousand Steps Trail Reviews: 4.5/5. Love Pennsylvania? Whipple Dam State Parkis a 256 acre recreational area inHuntingdon County, 12 miles south of State College. The 1000 Steps are located along the Standing Stone Trail in Huntingdon County, between Mapleton and Mount Union. from visitPA.com. 0000004244 00000 n The side trips afford additional vistas of valley below, while the fairly level rail line provides a break from the near-constant step-up, step-up routine. You also need to purchase antivenin, which is a medication for rattlesnake bites. For this reason, it is important to not move nuisance snakes (e.g., snakes that repetitively appear at a campsite) more than 200 yards. Hikers explore the old dinky shed near the top of the mountain. All rights reserved. You have permission to edit this article. After enjoying the view from the vistas and visiting the dinky shed you can retrace your way back down the mountain. 0000001581 00000 n On this site we share what we know and learn about reptiles to help you give your reptile the love and care it deserves. Turning left from the top, the steps trail (orange-blazed) continues past the old dinkey shed, where the mining engines were stored and serviced, as well as several quarry sites and another vista. If you own land with suitable habitat for massasauga in Pennsylvania and are interested in protection and/or management for the species, please contact Matt Marusiak at 814-776-1114 or [email protected] for more information. Rattlesnake Hunting 2021. Habitat: Upland forest with rocky outcroppings, talus slops, rock crevices, rock ledges with vegetation, mature forest with numerous fallen logs, young forest with predominant leaf litter cover. OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. They tend to be found in upland forests across Pennsylvania, as well as in crevices and rocky habitats. One thousand steps into history - a fun hike, 4469 East Main Street, Belleville, PA 17004, 17442 Raystown Road, James Creek, PA 16657, Homewood at Martinsburg Retirement Community, 328 Allegheny Street, Huntingdon, PA 16652, 6676 Towne Center Blvd, Huntingdon, PA 16652, 10838 Fairgrounds Rd , Huntingdon, PA 16652, 608 S. Jefferson Street, Mount Union, PA 17066, 3936 Cove Mountain Road, Martinsburg , PA 16662, 10321 Fairground Road , Huntingdon, PA 16652, 18851 Sandy Ridge Station, Orbisonia, PA 17243, 116 South Jefferson Street, Mount Union, PA 17066. Hiking the 1000 Steps in Huntingdon County, The 13 Best Scenic Overlooks in Huntingdon County, Exploring Rainbow Falls at Trough Creek State Park, Exploring Trough Creek State Park in Huntingdon County, The 17 Best Things to Do in Huntingdon County PA, Exploring the Curtis Publishing Building in Philadelphia, The 17 Best Hiking Trails Near State College, Exploring the American Philatelic Center in Bellefonte, Exploring Boggs Run Vista in Clinton County. The date for opening is set at January 5th and it wil Sign up for our "Happy Thoughts" newsletter. This short but adventurous hike connects with the much larger Standing Stone Trail that stretches from Greenwood Furnace State Park in Huntingdon County, through a section of Mifflin County and on to Cowans Gap State Park in Fulton County. 4:41. If you are a resident of another country or region, please select the appropriate version of Tripadvisor for your country or region in the drop-down menu. Soak the pad in Betadine and tape it in place. Use the 'Report' link on Timber Rattlesnakes are therefore considered to be mild rattlesnakes. The 1000 Steps near Mount Union in Huntingdon County. Will need to stop and rest for those that are not in shape. There is a parking area along Route 22 at GPS coordinates 40.39169, -77.91420. Read my blog post for more information and pictures on the hike I took! I am a 47 yr old female in average shape and hiked with my 18 yr old son, 15 yr old daughter and 9 yr old son. Their rattling is also very interesting, mainly because its not very loud. Hey, I'm Robert, and I have a true passion for reptiles that began when I was just 10 years old. If you arent experienced in this type of winter hiking, I WOULD NOT recommend that you try this at all, regardless of equipment. To seethe full results of thePennsylvania Amphibian and Reptile Survey, read the full PennLive report here. A timber rattlesnake bite is a medical emergency. Keystone State. More recently, she worked as an environmental consultant for Gannett Fleming Engineers in Harrisburg, and as the County Inventory Coordinator for The Nature Conservancy, PA Science Office in Middletown, PA. She is currently employed (since 2002) as a wildlife biologist with the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, Bureau of Forestry where she works mostly with non-game species management on state forest lands. that is degrading to another person. These pregnant females will even take their time to bask in the sun before birthing! Lindera and John Carter on the rocky Thousand Steps Trail. The trailhead for this hike is located along route US22, just west of the town of Mount Union. The view from the top was incredible. The second most common venomous snake in Pennsylvania, northern copperheads,have been found in 5 of the counties without timber rattlesnakes: Allegheny, Armstrong, Bucks, Chester and Lancaster. They may be more likely to defend themselves. So, before birth (and before fall really sets in), these females can be found basking in the sun in dry, vegetated areas. Went here very early on a Saturday morning. It is a true example of public-private partnership. Welcome to Callowhill Archery located in Center City Philadelphia! While they can consume other rattlesnakes, their most common snake prey are garter snakes. In fact, an adults rattle is often mistaken for a buzzing insect. To view our latest e-Edition click the image on the left. DCNR partners with the PA Fish & Boat Commission (the regulatory agency for reptiles and amphibians) to assess, monitor, and protect rattlesnakes on DCNR lands. Cloudy-eyed snakes are shedding and cannot see well. One species, the red diamond rattlesnake (Crotalus ruber) is a Species of Special Concern.Snake Fungal Disease (SFD) is a newly emerging disease in snakes and caused by a fungus, (Ophidiomyces ophidiicola).It may only cause mild infection in many snakes, but is known to cause . Slightly Grueling Climb, but satisfying indeed. 34 RATTLESNAKES AND THE BIGGEST DEN WE EVER FOUND Pittsburgh Boys Go Snake Hunting 2021 Pennsylvania Leatherwood Outdoors 211K subscribers Subscribe 249K views 1 year ago #Pittsburgh #Venomous. Wear boots that at least cover the ankles and look for rattlesnakes before you sit down or reach under logs and brush. When the Great Flood of 1936 (sometimes called the St. Patricks Day Flood) wiped out the dinkey bridge over the Juniata River between Jacks Mountain and Mount Union, output at the brick factory and quarry slowed while the bridge was being repaired. Someone actually left a mace container by one of the signs for hikers. 2023 Rusty Glessner Photography, LLC / PA Bucket List. So you've been bitten by a rattler, now what? We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. Eastern Massasauga Rattlesnakes can bite and inject venom into your body when they feel threatened, just as with any other type of viper or rattlesnake. Let us know in the comments! There are 121 state parks throughout the state of Pennsylvania, giving these rattlesnakes a lot of land to find their preferred habitat. Although it is unlikely that you will spot a wood rat, you could see a green, 5 to 6-inch-long fence lizard, which also lives on this mountainside. racist or sexually-oriented language. The Standing Stone Trail continues north past Mapleton Overlook, but for the purposes of this article Ill assume this is an out-and-back day hike for you. The silica bricks were highly heat-resistant and an important part of factory construction for manufacturers of steel, iron, and glass. Damage to basking or denning habitat is illegal. 0000013167 00000 n Instead of having a fully mature rattle, young snakes will also only have a yellow-tipped tail that looks like it has a button. Other vehicles will probably be parked there if it is a nice day. Remove all rings, watches, jewelry . These snakes have also been known to eat more frogs than usual in some states and populations! And York County is not free of these venomous reptiles. For example, their head is broad, flat, and triangular-shaped just like many other North American vipers. Rattlesnakes are attracted to these structures to hunt mice and other rodents. Rusty Glessner is a professional photographer, lifelong Pennsylvanian, and creator of the PA Bucket List travel blog. The 17 Best Things to Do in Huntingdon County PA will introduce you to even more recreational opportunities in the area. 0000003317 00000 n Rattlesnake populations are rebounding statewide, particularly in the northcentral region. Please help us conserve timber rattlesnakes by tolerating and respecting these unique and beautiful creatures. These snakes are considered to be small and stout rattlesnakes. Promotional Rates were found for your code. The reasons for its fame are many the challenging nature of the hike, the ease with which you can get to the trail head, and the incredible views from the top of the steps. from the Pennsylvania State University in Wildlife and Fisheries Science. These patterns can be a dark brown or black color and are often in a series of dark blotches. There was an error processing your request. Personally I'd avoid peak times like, say, 8am - 1 pm on Saturdays, because the steps aren't wide and it's not that much fun waiting for people coming from the opposite direction to pass. O)~| 4!1~]{rAC50:. The truly ambitious can hike for days from the Steps! Their range also used to include Canada, including southern Ontario and southern Quebec. 22 to the first of the 1036 stone steps. ReptileJam.com also participates in other affiliate programs and may be compensated for referring traffic and business to these companies. 0000001372 00000 n The majority of the unique trail is composed of over 1000 sandstone steps that were laid in the mountainside in 1936, by miners who were put out of work when a flood washed away a bridge crossing the Juniata River. Juvenile Eastern Massasauga Rattlesnakes can be recognized by their small nature, as they will only be about nine inches. Keep reading to learn more about the two most common types of rattlesnakes in Pennsylvania! The 1000 Steps along the Standing Stone Trail is one of the most famous hikes in Huntingdon County! Footwear and water Address, Thousand Steps Trail Reviews: 4.5/5 must be treated for parasites and examined! And Timber Rattlesnake is the more common one and is found in space. Rocky habitats hikes in Huntingdon County, between Mapleton and Mount Union once they become fully mature snakes, switch! 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