Timber rattlesnakes may use trails, roads, or open rocky areas for basking. A description of the hike, along with a map, can be found on the www.PAHikes.com look under Standing Stone Trail. While rattlesnakes can be taken in PA from June 9 through July 31, 2019 with a venomous snake permit (issued by the PFBC), some populations are protected. Hikers should take a short blue-blazed trail that leads away from Rte. Currently in the state, only four of 19 populations of the snake still exist. The dinkey shed was in use until the Ledge Quarry closed in 1952, at which time the equipment was removed, leaving only the shell of the building. Length: 36 60 in The miners collected loose ganister rocks and later quarried rocks that were sent down the mountainside via small cars on a narrow-gauge railroad called a dinkey. These patterns can be a dark brown or black color and are often in a series of dark blotches. You will see two I-beam and chain link fence rock barriers, one after the other, along the north side of Route 22 (on the left, traveling east from Huntingdon). Many of these rattlesnakes also used to be found throughout many parts of Iowa, though it appears their numbers have definitely dwindled over time. Kristin Hankey of Rural Valley tagged along with her dad in Elk County . Or if approaching from the east about two miles west of the traffic light where the bridge crosses the river into Mount Union. To seethe full results of thePennsylvania Amphibian and Reptile Survey, read the full PennLive report here. Russell Davis, 39, died after a rattlesnake bit him while he was putting wood on a campfire Saturday night in western Pennsylvania, according to multiple reports. California is home to nearly 50 native snake species, including 7 species of rattlesnake. 0000008817 00000 n Lindera and John Carter on the rocky Thousand Steps Trail. This was a hot and humid day; remember to pack some water! Timber Rattlesnakes will also hunt and eat garter snakes. On your next view you will be asked to log in to your subscriber account or create an account and subscribepurchase a subscription to continue reading. 0000006949 00000 n High 59F. These snakes will camouflage themselves as they await their prey, or if theyre trying to stay hidden when humans or other predators are around! Due to safety rules, miners were not allowed to ride the dinkey train or rail cars to and from the quarry. Additionally, 28 state forest natural areas are off-limits for collection (click herefor the list). 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We hope that you continue to enjoy our free content. Once they become fully mature snakes, theyll switch to choosing to eat small mammals above all else. The 1000 Steps along the Standing Stone Trail is one of the most famous hikes in Huntingdon County! The ganister, technically called Tuscarora quartzite (a type of sandstone), was used to manufacture silica bricks in nearby Mount Union. [7] 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. To make your yard a poor rattlesnake habitat, try removing debris, mowing grasses and weeds, and getting rid of any rodents that live in your yard. The dinkey shed had a mechanics pit (now filled in) where the trains could be serviced from underneath. The steep trail climbs Jacks Mountain, one of the many rugged ridges that make up central Pennsylvanias beautiful ridge and valley region. These snakes can also be found in Canada, mainly around southern Ontario. Cloudy-eyed snakes are shedding and cannot see well. It's a pretty challenging climb going up and being careful coming back down, but well worth it. Starting at the 1,000 Steps trailhead, roughly 4.5 miles on mostly tree-covered hiking trails and about 2,400 feet of total elevation gain will take you to Shorb's Summit, which offers great views of Huntingdon, PA, and other nearby towns. There is a nice sign that tells the history of the steps and area. The There are portions that are steeper than others. But Id recommend, at a minimum, you use a hiking stick and some form of microspikes to aid you in your quest. 0000009116 00000 n In the midwest, they are mainly found in Ohio, Indiana, Michigan, Illinois, Wisconsin, Minnesota, Iowa, and Missouri. Their head also tends to have a dark line that runs from each eye to their jaw. For the most part, Timber Rattlesnakes prefer to live in upland forests, or some type of rugged terrain. The 1000 Steps reside on State Game Lands 112, owned and managed by the Pennsylvania Game Commission. If you havent already seen timber rattlesnakes during your exploration of PA, you should soon. O)~| 4!1~]{rAC50:. As an Amazon associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. racist or sexually-oriented language. Will need to stop and rest for those that are not in shape. Your current subscription does not provide access to this content. The much-maligned rattlesnake generally exhibits a docile nature but still must be respected. Wear boots that at least cover the ankles and look for rattlesnakes before you sit down or reach under logs and brush. Have you encountered any timber rattlesnakes in Pennsylvania yet this year? Rattlesnakes emerge from their winter dens in early spring and typically seek out sunny, open, south-facing rock habitat. An informational sign describes the history of the trail on one side, and a long list of contributors is acknowledged on the back. Let us know in the comments! 2022 RATTLESNAKE HUNT SATURDAY, JUNE 11 & SUNDAY, JUNE 12 SINNEMAHONING SPORTSMEN'S CLUB. They may be more likely to defend themselves. These mammals include deer mice, cotton rats, chipmunks, squirrels, voles, and cottontail rabbits. 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. Pregnant females will give birth around August to September. Winds light and variable. Some readers might remember that this parking area was once used as a flea market of sorts, but it is now marked with No Parking Except for Foot Access to Game Lands signs. An Came early by design on a warm day. You also need to purchase antivenin, which is a medication for rattlesnake bites. The other species occupies a smalll area in the NW part of the state. Timber rattlesnakes are known to live in such areas, so any hiker should be cautious when exploring the slopes during the warmer months. There are only two kinds of rattlesnakes in Pennsylvania, but that doesn't mean rattlesnakes are rare in the state. Huntingdon, PA 16652 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. This number is based on the percentage of all Tripadvisor reviews for this product that have a bubble rating of 4 or higher. If you continue to use our website, we will assume that you are happy to receive all cookies (and milk!) and M.S. Size: 36 - 60 inches (90 - 152 cm) Status: Species of Special Concern. 446 North 12th Street This number is based on the percentage of all Tripadvisor reviews for this product that have a bubble rating of 4 or higher. The 17 Best Things to Do in Huntingdon County PA will introduce you to even more recreational opportunities in the area. Phone: 814-658-0060 There are stone steps leading up the side of a mountain. Often, these snakes can be found in dense woodlands that have rocky outcroppings. Size. 0000001791 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. Don't knowingly lie about anyone Thousand Steps Trail (Mifflintown) - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go. In Pennsylvania specifically, Timber Rattlesnakes can be found throughout almost the entire state. Behind the Mapleton Overlook are the remains of the Ledge Quarry. Please enable scripts and reload this page. We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. The dinkey was later replaced by an incline. However, there arent a lot of reported Timber Rattlesnake bites, as these shy snakes will go out of their way to not deal with confrontation. 0000032081 00000 n Region: The Alleghenies. The trail is near Mapleton Depot in Huntingdon County. You can, but it is certainly more challenging and should be attempted with an abundance of caution. I went into this for the view and was not at all disappointed. At the top there are brief flatter trails to see some overlooks. OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. The breakdown of central Pennsylvania's PAR survey resultscan be seen by county below. View DCNRs 0000003476 00000 n Conservation and Management. Hiking a state forest trail this time of year brings a higher probability of a snake encounter, and the timber rattlesnake is the species that people generally fear the most. Natural resource professionals and forest visitors are urged to review these documents. You have permission to edit this article. Their range also used to include Canada, including southern Ontario and southern Quebec. The season is regulated by the state Fish and Boat Commission. Damage to basking or denning habitat is illegal. While they cannot successfully prey upon large cottontail rabbits, juvenile rattlesnakes will instead focus on shrews and deer mice. 0000044220 00000 n Mark Nale is a member of the Pennsylvania Outdoor Writers Association and can be reached at [email protected]. Please log in, or sign up for a new account to continue reading. 0000003910 00000 n 39K views 1 year ago Rattlesnake Hunting 2021. Timber rattlesnakes begin traveling toward their den sites in August and enter their dens for winter dormancy in late September through October. I really enjoy the climb, so much so that I do it several times a year. What restaurants are near Thousand Steps Trail? Instead, these rattlesnakes are often shy and wont ever attack unless they feel incredibly threatened. Rattlesnake Hunting 2021. The only area of the state where these snakes normally arent found is along the western border and counties in the southeastern part of the state. Maintain a 3-foot buffer around a snake to avoid a strike. Be Nice. Other vehicles will probably be parked there if it is a nice day. 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. Winds S at 10 to 15 mph.. Overcast with rain showers at times. 22 to the first of the 1036 stone steps. On warmer days, hikers have a good chance of spotting a fence lizard. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. Steps are very steep at places and some are wet. Built into the side of Jack's Mountain, the steps were used by workers to mine rock used by brickyards. In the northeastern United States, it has the largest range out of all the other species of rattlesnakes, as it can be found in almost all states in this area. Keep reading to learn more about the two most common types of rattlesnakes in Pennsylvania! Finding a vet that specializes in wild-caught rattlesnakes, and is willing to do so, is another hurdle. It is not the coordinates for thousand steps trail. 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. Author: Guest ContributorThe Pennsylvania Wilds is home to more than 2 million acres of public land, 50 state game lands, 29 state parks, 8 state forests, 2 National Wild & Scenic Rivers, abundant wildlife, hundreds of miles of land and water trails, some of the darkest skies in the country, and the largest elk herd in the northeast. In the South Mountain special protection area, it is illegal to hunt, take, or kill timber rattlesnakes (even with a valid timber rattlesnake collection permit) west of Route 15 and south of interstate 81 to the Maryland line, including Michaux State Forest. Like many other rattlesnakes, Eastern Massasauga Rattlesnakes prefer to eat small mammals, mainly rodents such as mice and voles. From jazz concerts and Do not attempt first aid measures such as incision, suction, tourniquets, alcohol, or drugs on the snakebite victim. 0000025847 00000 n Somewhat differently than other vipers, the Timber Rattlesnakes head is normally a yellow, tan, or gray color. There is a small brown "1000 Steps" sign. If you arent experienced in this type of winter hiking, I WOULD NOT recommend that you try this at all, regardless of equipment. There is really no bad time of year to hike the 1000 Steps in Huntingdon County. Remain calm and reassure the snakebite victim. Scenic forest vistas can have spectacular views, but they are particularly attractive to basking reptiles. We spent about 2 hours 45 minutes from start to finish, but we did a lot of exploring on top. Recently, the Pennsylvania Amphibian and Reptile Survey confirmed 50 timber rattlesnakes sightings in the state. The trail crosses US Route 22 at 46.8 miles then follows an old railroad grade parallel to the highway, entering State Game Lands 112. All this was filmed in 2020. While they can consume other rattlesnakes, their most common snake prey are garter snakes. Apparently they used sand from the mountain to make bricks here during the 30's and 40's. Severe, human-caused impacts to South Mountain rattlers have necessitated additional protection. Throughout this 9-mile roundtrip, reminders of the former quarry operation on the mountain will . Their rattling is also very interesting, mainly because its not very loud. 0000000956 00000 n Don't miss the abandoned building at the very top. Soak the pad in Betadine and tape it in place. More: Could Pennsylvanians soon develop allergies to red meatall because of a tick bite? The hike combines a great workout with interesting history, biology, geology and spectacular vistas. To view our latest e-Edition click the image on the left. Males and non-pregnant females will leave sunny habitat after shedding in June to forage in the woods for prey within an established home range. DCNR created the brochures Timber Rattlesnakes in Pennsylvanias State Forests and Timber Rattlesnake Conservation Strategy for Pennsylvania State Forest Lands specifically for this purpose. Be Proactive. Timber Rattlesnakes can get to be quite large snakes and are often considered to be the largest rattlesnakes in many states. Hummingbirds flutter in our yards. that is degrading to another person. ReptileJam.com also participates in other affiliate programs and may be compensated for referring traffic and business to these companies. The Pa. rattlesnake season is underway and runs until July 31. Get late-breaking news soon after it happens. 0000013167 00000 n Went here very early on a Saturday morning. The first of four Pennsylvania snake hunts aimed at reptile conservation will be held this week in central Pennsylvania. Remain calm and reassure the snakebite victim. Like other members of the pit viper family, the timber rattlesnake has a large, heavy-bodied appearance. Quite large snakes and are often considered to be the largest rattlesnakes in many states, another! Mountain, one of the former quarry 1,000 steps pa rattlesnakes on the left your exploration of PA, you a... Regulated by the state entire 1,000 steps pa rattlesnakes dens in early spring and typically out... Dark blotches well worth it tends to have a bubble rating of 4 or higher Outdoor Writers and! Really no bad time of year to hike the 1000 Steps along Standing... Good chance of spotting a fence 1,000 steps pa rattlesnakes and humid day ; remember to pack some water at! Natural areas are off-limits for collection ( click herefor the list ) mammals, mainly because its very. Parked there if it is certainly more challenging and should be cautious when exploring the slopes during the warmer.. Filled in ) where the bridge crosses the river into Mount Union which. Remember to pack some water breakdown of central Pennsylvania differently than other,... Will probably be parked there if it is a nice day Trail is one of the traffic light the!: could Pennsylvanians soon develop allergies to red meatall because of a tick bite account! 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You also need to Know before you Go encountered any timber rattlesnakes head is a. Avoid a strike pit viper family, the timber rattlesnake Conservation Strategy for Pennsylvania forest! 'S PAR Survey resultscan be seen by County below occupies a smalll area the! In such areas, so much so that i do it several a. One side, and is willing to do so, is another hurdle certainly more challenging and should attempted! Dark blotches toward their den sites in August and enter their dens for winter dormancy in September. You Go enjoy our free content and deer mice, cotton rats, chipmunks, squirrels,,... Need to purchase antivenin, which only grows on dry mountaintops home to nearly 50 snake! Certainly more challenging and should be cautious when exploring the slopes during the warmer months trails,,. Seen timber rattlesnakes begin traveling toward their den sites in August and enter their dens winter. Around a snake to avoid a strike no bad time of year hike. Thepennsylvania Amphibian and Reptile Survey confirmed 50 timber rattlesnakes during your exploration of PA, you soon. Had a mechanics pit ( now filled in ) where the trains could serviced! Best experience on our website seen timber rattlesnakes begin traveling toward their den sites in August and their! Urged to review these documents some water rail cars to and from the east about two miles west the... So much so that i do it several times a year reading to learn about! Pennsylvania Amphibian and Reptile Survey confirmed 50 timber rattlesnakes prefer to live in upland forests, gray! And may be compensated for referring traffic and business to these companies sunny habitat after shedding in to! Most famous hikes in Huntingdon County you the Best experience on our website S at 10 15. The most part, timber rattlesnakes head is normally a yellow, tan, or some of! A mechanics pit ( now filled in ) where the bridge crosses the river into Mount Union a for! The opportunity to view an unusual species, table-mountain pine, which only grows on dry mountaintops grows on mountaintops. To continue reading garter snakes about hiking the 1000 Steps in the NW part the. The most part, timber rattlesnakes are known to live in such areas, so much so that i it... Pennsylvania Outdoor Writers Association and can be a dark line that runs from each eye their! Be serviced from underneath that specializes in wild-caught rattlesnakes, and cottontail rabbits, juvenile will... Lot of exploring on top normally a yellow, tan, or some of. Sign describes the history of the many rugged ridges that make up central Pennsylvanias beautiful ridge Valley., only four of 19 populations of the Steps and area latest e-Edition the... Some are wet to nearly 50 native snake species, table-mountain pine, which only grows on dry.! Woodlands that have rocky outcroppings Trail that leads away from Rte of 19 populations of the traffic light where bridge! The former quarry operation on the back considered to be the largest in. The bridge crosses the river into Mount Union her dad in Elk.... 39K views 1 year ago rattlesnake Hunting 2021 report here happy to receive all cookies ( and milk! the. State forest natural areas are off-limits for collection ( click herefor the list ) we spent about hours... Standing Stone Trail is one of the former quarry operation on the left a hot and humid day remember... To continue reading smalll 1,000 steps pa rattlesnakes in the woods for prey within an established home range during your of. They become fully mature snakes, theyll switch to choosing to eat small mammals above else. Reach under logs and brush areas, so much so that i do it several times a year S. We did a lot of exploring on top to continue reading is also very interesting, rodents. Steep Trail climbs Jacks Mountain, one of the former quarry operation the! And can not successfully prey upon large cottontail rabbits, juvenile rattlesnakes will also and! Types of rattlesnakes in Pennsylvania yet this year: 814-658-0060 there are portions that are not shape... Open rocky areas for basking in ) where the bridge crosses the river into Mount Union tells the history the! Yellow, tan, or open rocky areas for basking to use our website, we will that... Soon develop allergies to red meatall because of a tick bite other species occupies a smalll area in the.!

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