However, they actually arent considered to be one of the more aggressive snakes. 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 Truthful. There is a small brown 1000 Steps sign. They are venomous pit vipers, so they dont necessarily look too different from other vipers in their family. %PDF-1.5 % Antivenin can cost up to $3,000 per vial. It is a true example of public-private partnership. Damage to basking or denning habitat is illegal. 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. Tripadvisor checks reviews for fraud. And timber rattlesnakes in Pennsylvania awaken from their hibernation, emerging from their dens all around the state. Fish and Boat Commission for removal. Please purchase a subscription to continue reading. Size: 36 - 60 inches (90 - 152 cm) Status: Species of Special Concern. Came early by design on a warm day. 97% of travelers recommend this experience. Remain calm and reassure the snakebite victim. Is roughly 0.9 miles for the portion of steps only. Please avoid obscene, vulgar, lewd, A map is posted at the trailhead. Approximately halfway up the mountain, a side trail on the old rail line leads to a beautiful overlook of Jacks Narrows the steep water gap that was cut through Jacks Mountain by the Juniata River. These snakes have also been known to eat more frogs than usual in some states and populations! The 1000 Steps and Standing Stone Trail are maintained by the Standing Stone Trail Club. The Eastern Massasauga Rattlesnake can be found in many eastern states in the US, including New York and Pennsylvania. Thousand Steps Trail (Mifflintown) - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go. The 1000 Steps reside on State Game Lands 112, owned and managed by the Pennsylvania Game Commission. However, you will have the opportunity to view an unusual species, table-mountain pine, which only grows on dry mountaintops. There are only two kinds of rattlesnakes in Pennsylvania, but that doesn't mean rattlesnakes are rare in the state. 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. Have you heard the spring peepers yet this spring? Apply a check mark to point the answer wherever . Table-mountain pine is only found on dry mountain tops in Pennsylvania. The dinkey was later replaced by an incline. While they cannot successfully prey upon large cottontail rabbits, juvenile rattlesnakes will instead focus on shrews and deer mice. 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. After enjoying the view from the vistas and visiting the dinky shed you can retrace your way back down the mountain. The East Broad Top Railroad offers scenic train rides, shop tours, and visitstothe roundhousewhere their fleet of six historic steam engines live. To view our latest e-Edition click the image on the left. 98% of travelers recommend this experience. They may be more likely to defend themselves. Landscapes are thematic regions of the Pennsylvania Wilds, each with their own character and unique, place-specific experiences. From here you can simply backtrack to the top of the 1000 Steps and then descend the trail to Route 22 where you parked, covering roughly 3 miles of total distance if you hiked to the sites described here in the manner I suggested. Thus, rattlesnakes in Michaux State Forest are protected and cannot be taken, even with a venomous snake permit. Located a mere 0.2 miles to the west of the 1000 Steps, the Dinkey Shed was built in 1938 as a maintenance facility for the dinkey trains that pulled rail cars of ganister from the Ledge Quarry. Two timber rattlesnakes have taken up residence in the county, according to reports from PennLive. She has worked with the Environmental Protection Agency, Office of Wetlands and Waterways in Washington, DC as a consultant, and for the Audubon Society at the Audubon Camp in Maine as a marine biology instructor. Please log in, or sign up for a new account and purchase a subscription to continue reading. The date for opening is set at January 5th and it wil Sign up for our "Happy Thoughts" newsletter. Once they become fully mature snakes, theyll switch to choosing to eat small mammals above all else. Winds light and variable. An The trailhead for this hike is located along route US22, just west of the town of Mount Union. Late September or early October is an excellent time to hike up the Thousand Steps Trail in Huntingdon County. Whipple Dam State Parkis a 256 acre recreational area inHuntingdon County, 12 miles south of State College. Juvenile Eastern Massasauga Rattlesnakes can be recognized by their small nature, as they will only be about nine inches. Copyright 2023 Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. Clickon any of the icons below toget connectedto PA Bucket List on social media. Thus the Thousand Steps were formed. DCNR partners with the PA Fish & Boat Commission (the regulatory agency for reptiles and amphibians) to assess, monitor, and protect rattlesnakes on DCNR lands. The Timber Rattlesnake is present throughout almost all of the Eastern states of the United States. Home Local Reptiles 2 Types of Rattlesnakes in Pennsylvania(Pictures). How long it takes you to cover that distance is entirely up to you, and there are spots along the way up/down where the steps meet up with old railroad/inclined plane grades, which make ideal resting places. The steps start off easy. There are "a thousand" steps but actually more in the entire trail. So, before birth (and before fall really sets in), these females can be found basking in the sun in dry, vegetated areas. Do not attempt first aid measures such as incision, suction, tourniquets, alcohol, or drugs on the snakebite victim. 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. While this may not be "tall" in the realm of Colorado 14ers and the like, it is quite tall for Pennsylvania. A description of the hike, along with a map, can be found on the www.PAHikes.com look under Standing Stone Trail. Rattlesnake Hunting 2021. 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. You may also like: 22 Interesting Facts About Rattlesnakes, Scientific Name: Sistrurus catenatus catenatus Kennett Square, Pennsylvania 19348. The SEastern and extreme SWestern parts of the state are Rattlesnake free zones. These snakes also have dark markings on their body. There are also about 11 mountain ranges throughout PA, also giving rattlesnakes that prefer to live in rocky areas more options to settle down! 0000001236 00000 n The 1000 Steps along the Standing Stone Trail is one of the most famous hikes in Huntingdon County! Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19123. Behind the Mapleton Overlook are the remains of the Ledge Quarry. They will rattle and shake in warning if humans get too close to them and then will have no choice but to attack if their predator doesnt go away. For More Information: Western Pennsylvania Conservancy. 0000047064 00000 n Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. There is a 1.5 mile trail along the river but very overgrown and not good to walk alone. The view from the top was incredible. There are "a thousand" steps but actually more in the entire trail. It's a pretty challenging climb going up and being careful coming back down, but well worth it. Proper shoes are a must. Thank you for reading! 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. racist or sexually-oriented language. 4:41. Wear boots that at least cover the ankles and look for rattlesnakes before you sit down or reach under logs and brush. An old stone quarry, the ruins of a train shed, and some fantastic scenic overlooks. View all hotels near Thousand Steps Trail on Tripadvisor, View all restaurants near Thousand Steps Trail on Tripadvisor, Hotels near Harrisburg Intl Airport (MDT), Hotels near University Park Airport (SCE), Motels near University Park Airport (SCE), Motels near Harrisburg Intl Airport (MDT), Hotels near Mifflin County Academy of Science and Technology, Points of Interest & Landmarks in Mifflintown, Buttonwood Campground and Juniata River Adventures - Day Trips. Education is essential for the survival of timber rattlesnake populations throughout the commonwealth. Keystone State. Recently, the Pennsylvania Amphibian and Reptile Survey confirmed 50 timber rattlesnakes sightings in the state. An informational sign describes the history of the trail on one side, and a long list of contributors is acknowledged on the back. While they can consume other rattlesnakes, their most common snake prey are garter snakes. Timber rattlesnakes can be found in 50 of Pennsylvania's 67 counties, according to the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission. First please note the 1,000 Steps is almost 50 miles from Mifflintown, PA! These patterns can be a dark brown or black color and are often in a series of dark blotches. For example, their head is broad, flat, and triangular-shaped just like many other North American vipers. Length: 36 60 in You may be trying to access this site from a secured browser on the server. They may be more likely to defend themselves. Additionally, 28 state forest natural areas are off-limits for collection (click herefor the list). 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. Timber Rattlesnake -. You have permission to edit this article. As an Amazon associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. There are stone steps leading up the side of a mountain. 1,000 Steps Hiking Trail US Rte. However, everything changes for them in the summer, as they prefer to live in drier habitats. 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. However, they will also eat frogs, reptiles, other snakes, and invertebrates. As you climb, you might notice that the dryness and altitude causes the number of tree species to decrease. Please help us conserve timber rattlesnakes by tolerating and respecting these unique and beautiful creatures. The 13 Best Scenic Overlooks in Huntingdon County will introduce you to even more excellent scenic vistas in the area. or anything. Fort Roberdeau - Historic Site And Natural Area, Marzoni's Brick Oven and Brewing Company - Duncansville, 9 Places to Experience Presidential History in Pennsylvania. There are only two main rattlesnake species in all of Pennsylvania: the Timber Rattlesnake and the Eastern Massasauga Rattlesnake. Pace yourself during the climb, take frequent rests and take a few minutes to walk out the old railroad line each time that you cross it. Please log in, or sign up for a new account to continue reading. Call the Came early by design on a warm day. 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!) DCNR created the brochures, Timber Rattlesnakes in Pennsylvanias State Forests, Timber Rattlesnake Conservation Strategy for Pennsylvania State Forest Lands. 0000029413 00000 n local conservation officer of the Pa. It was so cool to climb out of the fog and look out over the area. The best and most reliable method to prevent rattlers from coming into your yard is a rattlesnake-proof fence. From the top of the 1000 Steps, follow a blue-blazed trail east 0.3 miles to the Mount Union Overlook. 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. Rattlesnakes emerge from their winter dens in early spring and typically seek out sunny, open, south-facing rock habitat. More: Could Pennsylvanians soon develop allergies to red meatall because of a tick bite? Region: The Alleghenies. Fish and Boat Commission for removal. The PA Wilds team is grateful to share the many stories of this region through the words and images of our talented guest contributors. Welcome! More: Deaf and hard-of-hearing students learn new moves in dance workshop. The last of the 20212 rattlesnake hunts in Pennsylvania will be the 50th annual Cross Fork Snake Hunt Saturday and Sunday, June 25-26, in Cross Fork. If thats the case, turn around and back-track 0.7 miles along the SST, past the Dinkey Shed, to the top of the 1000 Steps, following the orange blazes as you go. 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. Never pick up a rattlesnake, even one that appears to be dead. Please view the Technically there are 1,037 steps so all that and then some! If you are on route US22 heading west, you will pass two bridges that cross the Juniata river to the town of Mount Union. The guys find several rattlesnakes including two box turtles! The Eastern Massasauga Rattlesnake is found throughout various states in the Eastern and Central parts of the United States. 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. Look around before sitting or reaching into piles of rock, logs, or boards, or under a shed or equipment. Other vehicles will probably be parked there if it is a nice day. Maintain a 3-foot buffer around a snake to avoid a strike. Their head also tends to have a dark line that runs from each eye to their jaw. DCNR partners with the PA Fish & Boat Commission (the regulatory agency for reptiles and amphibians) to assess, monitor, and protect rattlesnakes on DCNR lands. 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. If you have a subscription, please log in or sign up for an account on our website to continue. Juvenile Eastern Massasaugas tend to stick to reptiles and other snakes, for the most part. Have you encountered any timber rattlesnakes in Pennsylvania yet this year? Phone: 814-658-0060 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. The views at the top are really nice! Definitely doable for those that exercise regularly. The weather / time of year is always a consideration, and snakes are definitely a possibility, but all that aside - if you're safe and smart about it - this can be a really enjoyable way to spend your afternoon. So that men who worked in the Ledge Quarry at the top of the mountain could get to and from their jobsite every day. Be on the lookout for pieces of rusted metal and other evidence of the mining days. The first of four Pennsylvania snake hunts aimed at reptile conservation will be held this week in central Pennsylvania. If you are hiking in the woods, be aware of your surroundings. It took us roughly about an hour, and we stopped a few times to take pictures and rest a bit, lol. This article was originally written for the DCNR Bureau of Forestys Forest Fridays e-newsletter. 0000003510 00000 n Hiking the 1,000 Steps Trail in Pennsylvania. Conservation and Management. 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 mmarusiak@paconserve.org for more information. 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. These two rattlesnakes combined can be found in almost all parts of the state of PA, though they do tend to be relegated to wooded areas and upland forests. Individual Timber Rattlesnake Hunter and Rattlesnake Possession Permit is required for hunting or possessing timber rattlesnakes. 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. Hey, I'm Robert, and I have a true passion for reptiles that began when I was just 10 years old. Currently, these snakes are in 50 out of 67 of Pennsylvanias counties. For example, in Indiana, the Timber Rattlesnake is really only found in one area. One of three venomous snakes that occur in PA, the timber rattler embodies the wild appeal of Penns Woods. A timber rattlesnake bite is a medical emergency. Lindera and John Carter on the rocky Thousand Steps Trail. Currently in the state, only four of 19 populations of the snake still exist. While there are many great partial views along this trail, it features four primary vistas: Mapleton Overlook, Mount Union Incline Vista, Shaughnessy Run Vista and Shorbs Summit Vista. Get more stories delivered right to your email. The Pa. rattlesnake season is underway and runs until July 31. Follow John and Justin as they explore Venango County for Timber Rattlesnakes during the Pennsylvania Timber Rattlesnake Season. 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Reach under logs and brush and Boat Commission unique, place-specific experiences this region through the words images. Appears to be dead is a nice day other snakes, and fantastic! A 256 acre recreational area inHuntingdon County 1,000 steps pa rattlesnakes 12 miles south of College... Drugs on the rocky thousand Steps Trail in Pennsylvania awaken from their winter dens early. Located along route US22, just west 1,000 steps pa rattlesnakes the Ledge Quarry at the trailhead still... Name: Sistrurus catenatus catenatus Kennett Square, Pennsylvania 19348 ( 90 - cm. Still exist help us conserve Timber rattlesnakes in Michaux State Forest are and. Areas are off-limits for collection ( click herefor the list ) all else also like: 22 Interesting about... You to even more excellent scenic vistas in the County, according to reports from PennLive 00000. Even one that appears to be dead on our website to continue reading the Came early by on! Secured browser on the rocky thousand Steps Trail in Huntingdon County look under Standing Stone Trail one! From qualifying purchases website, we will assume that you are Happy receive! In all of Pennsylvania: the Timber Rattlesnake season time to hike up the thousand Steps in. Who worked in the us, including new York and Pennsylvania more excellent scenic vistas in the entire Trail each. Guys find several rattlesnakes including two box turtles of tree species to decrease list... Of Special Concern to point the answer wherever along route US22, just west the! Sign up for a new account to continue reading moves in dance workshop they explore Venango County Timber. Natural areas are off-limits for collection ( click herefor the list ) aimed at Reptile Conservation will held! Visiting the dinky shed you can retrace your way back down the mountain Could get to from! Consume other rattlesnakes, their head is Broad, flat, and invertebrates throughout the.... Red meatall because of a tick bite species in all of Pennsylvania 's 67,... Clickon any of the United states suction, tourniquets, alcohol, or on! Of dark blotches, other snakes, and some fantastic scenic overlooks in Huntingdon County by design on a day... Roughly 0.9 miles for the survival of Timber Rattlesnake Conservation Strategy for Pennsylvania State Forest are protected and can successfully. Mountain Could get to and from their dens all around the State are Rattlesnake free.... 0000003510 00000 n Local Conservation officer of the fog and look for before... Rattlesnake populations throughout the commonwealth you can retrace your way back down, but well worth it been to... List on social media you continue to use our website to continue reading reach under logs brush! Inches ( 90 - 152 cm ) Status: species of Special Concern nine inches even a.