Welcome! Jacks Mountain in Pennsylvania, home of the 1,000 Steps Trail, stands tall at 2,321 feet. In the Midwest, though, these rattlesnakes tend to dwindle out. 0000003317 00000 n These snakes also have dark markings on their body. Timber rattlesnakes begin traveling toward their den sites in August and enter their dens for winter dormancy in late September through October. 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. racist or sexually-oriented language. Shuttle service Saturday. However, you will have the opportunity to view an unusual species, table-mountain pine, which only grows on dry mountaintops. But Id recommend, at a minimum, you use a hiking stick and some form of microspikes to aid you in your quest. The Pa. rattlesnake season is underway and runs until July 31. We hope that you continue to enjoy our free content. Deaf and hard-of-hearing students learn new moves in dance workshop. If you are on route US22 heading west, you will pass two bridges that cross the Juniata river to the town of Mount Union. Error! Home Local Reptiles 2 Types of Rattlesnakes in Pennsylvania(Pictures). There is a parking area along Route 22 at GPS coordinates 40.39169, -77.91420. Look around before sitting or reaching into piles of rock, logs, or boards, or under a shed or equipment. The highest natural point in PA is Mount Davis, which clocks in just about 900 feet higher. Apparently they used sand from the mountain to make bricks here during the 30's and 40's. Never attempt to pick up a snake, even if it appears to be dead. Part of the longer 84-mile Standing Stone Trail, the Thousand Steps Trail measures just 3.4 miles, but that relatively short trek packs a lot of punch, especially when it comes to gorgeous scenery. from the Pennsylvania State University in Wildlife and Fisheries Science. Natural resource professionals and forest visitors are urged to review these documents. The quarry workers were given a new task in the interim construct a safer way to and from the Ledge Quarry. Be Truthful. 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. 0000001372 00000 n As mentioned at the outset, the 1000 Steps portion of the Standing Stone Trail is roughly a half-mile long, with approximately 850 feet of elevation gain covered in that half-mile. Instead, these rattlesnakes are often shy and wont ever attack unless they feel incredibly threatened. However, these specific snakes are actually quite tame and are considered to be incredibly mild-mannered, especially when compared with other rattlesnakes. If possible, immobilize the affected area and transport thesnakebite victimimmediately to the nearest medical facility. After enjoying the view from the vistas and visiting the dinky shed you can retrace your way back down the mountain. View DCNRs Juvenile Eastern Massasaugas tend to stick to reptiles and other snakes, for the most part. The snakes move from basking area to basking area in a circular pattern throughout their active season. Be Proactive. Exploring Trough Creek State Park in Huntingdon County will introduce you to all the best things to see and do at this incredible Huntingdon County destination. 0000007544 00000 n Don't miss the abandoned building at the very top. 0000003253 00000 n 0000008240 00000 n You will pass an old concrete and red brick foundation the first bit of history where the mountain stream boils out of the mountainside. The first bridge is where routes US22 and US522 diverge. 0000025847 00000 n I went into this for the view and was not at all disappointed. It is a historical, challenging trail so be prepared for the physical demands. specifically for this purpose. Tripadvisor checks reviews for fraud. 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. 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. Clickon any of the icons below toget connectedto PA Bucket List on social media. At 48.3 miles it reaches the bottom of the Thousand Steps, a stairway built by hand from nearby rocks by railroad workers in 1936. Slightly Grueling Climb, but satisfying indeed. You will receive your first email soon. That said, if you are an experienced winter hiker, the views from the top of the 1000 Steps are outstanding with a fresh blanket of snow! 'I feel like I'm Babe Ruth': Halfway done, Appalachian Trail hiker fueled by his following, Your California Privacy Rights/Privacy Policy. A Timber Rattlesnakes body is also often yellow, tan, or gray, though it can also be brown. Thank you for reading! There are 121 state parks throughout the state of Pennsylvania, giving these rattlesnakes a lot of land to find their preferred habitat. Have you heard the spring peepers yet this spring? Somewhat differently than other vipers, the Timber Rattlesnakes head is normally a yellow, tan, or gray color. Hikers should take a short blue-blazed trail that leads away from Rte. Soak the pad in Betadine and tape it in place. Winds S at 10 to 15 mph.. Overcast with rain showers at times. There is a 1.5 mile trail along the river but very overgrown and not good to walk alone. Additionally, 28 state forest natural areas are off-limits for collection (, Education is essential for the survival of timber rattlesnake populations throughout the commonwealth. Archery base course for individual, includes s York City is home to 5 independent, craft breweries all within a 1-square mile radius making it one of the greatest concentrations of breweries anywhere in the country! 0000042773 00000 n At the top there are brief flatter trails to see some overlooks. 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. Venomous. Scientific Name: Crotalus horridus. Education is essential for the survival of timber rattlesnake populations throughout the commonwealth. After several more vistas and what will seem like about 5000 steps, you will reach the top of the trail. This article was originally written for the DCNR Bureau of Forestys Forest Fridays e-newsletter. Be Nice. Currently in the state, only four of 19 populations of the snake still exist. The breakdown of central Pennsylvania's PAR survey resultscan be seen by county below. The massasauga are only found in Venango,. Timber rattlesnakes may use trails, roads, or open rocky areas for basking. We're excited to bring you the premiere indoor archery range in the heart of the city! This medium-sized tree can be recognized by its 2-inch-long paired, dark green needles and three-inch cones that are covered with very prickly scales. There you get another panoramic view of the valley below, as well as the town of Mapleton. 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. Is roughly 0.9 miles for the portion of steps only. Fort Roberdeau - Historic Site And Natural Area, Marzoni's Brick Oven and Brewing Company - Duncansville, 9 Places to Experience Presidential History in Pennsylvania. that is degrading to another person. 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. Please log in, or sign up for a new account and purchase a subscription to continue reading. 2023 Rusty Glessner Photography, LLC / PA Bucket List. Learn more about cookie data in our Privacy Policy. To the west, Mapleton takes on the look of an Alpine village. Follow John and Justin as they explore Venango County for Timber Rattlesnakes during the Pennsylvania Timber Rattlesnake Season. Welcome to Callowhill Archery located in Center City Philadelphia! Behind the Mapleton Overlook are the remains of the Ledge Quarry. 0000009509 00000 n 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. More: Could Pennsylvanians soon develop allergies to red meatall because of a tick bite? Length: 36 60 in It's a little awkward because you're walking right beside Route 22 (William Penn Hwy). Cloudy-eyed snakes are shedding and cannot see well. 0000003510 00000 n PLEASE TURN OFF YOUR CAPS LOCK. Glen Ellsworth III brings out a timber rattlesnake he found while hunting for snakes in rural Columbia County, Pa., on Saturday, June 16, 2018. Hosted by Kettle Creek Hose Company No. 22 to the first of the 1036 stone steps. Unfortunately, the timber rattlesnake is listed as threatened or endangered in many states that surround PA (e.g. Also, be careful when visiting sunny, open, and rocky areas. Juvenile Eastern Massasauga Rattlesnakes can be recognized by their small nature, as they will only be about nine inches. Was hoping to get to see snakes, but didn't bump into any wildlife except for a lizard and a very large spider near the building. What restaurants are near Thousand Steps Trail? The spectacular views and the historical nature of the trail and area around it make it an incredibly popular hike, more than 80 years after the steps were first constructed. A mix of clouds and sun. 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 . However, the Canadian government reported that these snakes were extirpated, though they are attempting to reintroduce the species to what was once their natural habitat in the country! 98% of travelers recommend this experience. If you have a subscription, please log in or sign up for an account on our website to continue. As you climb, you might notice that the dryness and altitude causes the number of tree species to decrease. 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. Do not attempt first aid measures such as incision, suction, tourniquets, alcohol, or drugs on the snakebite victim. Beautiful view from the top and some cool history info too. This was a hot and humid day; remember to pack some water! 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. Adults typically reach lengths of 2.5-5 feet (.76-1.5 meters), but there are reports of timber rattlesnakes growing up to 7 feet (2 meters) long. The steps start off easy. Promotional Rates were found for your code. A timber rattlesnake bite is a medical emergency. Make sure you're well-prepared for your climb up the 1,000 steps of Jacks Mountain by wearing sturdy and . The Thousand Steps and these overlooks are part of the 84-mile Standing Stone Trail, which connects the Mid-State Trail in the north to the Tuscarora Trail in the south and was once the candidate for an Appalachian Trail reroute. We rank these restaurants and attractions by balancing reviews from our members with how close they are to this location. Please avoid obscene, vulgar, lewd, These pregnant females will even take their time to bask in the sun before birthing! The much-maligned rattlesnake generally exhibits a docile nature but still must be respected. 0000002304 00000 n When you reach the Mount Union Overlook, youll be standing at the top of what was called Little Incline, one of the inclined planes used to transport rail cars full of ganister down the mountain and empty rail cars back up. There is really no bad time of year to hike the 1000 Steps in Huntingdon County. 0000029413 00000 n To the east, Little Incline and Mount Union stand out even more with snow highlighting the contours in the terrain. Think of that as you climb and descend. Will need to stop and rest for those that are not in shape. Timber Rattlesnake in Pennsylvanias State Forests Brochure (PDF) for additional information. Spring peepers begin singing again. Hey, I'm Robert, and I have a true passion for reptiles that began when I was just 10 years old. 0000003910 00000 n For example, their head is broad, flat, and triangular-shaped just like many other North American vipers. Antivenin can cost up to $3,000 per vial. As one of the 13 original colonies and the headquarters for many key Revolutionary and Civil War events, Pennsylvania is the perfect place to delve into our nations history including the legac Finally, their tail is normally black, with a prominent rattle. 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. More: 'I feel like I'm Babe Ruth': Halfway done, Appalachian Trail hiker fueled by his following. So, before birth (and before fall really sets in), these females can be found basking in the sun in dry, vegetated areas. However, timber rattlesnake bites are rare. Pennsylvania could be home to hundreds of thousands of venomous timber rattlesnakes, and there's a hardcore group of hunters eager to find them. Or if approaching from the east about two miles west of the traffic light where the bridge crosses the river into Mount Union. There is a nice sign that tells the history of the steps and area. 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. And York County is not free of these venomous reptiles. 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. Pine Creek Valley and The PA Grand Canyon. 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. These pregnant females will leave sunny habitat after shedding in June to in... Premiere indoor archery range in the woods for prey within an established home range trail, stands tall at 1,000 steps pa rattlesnakes! Green needles and three-inch cones that are covered with very prickly scales of... Flat, and rocky areas for basking the dinky shed you can retrace your way back down the Mountain the! Recognized by their small nature, as well as the town of Mapleton tells history! 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