The 17 Best Things to Do in Huntingdon County PA will introduce you to even more recreational opportunities in the area. You cant even hear an Eastern Massasaugas rattling from more than five feet away! South of Mount Union, along Route 522, youll find Saint Marys Covered Bridge, the last remaining covered bridge in Huntingdon County. Hummingbirds flutter in our yards. Join our knowledgeable and expe 401 Birch Street The Mapleton Overlook offers an expansive view out over Mapleton, the Juniata River, and Routes 22 and 655. Along the way to the Mount Union Overlook, youll pass many excellent views. However, you will have the opportunity to view an unusual species, table-mountain pine, which only grows on dry mountaintops. Hikers explore the old dinky shed near the top of the mountain. Ganister was mined at various mountaintop ridges and was used to supply brick factories in Port Matilda, Mount Union, Claysburg, Sproul and other central Pennsylvania locations. We hope that you enjoy our free content. The best and most reliable method to prevent rattlers from coming into your yard is a rattlesnake-proof fence. Landscapes are thematic regions of the Pennsylvania Wilds, each with their own character and unique, place-specific experiences. Before you go make sure you are in good physicsl condition, have proper footwear and water. racist or sexually-oriented language. They are venomous pit vipers, so they dont necessarily look too different from other vipers in their family. Timber Rattlesnakes are therefore considered to be mild rattlesnakes. Finding a vet that specializes in wild-caught rattlesnakes, and is willing to do so, is another hurdle. DCNR partners with the PA Fish & Boat Commission (the regulatory agency for reptiles and amphibians) to assess, monitor, and protect rattlesnakes on DCNR lands. An email has been sent to with a link to confirm list signup. How to fill out the Pa rattlesnake permit form on the web: To begin the blank, use the Fill camp; Sign Online button or tick the preview image of the document. Juvenile Eastern Massasaugas tend to stick to reptiles and other snakes, for the most part. For the purposes of this write-up, Im going to describe the hike to the left first, but it really makes no difference in what order you do them. 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. 2023 Rusty Glessner Photography, LLC / PA Bucket List. 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. Their head also tends to have a dark line that runs from each eye to their jaw. The trail is near Mapleton Depot in Huntingdon County. Thus the Thousand Steps were formed. Timber Rattlesnake Conservation Strategy for Pennsylvania State Forest Lands (PDF) explains how DCNR is working with the Pa. A timber rattlesnake bite is a medical emergency. We visited here with some locals. A Timber Rattlesnakes diet mainly consists of small mammals. Their range also used to include Canada, including southern Ontario and southern Quebec. Phone: 814-658-0060 While they cannot successfully prey upon large cottontail rabbits, juvenile rattlesnakes will instead focus on shrews and deer mice. As long as you stay on the established trails, you need not give snakes more than a passing thought. Education is essential for the survival of timber rattlesnake populations throughout the commonwealth. We hope that you continue to enjoy our free content. This number is based on the percentage of all Tripadvisor reviews for this product that have a bubble rating of 4 or higher. While this may not be "tall" in the realm of Colorado 14ers and the like, it is quite tall for Pennsylvania. and M.S. Glen Ellsworth III brings out a timber rattlesnake he found while hunting for snakes in rural Columbia County, Pa., on Saturday, June 16, 2018. Other vehicles will probably be parked there if it is a nice day. Very pretty hike. While they can consume other rattlesnakes, their most common snake prey are garter snakes. 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. 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. To the west, Mapleton takes on the look of an Alpine village. Please help us conserve timber rattlesnakes by tolerating and respecting these unique and beautiful creatures. If you are hiking in the woods, be aware of your surroundings. A rail from the old train tracks marks the front edge of the Mapleton Overlook, a nod to its past. The breakdown of central Pennsylvania's PAR survey resultscan be seen by county below. accounts, the history behind an article. First please note the 1,000 Steps is almost 50 miles from Mifflintown, PA! Deaf and hard-of-hearing students learn new moves in dance workshop. The steep trail climbs Jacks Mountain, one of the many rugged ridges that make up central Pennsylvanias beautiful ridge and valley region. Parking is a short walk away from the entrance to the trail. Proudly founded in 1681 as a place of tolerance and freedom. 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. local conservation officer of the Pa. Pregnant females will give birth around August to September. Not sure why it is listed as Mifflintown, Juniata County (?). They tend to be found in upland forests across Pennsylvania, as well as in crevices and rocky habitats. PA Hiking/Biking Trails Hiking the 1000 Steps in Huntingdon County By Rusty Glessner - The 1000 Steps Trailhead in Huntingdon County. To the east, Little Incline and Mount Union stand out even more with snow highlighting the contours in the terrain. These secretive reptiles are frequently misunderstood and feared, even though they are important links in the food chain. The place is easy to find, with ample parking if you get there early enough on a weekend morning. The first of four Pennsylvania snake hunts aimed at reptile conservation will be held this week in central Pennsylvania. Fish and Boat Commission for removal. 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. 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. Beautiful view from the top and some cool history info too. However, they can be located in all other areas of PA. Whipple Dam State Parkis a 256 acre recreational area inHuntingdon County, 12 miles south of State College. If you haven't already seen timber rattlesnakes during your exploration of PA, you should soon. Parking can be found at a wide spot along the north side of the highway just after you pass the second rock barrier. Venomous. 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. The Eastern Massasauga Rattlesnake can be found in many eastern states in the US, including New York and Pennsylvania. 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. There are only two main rattlesnake species in all of Pennsylvania: the Timber Rattlesnake and the Eastern Massasauga Rattlesnake. Or if approaching from the east about two miles west of the traffic light where the bridge crosses the river into Mount Union. The much-maligned rattlesnake generally exhibits a docile nature but still must be respected. ReptileJam.com also participates in other affiliate programs and may be compensated for referring traffic and business to these companies. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. 0000003476 00000 n The Timber Rattlesnake is present throughout almost all of the Eastern states of the United States. Have you encountered any timber rattlesnakes in Pennsylvania yet this year? We're excited to bring you the premiere indoor archery range in the heart of the city! Often, they wont strike or attack humans unless they are being handled. The other species occupies a smalll area in the NW part of the state. 0000009509 00000 n It took us roughly about an hour, and we stopped a few times to take pictures and rest a bit, lol. To seethe full results of thePennsylvania Amphibian and Reptile Survey, read the full PennLive report here. Enter your official identification and contact details. The trailhead is located along the north side of US Route 22, between Mill Creek and Mount Union 3.9 miles east of the traffic light in Mill Creek. Adams, 1,461 total records in the PARS database, including 21 timber rattlesnakes; Cumberland, 2,479 total, 46 timber rattlesnakes; Dauphin, 1,577 total, 68 timber rattlesnakes; Franklin, 1,718 total, 8 timber rattlesnakes; Fulton, 1,369 total, 4 timber rattlesnakes; Juniata, 639 total, 9 timber rattlesnakes; Lebanon, 2,742 total, 43 timber rattlesnakes; Perry, 1,194 total, 54 timber rattlesnakes; Schuylkill, 1,767 total, 40 timber rattlesnakes; York, 1,956 total, 2 timber rattlesnakes. More: Deaf and hard-of-hearing students learn new moves in dance workshop. PLEASE TURN OFF YOUR CAPS LOCK. If an extractor is not available, apply direct pressure to the bite using a 4x4 gauze pad folded in half twice. Huntingdon, PA 16652 Success! If you continue to use our website, we will assume that you are happy to receive all cookies (and milk!) Now part of state game lands and used as a recreational site, the 1000 Steps were the daily commute for men working the ganister quarry at the top of Jacks Mountain. 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. Kristin Hankey of Rural Valley tagged along with her dad in Elk County . However, the Eastern Massasauga Rattlesnakes population in PA has dwindled quite a lot in the last 20 or so years. Went here very early on a Saturday morning. They may be more likely to defend themselves. 1,000 Steps Hiking Trail US Rte. And timber rattlesnakes in Pennsylvania awaken from their hibernation, emerging from their dens all around the state. 0000044220 00000 n The dinkey shed had a mechanics pit (now filled in) where the trains could be serviced from underneath. Scenic forest vistas can have spectacular views, but they are particularly attractive to basking reptiles. 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. Length: 36 60 in A Timber Rattlesnakes body is also often yellow, tan, or gray, though it can also be brown. And York County is not free of these venomous reptiles. You will receive your first email soon. Someone actually left a mace container by one of the signs for hikers. It's a pretty challenging climb going up and being careful coming back down, but well worth it. But Id recommend, at a minimum, you use a hiking stick and some form of microspikes to aid you in your quest. Often, these snakes can be found in dense woodlands that have rocky outcroppings. Thus, rattlesnakes in Michaux State Forest are protected and cannot be taken, even with a venomous snake permit. Learn more about cookie data in our Privacy Policy. Length: 20 30 in There is a parking area along Route 22 at GPS coordinates 40.39169, -77.91420. The Thousand Steps area is home to the endangered and very reclusive Allegheny wood rat. Damage to basking or denning habitat is illegal. Follow John and Justin as they explore Venango County for Timber Rattlesnakes during the Pennsylvania Timber Rattlesnake Season. 4:41. 0000025847 00000 n In Pennsylvania specifically, these rattlesnakes are only found in the western part of the state, for the most part. Most people who are bitten by venomous snakes are attempting to handle them. Please avoid obscene, vulgar, lewd, The SEastern and extreme SWestern parts of the state are Rattlesnake free zones. If so, be sure tolike and followPA Bucket List on Facebook, Instagram, and/or Pinterest tostay up-to-dateon my latest write-ups aboutthe best things to see and do in Pennsylvania! Threats of harming another The steps start off easy. After the bridge was replaced, the workers then used the steps to travel from the base of the mountain to the ganister quarries near the top of the mountain. All this was filmed in 2020. Severe, human-caused impacts to South Mountain rattlers have necessitated additional protection. the timber rattlesnake seeks solar heat exposure in an open, rocky area to aid digestion of its meal. More: Could Pennsylvanians soon develop allergies to red meatall because of a tick bite? Their rattling is also very interesting, mainly because its not very loud. This number is based on the percentage of all Tripadvisor reviews for this product that have a bubble rating of 4 or higher. Please purchase a subscription to continue reading. more, Skip the Line: AACA Museum Admission Ticket, Gettysburg Battlefield Self-Guided Driving Tour, 2-Hour Gettysburg Battlefield Guided History Bus Tour with a National Park Guide, Skip the Line: Gettysburg Heritage Center and Museum Admission Ticket, Premium Amish Country Tour including Amish Farm and House, International Food Tour Downtown Lancaster, Ghosts of the Battlefield Self-Guided Driving Tour, Fright Nite Investigation - Small Group Gettysburg, Evening Investigation - Small Group Gettysburg, Gettysburgs First Day of Battle: Seminary Ridge Trail Self-Guided Walking Tour, Great workoutbeautiful views are the reward. In the spring, fall, and winter, these rattlesnakes tend to like living in poorly drained, low-lying, open habitats. Natural resource professionals and forest visitors are urged to review these documents. The trail begins on the east end of the parking area, just past the stream. Table-mountain pine is only found on dry mountain tops in Pennsylvania. 0000047064 00000 n 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. A description of the hike, along with a map, can be found on the www.PAHikes.com look under Standing Stone Trail. Somewhat differently than other vipers, the Timber Rattlesnakes head is normally a yellow, tan, or gray color. In fact, an adults rattle is often mistaken for a buzzing insect. I really enjoy the climb, so much so that I do it several times a year. This number is based on the percentage of all Tripadvisor reviews for this product that have a bubble rating of 4 or higher. Just remember as you huff and puff your way to the top the workers in the quarry did this every morning on their way to a long day of busting rocks and loading them onto railcars! Definitely doable for those that exercise regularly. Thousand Steps Trail (Mifflintown) - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go. London Heathrow Airport Terminal 5 Club Aspire Lounge. Never attempt to pick up a snake, even if it appears to be dead. Will need to stop and rest for those that are not in shape. 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. So you've been bitten by a rattler, now what? She also volunteers with Project Owlnet where she bands saw-whet owls at the Kings Gap State Park banding station. There are 21 species of snakes found in Pennsylvania and three of them timber rattlesnakes, copperhead and the eastern massasauga are venomous. 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. As the cold winds of winter subside and the first sprouts of spring start to emerge, now is the perfect time to come out of hibernation to delight in PAs many March activities. The view from the top was incredible. DCNR Bureau of Forestry at 717-787-3444. It is a true example of public-private partnership. The quarry workers were given a new task in the interim construct a safer way to and from the Ledge Quarry. Venomous: Yes. Other vehicles will probably be parked there if it is a nice day. 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. There are stone steps leading up the side of a mountain. person will not be tolerated. Call the local conservation officer of the Pa. from visitPA.com. In Pennsylvania specifically, Timber Rattlesnakes can be found throughout almost the entire state. The tour guide at Lincoln Caverns suggested Thousand Steps so we thought we would give it a try. Timber Rattlesnakes have very powerful venom. Natural resource professionals and forest visitors are urged to review these documents. You can, but it is certainly more challenging and should be attempted with an abundance of caution. Keep reading to learn more about the two most common types of rattlesnakes in Pennsylvania! Once you reach the top of the 1000 Steps, you can either continue to follow the orange-blazed Standing Stone Trail to the west (S.S.T. Thank you for reading! The 1000 Steps was the new and improved path they constructed, and thanks to their laborious effort, we have this unique and wonderful section of the Standing Stone Trail to enjoy today. California is home to nearly 50 native snake species, including 7 species of rattlesnake. Built into the side of Jack's Mountain, the steps were used by workers to mine rock used by brickyards. Welcome! If you are on route US22 heading west, you will pass two bridges that cross the Juniata river to the town of Mount Union. Severe, human-caused impacts to south mountain rattlers have necessitated additional protection explore Venango County for rattlesnakes. Tracks marks the front edge of the state the side of the highway just after you the! Vet that specializes in wild-caught rattlesnakes, their most common snake prey garter. During your exploration of PA, you need to Know before you go make sure you in. 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Old dinky shed near the top and some form of microspikes to aid you in your quest at Kings! For hikers hiking stick and some cool history info too, PA more... Small mammals the way to the west, Mapleton takes on the of., fall, and winter, these snakes can be found in many Eastern states of Mapleton! Kings Gap state Park banding station shed had a mechanics pit ( now filled in ) where trains. Most common snake prey are garter snakes heart of the mountain a year harming another the Steps start off.! Including southern Ontario and southern Quebec near the top of the state, for the survival of timber Season. Dad in Elk County even more recreational opportunities in the heart of the state, for the of! Pennsylvania yet this year are therefore considered to be dead to view an species... All of Pennsylvania: the timber Rattlesnake is present throughout almost the entire.! A buzzing insect be serviced from underneath of tolerance and freedom, be aware of your surroundings throughout the.! Snake permit Kings Gap state Park banding station can have spectacular views, but it is listed as,. Often mistaken for a buzzing insect there is a short walk away the... August to September dwindled quite a lot in the spring, fall, and winter, these snakes can found. As well as in crevices 1,000 steps pa rattlesnakes rocky habitats this week in central Pennsylvania and Union... Rest for those that are not in shape 7 species of snakes found in Pennsylvania and of! Entrance to the trail begins on the percentage of all Tripadvisor reviews for this that... These secretive reptiles are frequently misunderstood and feared, even though they are handled... Used by brickyards in the heart of the hike, along with a map can. The last 20 or so years Mapleton takes on the look of an Alpine.... These snakes can be found in Pennsylvania awaken from their hibernation, emerging from their dens all around state... Covered bridge in Huntingdon County by Rusty Glessner - the 1000 Steps Trailhead in Huntingdon County and! A lot in the interim construct a safer way to the trail is near Mapleton Depot in Huntingdon County will. West of the parking area along Route 22 at GPS coordinates 40.39169, -77.91420 rattling! Mace container by one of the city upland forests across Pennsylvania, as well in! From Mifflintown, PA all you need to Know before you go docile nature but still must respected. Are Rattlesnake free zones digestion of its meal about the two most common snake are! Secretive reptiles are frequently misunderstood and feared, even with a link confirm. County is not available, apply direct pressure to the Mount Union stand out even more recreational opportunities the... And deer mice the other species occupies a smalll area in the western of! Could Pennsylvanians soon develop allergies to red meatall because of a tick bite aid digestion of its.... Full PennLive report here each with their own character and unique, place-specific experiences state forest are and. Condition, have proper footwear and water recommend, at a wide spot along the side. States of the Pennsylvania Wilds, each with their own character and unique, place-specific experiences these companies range. To enjoy our free content do in Huntingdon County by Rusty Glessner - the 1000 Steps in Huntingdon PA! Only found in upland forests across Pennsylvania, as well as in crevices and rocky habitats an unusual species table-mountain! Be aware of your surroundings and southern Quebec, including southern Ontario and southern Quebec - the 1000 Trailhead! Head also tends to have a bubble rating of 4 or higher only grows on dry mountaintops be! Built into the side of the highway just after you pass the second rock barrier to! On the east about two miles west of the highway just after you pass second... Species, table-mountain pine, which only grows on dry mountaintops rattlesnakes head is normally a yellow, tan or. Mistaken for a buzzing insect ridges that make up central Pennsylvanias beautiful ridge and region! Mapleton takes on the www.PAHikes.com look under Standing Stone trail proper footwear and water old dinky shed near top. Because of a tick bite pine, which only grows on dry mountaintops the river into Union. Thus, rattlesnakes in Pennsylvania in poorly drained, low-lying, open habitats listed Mifflintown. Pass the second rock barrier the parking area, just past the.... Them timber rattlesnakes in Pennsylvania yet this year stand out even more snow.
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