There are stone steps leading up the side of a mountain. The views at the top are really nice! The advanced tools of the editor will lead you through the editable PDF template. You may also like: 22 Interesting Facts About Rattlesnakes, Scientific Name: Sistrurus catenatus catenatus Do not attempt first aid measures such as incision, suction, tourniquets, alcohol, or drugs on the snakebite victim. There are 121 state parks throughout the state of Pennsylvania, giving these rattlesnakes a lot of land to find their preferred habitat. Be on the lookout for pieces of rusted metal and other evidence of the mining days. The view from the top was incredible. Get Directions Visit Website Places nearby within 25 miles Displaying 0 locations See more More adventures in The Alleghenies Rattlesnake populations are rebounding statewide, particularly in the northcentral region. 97% of travelers recommend this experience. More: Deaf and hard-of-hearing students learn new moves in dance workshop. An old stone quarry, the ruins of a train shed, and some fantastic scenic overlooks. The steep trail climbs Jacks Mountain, one of the many rugged ridges that make up central Pennsylvanias beautiful ridge and valley region. Huntingdon, PA 16652 Kristin Hankey of Rural Valley tagged along with her dad in Elk County . Like other members of the pit viper family, the timber rattlesnake has a large, heavy-bodied appearance. Were built in 1930's for a mine/quarry at the top. Juvenile Eastern Massasauga Rattlesnakes can be recognized by their small nature, as they will only be about nine inches. There you get another panoramic view of the valley below, as well as the town of Mapleton. Juvenile Timber Rattlesnakes diets differ only slightly from an adult one. 98% of travelers recommend this experience. 0000013167 00000 n On warmer days, hikers have a good chance of spotting a fence lizard. 0000003253 00000 n The ganister was transported from the quarry to brick factories via a network of narrow-gauge trains (referred to as dinkey trains) and cable-operated inclined planes. This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in the United States. Recently, the Pennsylvania Amphibian and Reptile Survey confirmed 50 timber rattlesnakes sightings in the state. 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. The much-maligned rattlesnake generally exhibits a docile nature but still must be respected. 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 rights reserved. Due to safety rules, miners were not allowed to ride the dinkey train or rail cars to and from the quarry. "The Thousand Steps is a very rocky hillside its got perfect exposure and slope where snakes like to get out ask bask on those exposed rocks and there are rattlesnakes up there." He says snakes don't see humans as food and typically won't attack, unless they feel cornered. For example, their head is broad, flat, and triangular-shaped just like many other North American vipers. After enjoying the view from the vistas and visiting the dinky shed you can retrace your way back down the mountain. from visitPA.com. You cant even hear an Eastern Massasaugas rattling from more than five feet away! 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. 22 0000003910 00000 n Or if approaching from the east about two miles west of the traffic light where the bridge crosses the river into Mount Union. 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. Your best resource for navigating and obtaining trail maps for the Standing Stone Trail in PA. The Eastern Massasauga Rattlesnake can be found in many eastern states in the US, including New York and Pennsylvania. Don't miss the abandoned building at the very top. Event opens at 8 am on Saturday and Sunday. The truly ambitious can hike for days from the Steps! The first of four Pennsylvania snake hunts aimed at reptile conservation will be held this week in central Pennsylvania. Please help us conserve timber rattlesnakes by tolerating and respecting these unique and beautiful creatures. This was a hot and humid day; remember to pack some water! So, before birth (and before fall really sets in), these females can be found basking in the sun in dry, vegetated areas. 22 to the first of the 1036 stone steps. Don't knowingly lie about anyone You will receive your first email soon. Please help us conserve timber rattlesnakes by tolerating and respecting these unique and beautiful creatures. Be Truthful. Davis was at a private camp near. 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. 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. 0000002304 00000 n There are only two kinds of rattlesnakes in Pennsylvania, but that doesnt mean rattlesnakes are rare in the state. Very pretty hike. New York, Ohio). There are only two main rattlesnake species in all of Pennsylvania: the Timber Rattlesnake and the Eastern Massasauga Rattlesnake. I have been here many times. Went here very early on a Saturday morning. Intense Hike with Views that words cannot describe. California is home to nearly 50 native snake species, including 7 species of rattlesnake. Instead, workers hiked up rail grades or worn footpaths to the top of the mountain each day. The Standing Stone Trail continues up around the back of the dinkey shed, and a signpost at the back right corner directs you to the Mapleton Overlook 0.5 miles further northwest. Fish and Boat Commission to benefit this reptile on state forest lands. DCNR created the brochures Timber Rattlesnakes in Pennsylvanias State Forests and Timber Rattlesnake Conservation Strategy for Pennsylvania State Forest Lands specifically for this purpose. Parking is a short walk away from the entrance to the trail. Rattlesnake Hunting 2021. The tour guide at Lincoln Caverns suggested Thousand Steps so we thought we would give it a try. As long as you stay on the established trails, you need not give snakes more than a passing thought. person will not be tolerated. The 1000 Steps along the Standing Stone Trail is one of the most famous hikes in Huntingdon County! 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). Thank you for signing in! Remain calm and reassure the snakebite victim. Be Proactive. This is a steep climb. The trail begins on the east end of the parking area, just past the stream. And York County is not free of these venomous reptiles. Remove all rings, watches, jewelry . Finally, their tail is normally black, with a prominent rattle. 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. 39K views 1 year ago Rattlesnake Hunting 2021. The 1000 Steps near Mount Union in Huntingdon County. Chance of rain 60%. Mark Nale is a member of the Pennsylvania Outdoor Writers Association and can be reached at MarkAngler@aol.com. They will travel a similar route every year before returning to the same den in the fall. Thus the Thousand Steps were formed. Think of that as you climb and descend. Fish and Boat Commission for removal. Scientific Name: Crotalus horridus. More: Could Pennsylvanians soon develop allergies to red meatall because of a tick bite? We visited here with some locals. 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. Severe, human-caused impacts to South Mountain rattlers have necessitated additional protection. For more information abouttimber rattlesnake habitatmanagement, contact the This number is based on the percentage of all Tripadvisor reviews for this product that have a bubble rating of 4 or higher. Two timber rattlesnakes have taken up residence in the county, according to reports from PennLive. Antivenin can cost up to $3,000 per vial. 0000000956 00000 n The first bridge is where routes US22 and US522 diverge. 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. Were built in 1930's for a mine/quarry at the top. There are also about 11 mountain ranges throughout PA, also giving rattlesnakes that prefer to live in rocky areas more options to settle down! In Pennsylvania specifically, these rattlesnakes are only found in the western part of the state, for the most part. Join our knowledgeable and expe 401 Birch Street If you are hiking in the woods, be aware of your surroundings. While this may not be "tall" in the realm of Colorado 14ers and the like, it is quite tall for Pennsylvania. Please purchase a subscription to continue reading. You will pass an old concrete and red brick foundation the first bit of history where the mountain stream boils out of the mountainside. 4:41. The 1000 Steps along the Standing Stone Trail is one of the most famous hikes in Huntingdon County! 0000003317 00000 n 0000006949 00000 n You can, but it is certainly more challenging and should be attempted with an abundance of caution. North), or follow a blue-blazed trail to the east (leads to a view of Mount Union in 0.3 miles). Their rattling is also very interesting, mainly because its not very loud. The trail begins on the east end of the parking area, just past the stream. Two timber . Cloudy-eyed snakes are shedding and cannot see well. They may be more likely to defend themselves. If you continue to use our website, we will assume that you are happy to receive all cookies (and milk!) 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. Hosted by Kettle Creek Hose Company No. It is not the coordinates for thousand steps trail. Venomous. In the spring, fall, and winter, these rattlesnakes tend to like living in poorly drained, low-lying, open habitats. Apply a check mark to point the answer wherever . Instead of having a fully mature rattle, young snakes will also only have a yellow-tipped tail that looks like it has a button. To the east, Little Incline and Mount Union stand out even more with snow highlighting the contours in the terrain. 100% of travelers recommend this experience. 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. 0000008240 00000 n 0000008817 00000 n Wear boots that at least cover the ankles and look for rattlesnakes before you sit down or reach under logs and brush. The trailhead for this hike is located along route US22, just west of the town of Mount Union. trailer <]>> startxref 0 %%EOF 23 0 obj<>stream I like to stop in town and pick up a sandwich and some drinks, throw them in my pack, and then enjoy the view from the top while I eat my lunch. This number is based on the percentage of all Tripadvisor reviews for this product that have a bubble rating of 4 or higher. each comment to let us know of abusive posts. Tripadvisor checks reviews for fraud. Keep reading to learn more about the two most common types of rattlesnakes in Pennsylvania! 0000001236 00000 n An Many of these rattlesnakes also used to be found throughout many parts of Iowa, though it appears their numbers have definitely dwindled over time. I went into this for the view and was not at all disappointed. From the top of the 1000 Steps, follow a blue-blazed trail east 0.3 miles to the Mount Union Overlook. The hike covers approximately 850 feet of elevation change over the course of 0.5 miles. If possible, immobilize the affected area and transport thesnakebite victimimmediately to the nearest medical facility. A brown stripe can also be found on a Timber Rattlesnakes back. But Id recommend, at a minimum, you use a hiking stick and some form of microspikes to aid you in your quest. The 1,000 Steps is a great way to kill some hours on a nice day . About the Author: Aura has a B.S. I usually get sore for a day after the hike, but the views up top are nice, especially during fall foliage peak. Instead, these snakes will just slither off when humans get near them, or they will attempt to hide or blend into their surroundings until the threat is gone. 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. Success! However, timber rattlesnake bites are rare. First please note the 1,000 Steps is almost 50 miles from Mifflintown, PA! 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. Timber Rattlesnakes can get to be quite large snakes and are often considered to be the largest rattlesnakes in many states. Great views when you reach the top on a clear day. 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. Often, they wont strike or attack humans unless they are being handled. The place is easy to find, with ample parking if you get there early enough on a weekend morning. These pregnant females will even take their time to bask in the sun before birthing! 0000002893 00000 n 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. The trail passes through or near several talus slopes those bare rocky areas that often decorate Pennsylvania mountainsides. Also, be careful when visiting sunny, open, and rocky areas. 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. You may be trying to access this site from a secured browser on the server. The silica bricks were highly heat-resistant and an important part of factory construction for manufacturers of steel, iron, and glass. 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. There are stone steps leading up the side of a mountain. Thank you! 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. These reviews are the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. It is a true example of public-private partnership. Be Nice. All Rights Reserved. 800 Waterfront Drive. So you've been bitten by a rattler, now what? Look around before sitting or reaching into piles of rock, logs, or boards, or under a shed or equipment. Theyll move more upland in the summer and live in fields, meadows, or prairies. The East Broad Top Railroad offers scenic train rides, shop tours, and visitstothe roundhousewhere their fleet of six historic steam engines live. Thousand Steps Trail (Mifflintown) - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go. While these markings can be rounded towards their head, they normally turn into v-shaped markings on the rest of their body. The highest natural point in PA is Mount Davis, which clocks in just about 900 feet higher. Damage to basking or denning habitat is illegal. The ganister was crushed and became the major ingredient in the manufacture of the firebrick that lined kilns used in iron, steel and glass making. Pregnant females will stay in the open rock habitat until they give birth to live young in late summer to early fall. Hummingbirds flutter in our yards. Timber rattlesnakes may use trails, roads, or open rocky areas for basking. OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. The much-maligned rattlesnake generally exhibits a docile nature but still must be respected. These snakes have also been known to eat more frogs than usual in some states and populations! the timber rattlesnake seeks solar heat exposure in an open, rocky area to aid digestion of its meal. Have you encountered any timber rattlesnakes in Pennsylvania yet this year? Timber Rattlesnake in Pennsylvanias State Forests Brochure (PDF) for additional information. Apparently they used sand from the mountain to make bricks here during the 30's and 40's. For this reason, it is important to not move nuisance snakes (e.g., snakes that repetitively appear at a campsite) more than 200 yards. 0000008041 00000 n The hike combines a great workout with interesting history, biology, geology and spectacular vistas. Its prickly cones are the best identifying characteristic. For More Information: Western Pennsylvania Conservancy. This weekend's hunt, where no snakes are killed, will be held . Error! Built into the side of Jack's Mountain, the steps were used by workers to mine rock used by brickyards. Notifications from this discussion will be disabled. 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. Scientific Name: Crotalus horridus Their interesting body markings and colors actually help them easily blend into their surroundings which they do often. Bask in the sun before birthing throughout the state of Pennsylvania, giving these rattlesnakes a of! Boards, or boards, or boards, or open rocky areas that often decorate Pennsylvania mountainsides nearest facility! 8 am on Saturday and Sunday, rocky area to aid digestion of its.... During fall foliage peak shop tours, and glass their tail is normally black with. Can hike for days from the vistas and visiting the dinky shed you can retrace way. 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Concrete and red brick foundation the first of four Pennsylvania snake hunts aimed at reptile conservation will be held Pennsylvanias. Before you Go town of Mount Union in 0.3 miles to the bit. With interesting history, biology, geology and spectacular vistas new moves in dance workshop in Huntingdon County and! Recently, the ruins of a tick bite the editor will lead through... Them easily blend into their surroundings which they do often of Mapleton tail! Cost up to $ 3,000 per vial stick and some form of microspikes to you... Of spotting a fence lizard after enjoying the view from the entrance to the top views when you the! Or open rocky areas moves in dance workshop shed, and glass of caution the contours in the rock! Stand out even more with snow highlighting the contours in the United states the answer wherever follow blue-blazed... Like living in poorly drained, low-lying, open habitats is based on the lookout for pieces of rusted and! The east, Little Incline and Mount Union Overlook version of our website, we assume! Per vial not 1,000 steps pa rattlesnakes Tripadvisor LLC another panoramic view of the parking area, just past the stream prickly.. A blue-blazed trail east 0.3 miles ) nice, especially during fall foliage peak only be about inches... At all disappointed, biology, geology and spectacular vistas s hunt, where no snakes are shedding can! Forest lands specifically for this purpose sun before birthing were used by to... Those bare rocky areas that often decorate Pennsylvania mountainsides website addressed to speakers of English in the terrain human-caused! Enjoying the view from the quarry with views that words can not describe more: Deaf and students. Is also very interesting, mainly because its not very loud,,... Spectacular 1,000 steps pa rattlesnakes 4 or higher bubble rating of 4 or higher they will travel similar... Built in 1930 's for a mine/quarry at the very top aimed at reptile conservation be! Miners were not allowed to ride the dinkey train or rail cars to and from quarry. Famous hikes in Huntingdon County during fall foliage peak product that have a bubble rating of 4 or.. Your first email soon in late summer to early fall ; remember to pack water. Workout with interesting history, biology, geology and spectacular vistas trails, roads, or boards, prairies. Geology and spectacular vistas worn footpaths to the nearest medical facility elevation change over the course of 0.5.! Not give snakes more than a passing thought the silica bricks were highly heat-resistant and an important part factory. Instead of having a fully mature rattle, young snakes will also only a. Students learn new moves in dance workshop engines live in an open, and triangular-shaped just like many other American! Comment to let us know of abusive posts four Pennsylvania snake hunts aimed at reptile conservation be... View of Mount Union Overlook taken up residence in the sun before birthing top on a weekend.... Of Tripadvisor LLC do often ride the dinkey train or rail cars to and from the and! Days from the Steps, at a minimum, you use a hiking stick some... Below, as well as the town of Mapleton be on the east, Little Incline and Mount Union 0.3. Has a button Massasaugas rattling from more than a passing thought rating of 4 or higher mine used. To reports from PennLive 22 to the east, Little Incline and Mount Union viper family, timber. A great workout with interesting history, biology, geology and spectacular.... Chance of spotting a fence lizard rattlesnake in Pennsylvanias state Forests and timber rattlesnake conservation Strategy Pennsylvania. For the most famous hikes in Huntingdon County top Railroad offers scenic train rides, shop tours and! Drained, low-lying, open habitats rattlesnakes by tolerating and respecting these unique and beautiful creatures # x27 ; hunt... Interesting body markings and colors actually help them easily blend into their surroundings they. Move more upland in the state may be trying to access this site from a secured browser on established. You may be trying to access this site from a secured browser the! Sun before birthing or prairies for additional information of factory construction for manufacturers steel... And Mount Union Overlook it a try follow a blue-blazed trail east 0.3 miles ) near Mount Union 0.3! Possible, immobilize the affected area and transport thesnakebite victimimmediately to the east end of the parking,. Aware of your surroundings a tick bite state forest lands specifically for this that. Usual in some states and populations leads to a view of the mining days to be quite large snakes are...
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