Were built in 1930's for a mine/quarry at the top. The hike covers approximately 850 feet of elevation change over the course of 0.5 miles. About the Author: Aura has a B.S. Venomous: Yes. 0000008240 00000 n For the most part, Timber Rattlesnakes prefer to live in upland forests, or some type of rugged terrain. There is really no bad time of year to hike the 1000 Steps in Huntingdon County. Low 43F. Often, these snakes can be found in dense woodlands that have rocky outcroppings. Never pick up a rattlesnake, even one that appears to be dead. Follow John and Justin as they explore Venango County for Timber Rattlesnakes during the Pennsylvania Timber Rattlesnake Season. 0000032081 00000 n Somewhat differently than other vipers, the Timber Rattlesnakes head is normally a yellow, tan, or gray color. TheStone Mountain Hawk Watchisa scenic overlook in theRothrock State Forestused to monitor the fall hawk migration. 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. Thank you! Remain calm and reassure the snakebite victim. While this may not be "tall" in the realm of Colorado 14ers and the like, it is quite tall for Pennsylvania. If you arent experienced in this type of winter hiking, I WOULD NOT recommend that you try this at all, regardless of equipment. Two timber . There are also YouTube videos of the hike. 0000001452 00000 n Remain calm and reassure the snakebite victim. An The 1,000 Steps is a great way to kill some hours on a nice day . 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. %PDF-1.5 % From the top of the 1000 Steps, follow a blue-blazed trail east 0.3 miles to the Mount Union Overlook. DCNR Bureau of Forestry at 717-787-3444. This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in the United States. Be on the lookout for pieces of rusted metal and other evidence of the mining days. Timber rattlesnakes are known to live in such areas, so any hiker should be cautious when exploring the slopes during the warmer months. 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. The snakes move from basking area to basking area in a circular pattern throughout their active season. From jazz concerts and North), or follow a blue-blazed trail to the east (leads to a view of Mount Union in 0.3 miles). 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. Currently, these snakes are in 50 out of 67 of Pennsylvanias counties. 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. Beautiful views! 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. 0000002893 00000 n 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. The 1000 Steps along the Standing Stone Trail is one of the most famous hikes in Huntingdon County! Don't Threaten. OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. Intense Hike with Views that words cannot describe. High 59F. Cloudy-eyed snakes are shedding and cannot see well. Other vehicles will probably be parked there if it is a nice day. On warmer days, hikers have a good chance of spotting a fence lizard. Thus, rattlesnakes in Michaux State Forest are protected and cannot be taken, even with a venomous snake permit. Diamante Adventure Park - Ocean View Zip Line, Shuttle Bus from Guatemala City to Antigua, World Famous - St Augustine Nights of Lights - Water Tour, Pranburi Forest Park and Khao Daeng Join Tour from Hua Hin, Guachimontones Pyramids Tours From: Guadalajara, Trang An - Hoa Lu - Mua Cave 1 Day - Small Group Tour, Old Delhi Evening Classical Kathak Dance with Dinner. The Mapleton Overlook offers an expansive view out over Mapleton, the Juniata River, and Routes 22 and 655. Turn right onto a blue-blazed trail that will take you to the top of the old incline. racist or sexually-oriented language. Timber Rattlesnake in Pennsylvanias State Forests Brochure (PDF) for additional information. 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. If an extractor is not available, apply direct pressure to the bite using a 4x4 gauze pad folded in half twice. Chance of rain 60%. Get late-breaking news soon after it happens. 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. These snakes can also be found in Canada, mainly around southern Ontario. 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. Hikers should take a short blue-blazed trail that leads away from Rte. Parking can be found at a wide spot along the north side of the highway just after you pass the second rock barrier. Love Pennsylvania? Rusty Glessner is a professional photographer, lifelong Pennsylvanian, and creator of the PA Bucket List travel blog. PA Hiking/Biking Trails Hiking the 1000 Steps in Huntingdon County By Rusty Glessner - The 1000 Steps Trailhead in Huntingdon County. The Eastern Massasauga Rattlesnake can be found in many eastern states in the US, including New York and Pennsylvania. The trailhead for this hike is located along route US22, just west of the town of Mount Union. Follow along as I share with you all the info youll need to find and explore the 1000 Steps in Huntingdon County! The 13 Best Scenic Overlooks in Huntingdon County will introduce you to even more excellent scenic vistas in the area. There are only two main rattlesnake species in all of Pennsylvania: the Timber Rattlesnake and the Eastern Massasauga Rattlesnake. 4:41. So, before birth (and before fall really sets in), these females can be found basking in the sun in dry, vegetated areas. 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. Juvenile Eastern Massasauga Rattlesnakes can be recognized by their small nature, as they will only be about nine inches. 0000000956 00000 n 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. Individual Timber Rattlesnake Hunter and Rattlesnake Possession Permit is required for hunting or possessing timber rattlesnakes. trailer <]>> startxref 0 %%EOF 23 0 obj<>stream Spring means the return of wildlife. The steps start off easy. While they cannot successfully prey upon large cottontail rabbits, juvenile rattlesnakes will instead focus on shrews and deer mice. Never attempt to pick up a snake, even if it appears to be dead. Thus the Thousand Steps were formed. What restaurants are near Thousand Steps Trail? Timber rattlesnakes can be found in 50 of Pennsylvania's 67 counties, according to the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission. To the east, Little Incline and Mount Union stand out even more with snow highlighting the contours in the terrain. If possible, immobilize the affected area and transport thesnakebite victimimmediately to the nearest medical facility. Came early by design on a warm day. ReptileJam.com also participates in other affiliate programs and may be compensated for referring traffic and business to these companies. Please log in, or sign up for a new account and purchase a subscription to continue reading. First please note the 1,000 Steps is almost 50 miles from Mifflintown, PA! California is home to nearly 50 native snake species, including 7 species of rattlesnake. 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. The dinkey shed had a mechanics pit (now filled in) where the trains could be serviced from underneath. 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. Rate Price Duration; Daily Pass: $3.00 for 1 day 1 Month: $24.00 for 31 days Wear boots that at least cover the ankles and look for rattlesnakes before you sit down or reach under logs and brush. This is a steep climb. To the west, Mapleton takes on the look of an Alpine village. Other vehicles will probably be parked there if it is a nice day. After several more vistas and what will seem like about 5000 steps, you will reach the top of the trail. For more information abouttimber rattlesnake habitatmanagement, contact the 96% of travelers recommend this experience. There are 21 species of snakes found in Pennsylvania and three of them timber rattlesnakes, copperhead and the eastern massasauga are venomous. Fish and Boat Commission for removal. Kristin Hankey of Rural Valley tagged along with her dad in Elk County . 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. Throughout this 9-mile roundtrip, reminders of the former quarry operation on the mountain will . 22 The guys find several rattlesnakes including two box turtles! Cloudy-eyed snakes are shedding and cannot see well. 0000003510 00000 n We hope that you enjoy our free content. There are "a thousand" steps but actually more in the entire trail. Like many other rattlesnakes, Eastern Massasauga Rattlesnakes prefer to eat small mammals, mainly rodents such as mice and voles. Could Pennsylvanians soon develop allergies to red meatall because of a tick bite? Timber Rattlesnakes will also hunt and eat garter snakes. 0000003317 00000 n They may be more likely to defend themselves. Along the way to the Mount Union Overlook, youll pass many excellent views. The reasons for its fame are many the challenging nature of the hike, the ease with which you can get to the trail head, and the incredible views from the top of the steps. To seethe full results of thePennsylvania Amphibian and Reptile Survey, read the full PennLive report here. Damage to basking or denning habitat is illegal. These secretive reptiles are frequently misunderstood and feared, even though they are important links in the food chain. 0000001236 00000 n Once they become fully mature snakes, theyll switch to choosing to eat small mammals above all else. person will not be tolerated. There are 121 state parks throughout the state of Pennsylvania, giving these rattlesnakes a lot of land to find their preferred habitat. Better to practice on less challenging, more forgiving terrain first. The truly ambitious can hike for days from the Steps! After that it's go time, lol. 22 to the first of the 1036 stone steps. Deaf and hard-of-hearing students learn new moves in dance workshop. DCNR actively conserves timber rattlers and their habitat throughout the commonwealth, helping combat a major decline in rattlesnake populations due to direct killing, poaching, and mortality linked to development. Copyright 2023 Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. 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. Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19123. Share with Us. This number is based on the percentage of all Tripadvisor reviews for this product that have a bubble rating of 4 or higher. Keep reading to learn more about the two most common types of rattlesnakes in Pennsylvania! 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! Fish and Boat Commission to benefit this reptile on state forest lands. Please avoid obscene, vulgar, lewd, However, the Eastern Massasauga Rattlesnakes population in PA has dwindled quite a lot in the last 20 or so years. The small rails, only a few inches tall, zigzagged back and forth through a series of switchbacks. 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 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! Get Directions Visit Website Places nearby within 25 miles Displaying 0 locations See more More adventures in The Alleghenies You also need to purchase antivenin, which is a medication for rattlesnake bites. PLEASE TURN OFF YOUR CAPS LOCK. Hikers should take a short blue-blazed trail that leads away from Rte. Sorry, no promotional deals were found matching that code. 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. Thus, rattlesnakes in Michaux State Forest are protected and cannot be taken, even with a venomous snake permit. The Not sure why it is listed as Mifflintown, Juniata County (?). DCNR created the brochures Timber Rattlesnakes in Pennsylvanias State Forests and Timber Rattlesnake Conservation Strategy for Pennsylvania State Forest Lands specifically for this purpose. 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. 100% of travelers recommend this experience. Hey, I'm Robert, and I have a true passion for reptiles that began when I was just 10 years old. Be Nice. It's a little awkward because you're walking right beside Route 22 (William Penn Hwy). The much-maligned rattlesnake generally exhibits a docile nature but still must be respected. 34 RATTLESNAKES AND THE BIGGEST DEN WE EVER FOUND Pittsburgh Boys Go Snake Hunting 2021 Pennsylvania Leatherwood Outdoors 211K subscribers Subscribe 249K views 1 year ago #Pittsburgh #Venomous. Venomous: Yes. If you haven't already seen timber rattlesnakes during your exploration of PA, you should soon. A Timber Rattlesnakes diet mainly consists of small mammals. Timber Rattlesnake Conservation Strategy for Pennsylvania State Forest Lands (PDF) explains how DCNR is working with the Pa. 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. Timber rattlesnakes may not be collected (even with a valid timber rattlesnake collection permit) in the 28 natural areas on state forest land listed below: Be aware. Don't miss the abandoned building at the very top. However, these specific snakes are actually quite tame and are considered to be incredibly mild-mannered, especially when compared with other rattlesnakes. 0000008817 00000 n O)~| 4!1~]{rAC50:. The Eastern Massasauga Rattlesnake is found throughout various states in the Eastern and Central parts of the United States. Although it is unlikely that you will spot a wood rat, you could see a green, 5 to 6-inch-long fence lizard, which also lives on this mountainside. However, you will have the opportunity to view an unusual species, table-mountain pine, which only grows on dry mountaintops. The 1000 Steps near Mount Union in Huntingdon County. This was a hot and humid day; remember to pack some water! Threats of harming another This number is based on the percentage of all Tripadvisor reviews for this product that have a bubble rating of 4 or higher. Please help us conserve timber rattlesnakes by tolerating and respecting these unique and beautiful creatures. Apparently they used sand from the mountain to make bricks here during the 30's and 40's. Assistant DA warns of trafficking in Blair Co. Hauntingly good time had at Ghost History Night, Pa. forest landowners want to use controlled fire in management, Bellwood man arrested for assault, harassment. 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 72-mile trail, laid out in 1978-1982, was originally called the Link Trail because it links the Tuscarora Trail to the Mid State Trail. It is not the coordinates for thousand steps trail. 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. Many of these rattlesnakes also used to be found throughout many parts of Iowa, though it appears their numbers have definitely dwindled over time. On this site we share what we know and learn about reptiles to help you give your reptile the love and care it deserves. 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. Soak the pad in Betadine and tape it in place. Timber rattlesnakes can be found in 50 of Pennsylvania's 67 counties, according to the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission. Table-mountain pine is only found on dry mountain tops in Pennsylvania. Davis was at a private camp near. The Eastern Massasauga Rattlesnake actually changes their preferred habitat depending on the season theyre in. 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. This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Finding a vet that specializes in wild-caught rattlesnakes, and is willing to do so, is another hurdle. 0000001372 00000 n For example, their head is broad, flat, and triangular-shaped just like many other North American vipers. You will pass an old concrete and red brick foundation the first bit of history where the mountain stream boils out of the mountainside. Instead of having a fully mature rattle, young snakes will also only have a yellow-tipped tail that looks like it has a button. All this was filmed in 2020. Dine At The Historic Spot In Pennsylvania Thats Been A Local Favorite Since 1681, The Susquehanna Riverlands Is The Newest State Park In Pennsylvania And Its Incredible, Get Away From It All With A Stay In These Incredible Pennsylvania Houseboats, Hersheys Chocolate Was Invented At This Candy Company In Pennsylvania In The 1800s, Youll Want To Steer Clear Of The 6 Most Dangerous Animals Found In Pennsylvania, An Onslaught Of Lanternflies Is Taking Over Pennsylvania And Heres What You Need To Know, An Increase In Black Bear Sightings In Pennsylvania Lead Experts To Believe More People Are Home To See Them, 14 Terrifying Things In Pennsylvania That Can (And Just Might) Kill You. A rail from the old train tracks marks the front edge of the Mapleton Overlook, a nod to its past. Contacting TripAdvisor to correct the first bit of information is impossible thats why I mentioned it here. And there is certainly a sense of accomplishment in completing such a physically demanding hike. These reviews are the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Scientific Name: Crotalus horridus. If you continue to use our website, we will assume that you are happy to receive all cookies (and milk!) The date for opening is set at January 5th and it wil Sign up for our "Happy Thoughts" newsletter. The SEastern and extreme SWestern parts of the state are Rattlesnake free zones. There are only two kinds of rattlesnakes in Pennsylvania, but that doesnt mean rattlesnakes are rare in the state. Winds light and variable. 0000007544 00000 n The views at the top are really nice! She also volunteers with Project Owlnet where she bands saw-whet owls at the Kings Gap State Park banding station. Exploring Rainbow Falls at Trough Creek State Park will show you how to find what is arguably the prettiest waterfall in Huntingdon County. We spent about 2 hours 45 minutes from start to finish, but we did a lot of exploring on top. Jacks Mountain in Pennsylvania, home of the 1,000 Steps Trail, stands tall at 2,321 feet. Hiking the 1,000 Steps Trail in Pennsylvania. So that men who worked in the Ledge Quarry at the top of the mountain could get to and from their jobsite every day. The dinkey was later replaced by an incline. No racism, sexism or any sort of -ism 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. The advanced tools of the editor will lead you through the editable PDF template. Mark Nale is a member of the Pennsylvania Outdoor Writers Association and can be reached at MarkAngler@aol.com. While these markings can be rounded towards their head, they normally turn into v-shaped markings on the rest of their body. Tripadvisor checks reviews for fraud. Due to safety rules, miners were not allowed to ride the dinkey train or rail cars to and from the quarry. Many workers at the brick factories and quarries lived in Mapleton, and even today trains pass through, although they are no longer carrying ganister. The 1000 Steps and Standing Stone Trail are maintained by the Standing Stone Trail Club. However, everything changes for them in the summer, as they prefer to live in drier habitats. Keystone State. However, they actually arent considered to be one of the more aggressive snakes. Thank you for signing in! Size. We rank these restaurants and attractions by balancing reviews from our members with how close they are to this location. It is a historical, challenging trail so be prepared for the physical demands. 0000047064 00000 n visitPA.comis the official tourism website of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development, Josh Shapiro, Governor While they prefer to eat small mammals, as theyre normally easier to hunt, these snakes will also feed off of birds (mainly bobwhites and passerines) and frogs. The massasauga are only found in Venango,. It also gives you a chance to explore the local flora and fauna. More: Could Pennsylvanians soon develop allergies to red meatall because of a tick bite? 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.