View Full Version : Copperhead!
I was hiking into Pearisburg this morning finishing my Daleville-Pearisburg section and I missed putting my boot down on a copperhead by just a few inches.
It happenned very fast - I was in the process of putting down my boot when I saw the snake coil up and rear back fixing to strike. Why it didn't bite me I'll never know. I planted my boot right beside the snake - probably 2-3 inches at most.
Scared the crap out of me.
A miss is as good as a mile! But that miss can create a lasting memory.
Copperheads can be very difficult to see in the forest.
Skidsteer
08-27-2008, 19:22
Good thing it wasn't a rattlesnake...Glad you're OK 10K
Tipi Walter
08-27-2008, 19:23
It's good to see other people having the crap scared out of them by a copperhead. On my last backpacking trip up Slickrock Creek I too nearly stepped on one of my trail buddies--a festive copperhead in full regalia, etc. Heart rate went up a couple of hundred ticks, I settled down and hung out with her for a bit and she sure was looking good. Finally, I pounded my boots on the ground a couple of times and she took off to her home in the rocks.
It's good to see other people having the crap scared out of them by a copperhead. On my last backpacking trip up Slickrock Creek I too nearly stepped on one of my trail buddies--a festive copperhead in full regalia, etc. Heart rate went up a couple of hundred ticks, I settled down and hung out with her for a bit and she sure was looking good. Finally, I pounded my boots on the ground a couple of times and she took off to her home in the rocks.
Nice photo of your little trail buddy, I always want to know how long snakes are. So how long is the snake in your photo?
Funny thing - when I was leaving Daleville I missed a black snake by a foot or so but I saw it before I came up on it so I wasn't surprised and just kept going - black snakes don't have the same thrill factor as a copperhead. ;-)
A mile or so later it dawned on me that I should have got a picture of the copperhead.
But, I'm glad I didn't have to limp the last 10 miles into Pearisburg and go to the ER...
Tipi Walter
08-27-2008, 21:25
Nice photo of your little trail buddy, I always want to know how long snakes are. So how long is the snake in your photo?
Stretched out, I'd say about 4 feet.
Tipi Walter
08-27-2008, 21:31
Funny thing - when I was leaving Daleville I missed a black snake by a foot or so but I saw it before I came up on it so I wasn't surprised and just kept going - black snakes don't have the same thrill factor as a copperhead. ;-)
A mile or so later it dawned on me that I should have got a picture.
But, I'm glad I didn't have to limp the last 10 miles into Pearisburg and go to the ER...
The big thrill factor comes when you stumble up on a full-bore rattlesnake in a combative mood. A totally different reptile than the copperhead. Although I have to say, I've seen some rattlers all mellow and meek, but I've never seen a copperhead as aggressive as a hot and bothered rattlesnake.
I, too, had an occasion to do the "AT Two Step" when I just missed stepping on this guy north of Pearisburg. He was mellow and didn't rattle. Measured about 3.5 ft long.
Rain Man
08-27-2008, 22:53
Why it didn't bite me I'll never know. I planted my boot right beside the snake - probably 2-3 inches at most.
It didn't bite because snakes are pretty docile creatures. You didn't step on it, and you are way too big to be a meal, so why waste the precious venom? Takes snakes a ton of resources for a snake to produce venom. They are not inclined to waste it.
I know a snake Ph.D. at a local university who puts his boot against rattle snakes just to prove to students that snakes don't strike unless provoked. They are actually pretty docile creatures.
Rain:sunMan
.
Jim Adams
08-27-2008, 23:37
rattlesnakes are usually very docile compared to copperheads. copperheads can be real nasty at times.
geek
Skidsteer
08-27-2008, 23:41
rattlesnakes are usually very docile compared to copperheads. copperheads can be real nasty at times.
geek
Just in Spring from what I've seen. Otherwise I'd much rather step over a copperhead than a rattlesnake.
Truth is we probably set our feet down next to them all the time without even knowing it.
Jim Adams
08-27-2008, 23:54
Just in Spring from what I've seen. Otherwise I'd much rather step over a copperhead than a rattlesnake.
Truth is we probably set our feet down next to them all the time without even knowing it.
VERY TRUE SKIDS!
I hate snakes and although I haven't had any close calls with being bitten I often wonder how many I've walked past and not known. Saw tons of them on the PCT.
geek
sasquatch2014
08-28-2008, 09:23
I never hear anyone talk about Water Moccasins on the trail is this because the trail is up to high and they prefer the lower coastal areas? I just know you all have them down south and all we have up north is your common variety water snake.
Tipi Walter
08-28-2008, 09:30
I never hear anyone talk about Water Moccasins on the trail is this because the trail is up to high and they prefer the lower coastal areas? I just know you all have them down south and all we have up north is your common variety water snake.
Despite recent history, we still have cold enough winters to probably discourage the old cottonmouths. On the other hand, if our winters get any warmer, it wouldn't surprise me to see cobras and black mambas enter our area ha ha ha. Just kidding. At least the rattlesnakes rattle out a warning. Cobras and mambas are very fast moving snakes and seem to actually go for you at a run like a dog.
I never hear anyone talk about Water Moccasins on the trail is this because the trail is up to high and they prefer the lower coastal areas?
Yes, there are no Water Moccasins along the AT, although you will always have someone insist that there are. Check the range maps in any good reptile field guide.
Alligator
08-28-2008, 09:56
I've come close to stepping on both a copperhead and a rattlesnake. I'd have to say I prefer it to be a rattlesnake, for the audible warning.
I've almost stepped on a black snake too, it got me moving just as fast:eek:. Jump back first, identify later:D.
Cookerhiker
08-28-2008, 10:18
Amazingly having hiked all of the AT and scores of day hikes and other backpacking trips, I haven't seen a rattler in the East for nearly 40 years. On a day hike in Ramsay's Draft Wilderness (VA) about 10 years ago, I heard one rattling under a boulder but never saw it.
Once while hiking early Spring in Shenandoah NP, I encountered a very lethargic copperhead who wouldn't budge off the middle of the trail. I wrapped him around a long stick and eased him off. The other copperhead was in PA very close to Wind Gap in late September - a beautiful, brilliant copper color. He disappeared under a rock, causing me to marvel how such a small, innocuous-looking rock could hide a snake and proving how risky it is to overturn rocks with your hand.
Valentine
08-28-2008, 11:03
Timber Rattler, Black Bear, Tree full of wild turkeys, Doe and a lost dog all in one 6 day trip.
The Rattler was quite docile sunning itself on a ledge. Good thing I saw it before my dog.
wrongway_08
08-28-2008, 12:12
Cought a copperhead on my thru-hike, they get pretty nasty, quick tempered snakes.
Cought a few rattlers on my thru hike, rattlers have always been low tempered, the young ones sometimes get nippy but the older ones are just interested in being left alone.
Water Mocasins are in GA, but not found the A.T. for the most part - there is a chance but a slim one.
Anyways, dont loose any sleep over them, or the bears..... they are not going to bother you and could care less that your out there.
Many Walks
08-28-2008, 12:17
In Georgia I went to hang a clothesline at camp, leaves were on the ground, walked by some shrubs/rocks and a copperhead struck at me just as I raised my foot. He hit my croc and took off. He blended in so well I didn't even see him and apparently got too close for comfort. In PA I was rock hopping mainly looking for sunning rattlers and stepped over a copperhead. My wife (Promise Keeper) found it easier to walk between the rocks and as she put her foot down she registered a distinct pattern in the leaves. She stopped, pulled her foot back and got a huge adrenalin rush. I must have alerted it as I passed over as it's head was up and ready to strike. She was only a few inches away before going in reverse...lucky as she was about to step directly on it. Wouldn't be a good day. Copperheads blend in so well with the leaves they are definitely something to keep a watchful eye for. Also came across a fat 5' rattler on the trail in PA, but he was pretty easy going. A fascinating creature.
Jack Tarlin
08-28-2008, 14:58
Interesting comments. I especially liked Rain Man's. Snakes generally are indeed docile creatures. The vast majority of folks who get treated for poisonous snakebite in this country are bitten on the hand or fingers, i.e they're being stupid, they're teasing the snake, trying to pick it up, trying to get a good photo op, they're doing some "Crocodile Hunter" thing, etc. But if you don't have your head up your ass, and if you leave THEM alone, they will in all likelihood grant you the same courtesy.
Saw three copperheads lounging between two rocks at Pulpit Rock last week. That is the first time I have seen a group all together. I was always told if you see one there will most likely be another nearby.
The largest rattlesnake I have ever seen never rattled, just coiled about itself left & right & front then waited for me to leave. It had just eaten something the size of a football. That was Sinking Creek Mtn.
ALL snakes make me jump. Adds a pep to the step for a couple of miles...
adventurousmtnlvr
09-03-2008, 15:14
rattlesnakes are usually very docile compared to copperheads. copperheads can be real nasty at times.
geek
I totally agree. At my previous house I had a wood pile (off the ground and covered in moth balls) but it seems it was built on top of a "family" of copperheads .. which I found all over after a while .. in my garden, under my house, under my car etc. The babies are more venomous as they haven't learned to control the venom yet and try telling them they can't regroup their venom fast enough, lol. I was merely working in my garden and turned over where it was laying. That one didn't try to bite me so I just walked away but the family under the wood pile another story. Very protective parents (understandably so I might add), but what a surprise in the snow just getting wood for a fire. I didn't think (even in upper TN in late Fall) they were out that late. Had a light snow (but then it could be 60 the next day ... weird weather). So I called an environmentalist who came out (even though not their job, lol) and removed the ones from the wood pile. I moved that wood pile to a new location for the next year.
But in my current yard next to a field I have many types now too; mostly just rat snakes and black snakes. Nothing like walking into the storage building to get the mower out and one is dangling overhead, lol.
I stepped over a big, fat 3.5' copperhead yesterday morning while wearing flip flops. :eek: Not a good way to start the day.
skanky yankee
05-30-2010, 17:57
I'd never seen a milk snake before and jumped a foot in the air as I nearly stepped on one stretched out full length on the sunny rocks of Eastman's Ledges on 5/27/10. I took some pictures & showed some other hikers; they made the common mistake of identifying it as a copperhead (NH is north of the range of the copperhead). A little internet research at home revealed the error. Good to know my reflexes are in working order but I regret spreading disinformation. So to all who may've heard the rumor: NO COPPERHEADS IN NH! or at least Lyme...
Great White
05-30-2010, 18:29
I stepped on a Pygmy Rattlesnake a couple of years ago. It was lying across the trail and I was careless and did not see it. My foot landed on what would best be described as it's neck. It tried to bring the head up backwards to bite my leg, but it was unable to get the mouth around. It did make contact with my leg and it felt like two quick slaps to the calf. I jumped a mile when it happened. The snake wanted to bite me, but it felt like someone slapping me for being rude. I can imagine the thoughts going through the snake's head, “Get off me!, you jerk!”.
I did stick around and observe the snake. Neat creature, it has a rattle so small that it sounds like a bug buzzing.
Sierra Echo
05-30-2010, 19:09
I am totally jealous of yall's snake sightings! All I ever see in the wild are big black snakes. And I see more of those on my mail route then anywhere else!
Daydream Believer
05-30-2010, 21:50
I ran into this big old black rat snake a few days ago just South of Winding Stair Gap. I've never seen a snake go right up a tree like this so I was quite impressed. We are not sure what it is...but that seems the most likely species. He was nearly 5 feet long.
He was blocking the trail and I managed to annoy him enough to get him to leave. His idea was to go up the tree right beside the trail and I had to pass under him at one point. It was too steep to go around easily.
http://i97.photobucket.com/albums/l215/ssluss/Appalachian%20Trail%20pic/P5280066.jpg
http://i97.photobucket.com/albums/l215/ssluss/Appalachian%20Trail%20pic/P5280067.jpg
crazyonelost
05-30-2010, 22:14
Man, Just got home from taking in a 12 yr old girl that was bitten by a copperhead about an hour ago. Since she was a small child,we went ahead and lifeflighted her to children in Pitts. Hope things work out for her.
Talk about something ironic happening and seen it posted in a matter of an hour. WOW.
Sierra Echo
05-30-2010, 22:30
I ran into this big old black rat snake a few days ago just South of Winding Stair Gap. I've never seen a snake go right up a tree like this so I was quite impressed. We are not sure what it is...but that seems the most likely species. He was nearly 5 feet long.
He was blocking the trail and I managed to annoy him enough to get him to leave. His idea was to go up the tree right beside the trail and I had to pass under him at one point. It was too steep to go around easily.
http://i97.photobucket.com/albums/l215/ssluss/Appalachian%20Trail%20pic/P5280066.jpg
http://i97.photobucket.com/albums/l215/ssluss/Appalachian%20Trail%20pic/P5280067.jpg
Now thats cool!
gunner76
05-30-2010, 23:30
Found this 4 foot long Corn Snake on my front steps a couple of days ago. Had another one several years ago curled up under a planter on the same porch. Beautiful snake.
In the 16 years I live in my house I have found pleanty of snakes (Black, Hog Nose, Water Snakes, Corn Snakes ect) in the yard but have never a dangerous one like a Copperhead ect. Of course all and I mean all my neighbors swear every snake in the area is a Copperhead and they kill every one.
Many years ago when we first moved here my wife asked a neighbor over to relocate a snake she found by the back door. Neighbor killed it because it was a "poisonous snake". When I got home my wife told me what happened and I pulled the dead snake out of the trash and found the neigbor killed a harmless black snake. Wife has learned not to be afraid of snakes, she respects them and leaves them alone and we have a resident 6+ ft Black snake in the yard and if the wife does not see it every month or so she starts to worry.
When I live in Banner Elk NC in the 70's and we did alot of hiking in the area, we knew when Rattlesnakes were about as we could usally smell them as they had a musty odor. Every time we smelled that musty smell we started looking and within a minute or two we always found the snake.
earlyriser26
05-31-2010, 00:38
I have never seen a rattlesnake on the AT. But I have lots of the copperheads. The first one I saw was mistaken for a rattle snake since it coiled up to strike. I did not know the coppperheads did that.
medicjimr
05-31-2010, 01:13
Copperhead bites are only ones that I have heard about around here and both cases I heard about wasn't someone miss handling one was a child ran to edge of yard to grab his ball got nailed and the other was a gut walking along a creek bank and got nailed they lived but still don't want to experience it.
We found a dead Cottonmouth at the mouth of Hazel creek when I was 13. My dad told us to stay away from it but as soon as he turned his back we got sticks and opened the mouth to see the fangs. Boys will be boys I guess but I do remember those fangs being very impressive. I don't recall how long it was but it was not a baby, probably 4' or so and a very think body as I recall.
sasquatch2014
05-31-2010, 08:26
I too had the experience of having the great heart rate jump of a quick glance down as my foot almost stepped on what i thought was a Copperhead to only upon closer inspection find to be a Milk Snake. I was doing a bunch of work in the basement going in and out and it decided to come in.http://whiteblaze.net/forum/vbg/files/1/3/7/5/0/img_9824_thumb.jpg (http://whiteblaze.net/forum/vbg/showimage.php?i=28836&c=searchresults&searchid=31761)
I know that we do have both Rattlesnakes and Copperheads around here. the only one that I have seen was off the trail near the corridor bounds and I was going up a rocky slope and there it was a copperhead out sunning itself. It was about 2 1/2-3ft or so and just slid off and quickly disappeared under some dead leaves and shrubs. How well it was hidden had me watching my step more closely the rest of that trip.
From what I have heard the copperheads seem to be the more aggressive of the two species and will strike more often. Maybe this is because the don't have the rattle but I think that they will sometimes vibrate their tail when annoyed on the leaves if there are any and that can make a rattle sound. I hope to see more of them on my terms and just hope the times I have my pooch out that he doesn't find one. That can be a costly lesson. I know there is at least one den in the area that I know about so I am sure there are more around.
Mrs Baggins
05-31-2010, 09:26
Hubby, son and a friend and I were day hiking on the AT in the Michaux Forest in PA. Son and I heard the rattle at the same time and stopped dead. The rattler was on the side of the trail, coiled and not about to move. We tried tossing small rocks at him to get him to move away but instead he uncoiled and started crawling right at us. We kept tossing the rocks and he finally got the hint and turned away off the trail. Another time, up on Cat Rock, there was a big rattler curled up just below us on the rocks in the warmth of the day. Group of boy scouts were there and were pretty fascinated by it!
On Wednesday 5-26 between Cold Springs Gap & the Blue Mountain shelter, there is a long very rocky incline. As I was going up I was thinking that this is prime snake territory.
Sure enough, I’m going along looking only about 2 steps ahead at time, when not 2 feet in front of my I see a small Rattle :eek: (4/5 buds).
I froze! As I looked at the snake attached to that rattle, I see my left trekking pole about 2 inches from him up near the head. Nether one of us moved for what seemed like 10 minuets. It was probably only 20 or 30 sec’s. Then he slowly turned his head toward me sniffed the air with his tongue, and after another 20 or 30 sec’s slowly slipped over the edge of the trail. As soon as I thought, it was safe I took about 3 steps covering at least 10 yards ;) and it was over.
That scared the **** out of me.
Tipi Walter
05-31-2010, 10:41
On my very last trip(May 7-15), I was going thru the Bald River wilderness in TN and nearly stepped on this snake stretched out on the trail.
It's a copperhead-wannabe, a banded water snake, as far as I can tell. But my initial reaction was "Copperhead!!" The main question I have is this: When you see a poisonous snake in the wild(like on a backpacking trip), do you kill it? I won't have anything to do with people who kill snakes. Hopefully they will be bitten by the relatives of the snakes they kill.
The though of killing my Rattler never crossed my mind.
I feel as though I am a guest in there yard.
The only thing I did think about was how I would try
to deflect a strike, if I though one was eminent. Other
than that, I was willing to wait it out.
On my very last trip(May 7-15), I was going thru the Bald River wilderness in TN and nearly stepped on this snake stretched out on the trail.
It's a copperhead-wannabe, a banded water snake, as far as I can tell. But my initial reaction was "Copperhead!!" The main question I have is this: When you see a poisonous snake in the wild(like on a backpacking trip), do you kill it? I won't have anything to do with people who kill snakes. Hopefully they will be bitten by the relatives of the snakes they kill.
Wow, all we gotta do is kill a snake to be rid of you. Who knew it would be so easy?
Click on timber rattlesnake (http://www.dcnr.state.pa.us/forestry/wildlife/rattlesnakes.aspx) and copperhead (http://www.fish.state.pa.us/copprhe.htm) to learn about these interesting creatures. Both are protected species in Pennsylvania where it's unlawful to hunt, take, catch or kill them without a permit.
I saw two yellow-phase timber rattlesnakes basking on SGL 110 yesterday. Our group walked within 6 feet of them. Most had never seen a timber rattlesnake before. If they were aware of our presence, they showed no indication whatsoever.
We saw a different Pennsylvania species of concern later and had a suprising number of other good sightings despite our group's size. Ours was perhaps an ideal opportunity to discuss timber rattlesnakes, how to best handle encounters, what can happen, what only rarely happens and why. Some were later heard wishing out loud to see a bear.
gunner76
05-31-2010, 11:56
One time a friend and me were rock climbing on a short cliff to test some new climbing gear we had gotten. My friend was on top belay while I was climbing. I was about half way up the cliff when he yelled out asking if I was someplace I could stop at, I yelled back yes. I then heard alot of of cussing and load noise and he then said I could start climbing again. When I got to top I asked what happen and he said a rattlesnake had crawled up to him and he managed to scare it off by throwing rocks at it.
Mrs Baggins
05-31-2010, 18:47
We used to live in Fountain Hills AZ, up east of Scottsdale. Rattlers in our yards, pools, and on our front porches were just regular features - - but that didn't make them welcome. I was walking out the front door one day to take my kids to school and heard the rattle before I saw the snake, stretched out across the threshold. I slammed the door shut (there was no back door in this condo) and called 911. They told me to call the local fire department, who did come and they removed the snake. It was supposedly against the law to kill them but we knew of many many people who found them in their yards, pools, parking spaces, front porches, and killed the asap. They had small children and beloved pets to defend and I don't blame them in the least. Had I not been so freaking terrified to find that big bugger on my front door step I'd have whacked him. Kids and family safety and pets come first - - period. Yammer away about the snakes "rights" and blah blah blah, but if it's him or my kids, he goes.
That's a good way to provoke a venomous snake into defending itself and promote confrontation we ought to encourage people to avoid. In other words, it's a recipe for someone without training to get bit, a great example to set for one's children and how to perpetuate that kind of thinking while increasing one's health insurance premiums.
All snakes and all venomous snakes are not the same species. People who fear them are not likely to ever learn one from another.
I agree with Emerald. I have walked over two copperheads hiking and one cane brake. Calm and lucky for me. Hiker behind me saw them. No one in Missouri has ever died froma copperhead bite. Everyone I know that has been bitten by a snake has stepped ON them at twilight or night by accident while camping or doing yard stuff. Why I wear a headlamp at night to the potty when camping. It just pisses me off when people throw rocks at snakes. It is stupid and cruel. And why all the drunks in "snake ER" are bitten on the hand. Hey, watch this.
Tipi Walter
06-19-2010, 14:36
Just got back from a 16 day trip along the South Fork of the Citico. Found this little buddy by my tent. No big deal. It was a hot buggy trip. Anybody know of a good face net??
I have one from Sea to Summit.
Beautiful pic. I hope you were using a zoom!
modiyooch
06-20-2010, 19:34
I just got back from some beautiful waterfalls in NC. I didn't know that copperheads could swim. I saw a copperhead swimming with a trout in his mouth. He took it to shore and started swallowing it whole. Even though I hate snakes, it was fascinating to watch. No waterfall swimming for me.
Tipi Walter
06-20-2010, 19:38
I have one from Sea to Summit.
Thanks for the linkola. I just ordered two.
I just got back from some beautiful waterfalls in NC. I didn't know that copperheads could swim. I saw a copperhead swimming with a trout in his mouth. He took it to shore and started swallowing it whole. Even though I hate snakes, it was fascinating to watch. No waterfall swimming for me.
Positive it was a copperhead? Banded water snakes really favor the copperhead, especially when in the water.
Tipi Walter
06-20-2010, 19:54
Here are some comparison pics of the banded snake and the copperhead taken on Slickrock Creek recently. Water soaked and their look changes some. The first two are banded, third is your basic copperhead. The last two are . . . . Hey! Wait a minute! What are these two doing in here?
modiyooch
06-20-2010, 19:58
Thanks for the linkola. I just ordered two.
Positive it was a copperhead? Banded water snakes really favor the copperhead, especially when in the water.There seemed to be a very knowledgable group of locals that answered my questions. Plus, once I looked at it, it did look like a copperhead. It was at the HuntFish Waterfall in Pisgah National Forest on the MST.
SGT Rock
06-20-2010, 19:58
http://www.wkyt.com/home/headlines/96655204.html
Tipi Walter
06-21-2010, 00:01
There seemed to be a very knowledgable group of locals that answered my questions. Plus, once I looked at it, it did look like a copperhead. It was at the HuntFish Waterfall in Pisgah National Forest on the MST.
I did a trip recently in the HuntFish Falls area of Pisgah at a place called Upper Creek and saw two timber rattlers on the trail. Here's one of them. Scared the crap out of me.
modiyooch
06-21-2010, 11:17
The thing is, I was at, in and through Upper Creek prior to the Huntfish copperhead sighting. I DO NOT like snakes. I really enjoyed hiking in NC again, after spending the last few years in the NE; but I could do without the snakes. I like Maine because there are no poisonous snakes; therefore, I'm not overly concerned where I'm reaching and stepping.
One thing that I keep telling myself is that my neighbor got bit by a copperhead coming out their front door, so.....Hike On!
Tipi Walter
06-21-2010, 17:31
The thing is, I was at, in and through Upper Creek prior to the Huntfish copperhead sighting. I DO NOT like snakes. I really enjoyed hiking in NC again, after spending the last few years in the NE; but I could do without the snakes. I like Maine because there are no poisonous snakes; therefore, I'm not overly concerned where I'm reaching and stepping.
One thing that I keep telling myself is that my neighbor got bit by a copperhead coming out their front door, so.....Hike On!
There have been numerous sightings this year of the pit vipers, and maybe there is getting to be more of them out and about. It's getting to be where you can't take your mind off the trail for more than a second or two without risking a pit viper encounter. So, I just keep my beady eyes on the trail and my butthole clenched. Standard operating procedure.
BTW, did you cross the Upper on the Mountains to Sea trail? The old Greentown trail?
modiyooch
06-21-2010, 18:58
There have been numerous sightings this year of the pit vipers, and maybe there is getting to be more of them out and about. It's getting to be where you can't take your mind off the trail for more than a second or two without risking a pit viper encounter. So, I just keep my beady eyes on the trail and my butthole clenched. Standard operating procedure.
BTW, did you cross the Upper on the Mountains to Sea trail? The old Greentown trail?yes. It comes across 181 from Steel Creek Trail to the Greentown parking area and continues to Huntfish. I'm supporting my daughter. I hiked in 4 miles, returned, drove to the upper creek falls trail to knock around, and then drove to Harper Creek, Huntfish trailhead area to meet her. Cooked her a hot lunch, hiked to the Huntfish falls, returned, and then off again to the next forest road for camping. I liked the area and will return for further exploration.
Tipi Walter
06-21-2010, 19:26
yes. It comes across 181 from Steel Creek Trail to the Greentown parking area and continues to Huntfish. I'm supporting my daughter. I hiked in 4 miles, returned, drove to the upper creek falls trail to knock around, and then drove to Harper Creek, Huntfish trailhead area to meet her. Cooked her a hot lunch, hiked to the Huntfish falls, returned, and then off again to the next forest road for camping. I liked the area and will return for further exploration.
If you go back down to the Upper Creek crossing from 181, turn right on a faint trail and go downstream on the Upper to a crossing over to the left bank. Continue downstream and you'll reach a fine campsite with a 100 foot side waterfall off to the left. Now, here's the secret: Get off the trail and into Upper Creek and follow it downstream for about a quarter to half a mile. You will reach a fabulous gorge and rock canyon with big rocks, high cliffs and fast water. Stay in the canyon and go downstream and you'll reach a deep deep swimhole. Good luck.
modiyooch
06-21-2010, 20:20
If you go back down to the Upper Creek crossing from 181, turn right on a faint trail and go downstream on the Upper to a crossing over to the left bank. Continue downstream and you'll reach a fine campsite with a 100 foot side waterfall off to the left. Now, here's the secret: Get off the trail and into Upper Creek and follow it downstream for about a quarter to half a mile. You will reach a fabulous gorge and rock canyon with big rocks, high cliffs and fast water. Stay in the canyon and go downstream and you'll reach a deep deep swimhole. Good luck.
I figured there was more to the area. I remember 20 years ago, a friend would pull off the side of the road and we would hop the guard rail to view the falls. I think that it must have been before the trailheads were established because what we were observing wasn't that far from the road. Thanks for the secret! I live 50 miles from this trailhead. BTW, I already busted my butt climbing down Upper Creek to get to the lower fall trail.
Tipi Walter
06-22-2010, 01:16
I figured there was more to the area. I remember 20 years ago, a friend would pull off the side of the road and we would hop the guard rail to view the falls. I think that it must have been before the trailheads were established because what we were observing wasn't that far from the road. Thanks for the secret! I live 50 miles from this trailhead. BTW, I already busted my butt climbing down Upper Creek to get to the lower fall trail.
The higher Upper Falls is way upstream from the canyon gorge I'll talking about. I used to go in from 181 and/or the old forest road 197 and go upstream(or downstream from 181) to the Burnthouse campsite and then bushwack the river all the way up to the falls you're talking about right off the road over the guardrail. The canyon I'm talking about is about 3 or 4 miles downstream from the higher falls.
Gray Blazer
06-22-2010, 01:56
Here is one of the reasons I don't want to wade thru the swamps on the FT. Chief Duffy and I saw lots of them in the Rice Creek area by the Rice Creek Hilton.
http://whiteblaze.net/forum/vbg/files/6/2/1/7/627.jpg (http://www.whiteblaze.net/forum/vbg/showimage.php?i=32147&original=1&c=member&imageuser=6217)
Here is my most recent snake...a nice black rat in Tennessee, I am hoping I can post the pic
I should have responded to this thread....copperheads. Very nics pics by posters above on the copperheads and cottonmouths. But I hope folks will looks at all the snakes and learn the difference.
And I leaned how to post a pic which was hard for me to do. A black snake in a threat pose. I tappped its tail and got the pic. For non snakers, it moved away afterwards. Very slowly.
MuleDeer
06-25-2010, 00:23
Just did Stecoah gap - Cheoah bald today for a quick hike, a bit harder than i thought it would be x.x.... walking back relatively fast on a downhill stent i had a 4.5-5 foot timber rattler strike at me from off the side of the trail and then sit there and rattle at me until i was able to find a stick long enough to push him out of the way. I've delt with snakes a good bit, but not often do you get a strike before a rattle, i must have startled the hell out of him. (my girlfriend thought it was funny until she was watching TV tonight and someone was showing how dangerous rattler bites could be)
Dubai Gator
06-01-2011, 10:49
I was bitten by a copperhead last saturday while hiking on the Slaughter Gap Trail about 1/2 mile from the AT near Blood Mountain. It made for an exciting hike.
I was bitten by a copperhead last saturday while hiking on the Slaughter Gap Trail about 1/2 mile from the AT near Blood Mountain. It made for an exciting hike.
So what were the results?
Feral Bill
06-01-2011, 14:06
So what were the results?
Apparently not fatal:)
Dubai Gator
06-01-2011, 16:43
Per the doctor and Whit Gibbons, it was a dry bite. I only have two small red marks from the bite. I am not sure if I will change anything such as start wearing long pants and gaiters. I have hiked all over that area many times with no encounters.
WingedMonkey
06-01-2011, 16:48
I got a hickey from Big Foot in that same section.
Skidsteer
06-01-2011, 18:24
I am not sure if I will change anything such as start wearing long pants and gaiters. I have hiked all over that area many times with no encounters.
I'd probably start wearing Depends after a scare like that.
I'd probably start wearing Depends after a scare like that.
start...:D
Dubai Gator
06-01-2011, 19:49
I think I will!
Rain Man
06-01-2011, 20:29
Per the doctor and Whit Gibbons, it was a dry bite.
Yep. Venom is a VERY PRECIOUS resource to a snake. Needs it to eat and live. And it takes a lot of resources and time to produce. Snakes don't often waste it on things they can't swallow. Glad you're all right!
Rain:sunMan
.
Rainman and JT are the voices of reason and wisdom with regard to snakes!
I'm gimpy
06-03-2011, 17:11
There is nothing more amazing in nature to me than a snake. A animal with no legs that can not only move, but can move with lighting fast speed and presicion! I had a copperhead strike the bottom of my boot a few years ago when I stepped off my porch steps. Good thing he hadn't learned about the strength of thick rubber!
That's a good way to provoke a venomous snake into defending itself and promote confrontation we ought to encourage people to avoid. In other words, it's a recipe for someone without training to get bit, a great example to set for one's children and how to perpetuate that kind of thinking while increasing one's health insurance premiums.
All snakes and all venomous snakes are not the same species. People who fear them are not likely to ever learn one from another.
Great post!
They had small children and beloved pets to defend and I don't blame them in the least. Had I not been so freaking terrified to find that big bugger on my front door step I'd have whacked him. Kids and family safety and pets come first - - period. Yammer away about the snakes "rights" and blah blah blah, but if it's him or my kids, he goes. - Mrs Baggins
You don't have to take that persepective, IF YOU CHOOSE NOT TO. It does not have to be a I'm defending my turf and family issue. It DOES NOT have to be a either the snake dies or my family dies decision. You might consider other options, possibly exhibiting more respect and knowledge of the entire ecosystem/circle of life of which humanity is ONLY ONE PART! You might consider ALL snakes as benefitting humanity in ways that are you not yet acknowledging or aware of! You can choose life for the snake and life and security for you and your family by possibly taking a different persective/approach than killling all that you feel initially threatend by!
When it comes time to fight and take steps to defend yourself and family you'll know it. However, it might be best for all to not make knee jerk reactions! Removing a snake and teaching your family how to coexist with these beneficial creatures JUST MIGHT BE the better solution!
And, as Emerald points out you may be killing a snake that is non-venemous if you don't ever learn the difference between venomous and non-venemous snakes.
hikerboy57
06-03-2011, 18:45
Milk snakes are commonly mistaken for copperheads, and as mentioned above, most venemous snakes do not waste their venom, so before someone goes blindly killing snakes out of fear, a little education(including many of the above responses) is a far better tack to take. timber rattlers are all over Harriman in the summer, Ive stepped within inches without incident. leave them alone, theyll leave you alone. You're too darn big to swallow and digest anyway.
gunner76
06-03-2011, 20:50
Just move the snake out the way. There is no need to kill it. I told some of my neighbors they are not welcome on my property after they killed some "poisonous" snakes in my yard. The snakes were common water snakes that I find all the time and have caught by hand to show folks they are harmless and do not have fangs.
The snakes help to keep the mouse and rat populations under control. Mice and rats carry diseases (Bubonic plague and Hantavirus to name a couple) ticks, fleas, get into my pantry and eat my food, leaving a mess.
I have never found a snake in my house and they do not carry diseases.
I will choose snakes over mice and rats anyday and no, I do not keep snakes.
The Copperhead has the least potent venom of all snakes in North America. It's extremely rare to die from being bittten.
The Copperhead has the least potent venom of all snakes in North America. It's extremely rare to die from being bittten.
Now that's reassuring! :)
Dubai Gator
06-04-2011, 17:08
The Copperhead has the least potent venom of all snakes in North America. It's extremely rare to die from being bittten.
I'll remember that if I get tagged again.
Rick Hancock
06-05-2011, 21:46
Couple of funny stories. One early fall hike I was up above Maupins Field Shelter. I'd met some people who'd never seen a Rattlesnake. I was hiking ahead of them and as I got near Bee Mt. I ran across a Rattler about 3 1/2 ft long. I dropped my pack and jogged back to let them know their chance was fast approaching. When we got to my pack the snake was gone, or so I thought. as I was standing by my pack which was sitting among some dead ferns I happened to look down, the snake was curled around my pack just hanging out. He blended perfectly with the dead vegetation!
Another time (and this is a true story) I was at Harpers Creek Shelter rock hopping along the creek. I jumped off of a rock about 4 ft tall and as I did so I saw a pretty big Copperhead below me. I stopped in mid air and jumped back on the rock, impossible, but I did!
Lastly, me and a couple of friends were camping along the C&O Canal, we made camp for the night and as I was about to toss my guy line around a tree about 3 ft. around my buddy said "I don't think you want to use that tree" I took a look and there was the biggest Black Snake I'd ever seen. His head was level with mine, his body meandered down the tree to ground level, then went into hollow in the tree, came out the other side and was nearly touching his body where it entered the tree!
Most snakes are pretty docile but it's always a good idea to visit for awhile then move on.
StreamWalker
06-20-2011, 10:55
I remember being on the Chickahominy River and watching a Copperhead on the bank gorging itself on small frogs that were just coming out of the pollywog stage of their development. We found another Copperhead there that was so gorged it couldn't move.
Although we think of Copperheads and Rattlesnakes as dry land creatures, they tend to frequent places near the water. Most of my sightings of these snakes have been near streams, rivers and ponds.
Brewerbob
07-15-2011, 13:57
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3198/5697792360_8b758c8e01_z.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/bobrogers/5697792360/)
_IGP0065 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/bobrogers/5697792360/) by Bob Rogers5 (http://www.flickr.com/people/bobrogers/), on Flickr
Saw this fellow on a random roadside stop on the way to Cunningham Falls in MD.
Brewerbob
07-15-2011, 14:00
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2627/5697218187_d819f6a083_z.jpg
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2627/5697218187_d819f6a083_z.jpg
Not sure what his buddy was on the other side of the pond. If I didn't know better, I'd say a water moccasin but they aren't supposed to be this far north.
paistes5
07-15-2011, 18:18
That is huge. I know I'd keep a healthy distance from that one.
It's a copperhead-wannabe, a banded water snake, as far as I can tell. But my initial reaction was "Copperhead!!" The main question I have is this: When you see a poisonous snake in the wild(like on a backpacking trip), do you kill it? I won't have anything to do with people who kill snakes. Hopefully they will be bitten by the relatives of the snakes they kill.
I absolutely would not kill a venomous snake in the wild. If I found one creeping around my house where my wife and kids walk around barefooted I'd seriously consider it.
I wouldn't kill a non-poisonous snake if I found it in my living room.
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2627/5697218187_d819f6a083_z.jpg
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2627/5697218187_d819f6a083_z.jpg
Not sure what his buddy was on the other side of the pond. If I didn't know better, I'd say a water moccasin but they aren't supposed to be this far north.
That looks like the biggest hog nose snake I've ever seen.
Sierra Echo
07-15-2011, 20:14
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2627/5697218187_d819f6a083_z.jpg
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2627/5697218187_d819f6a083_z.jpg
Not sure what his buddy was on the other side of the pond. If I didn't know better, I'd say a water moccasin but they aren't supposed to be this far north.
Thats not a water moccasin.
Sierra Echo
07-15-2011, 20:24
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3198/5697792360_8b758c8e01_z.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/bobrogers/5697792360/)
_IGP0065 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/bobrogers/5697792360/) by Bob Rogers5 (http://www.flickr.com/people/bobrogers/), on Flickr
Saw this fellow on a random roadside stop on the way to Cunningham Falls in MD.
Thats a water snake. Different pattern then a copperhead and your snake has round pupils. A copperhead has eyes like a cat.
harryfred
07-15-2011, 22:26
Rather a rattler than a copper head.
harryfred
07-15-2011, 22:32
Yes but it hurts like hell and it itchs. Long story involving teenage boys and a hay field.:rolleyes:
Brewerbob
07-18-2011, 09:20
That looks like the biggest hog nose snake I've ever seen.There are two of them in there.
Thats not a water moccasin.Yeah, I know it wasn't but that was teh first thing to come to mind since I'm from FL.
Thats a water snake. Different pattern then a copperhead and your snake has round pupils. A copperhead has eyes like a cat.I wasn't getting close enough to view pupils but good to know.
Brewerbob
07-18-2011, 09:21
I absolutely would not kill a venomous snake in the wild. If I found one creeping around my house where my wife and kids walk around barefooted I'd seriously consider it.
I wouldn't kill a non-poisonous snake if I found it in my living room.Doubt I'd kill one in the living room either. Someone find me a broom and open the front door. Send him on his way.
wythekari
07-18-2011, 12:08
Have found a non-venomous one in the LR; threw a towel over it (what can I say, I'm a chicken when it comes to snakes), picked it up and moved it outside. Lived on a ranch for 5 yrs and did kill only rattlers - had kids, dogs, cats, and farm animals and didn't like being surprised by them in garden. Wouldn't kill them in the wild.
came across a stretched out copperhead in worthington by the deleware water gap in nj/pa.
came across a rattler on the west mountain