Long time lurker, first time poster
I'm section hiking the smokies next week and keep having this irrational fear about rattlesnakes and stepping on one. I hiked all over Virginia as a kid in the boy scouts in the early 90's. Never worried about snakes (matter of fact, we didn't even hang food for bears, just kept it in our tents, times have changed). I've been back in the game for about 3 years. Every time I go out in the summer I have massive anxiety before hitting the trail about rattlesnakes. Granted, I've seen two recently and never had issues. One was a big sucker laying between two rocks and I was probably about 6 feet away. It never rattled and I just enjoyed the sight of it. If I can see them, I'm not scared. Its what I cant see that freaks me out. I know this is irrational but its driving me nutty!!!! I absolutely am not scared of them if I can see them. I just worry about not seeing one right off trail and it biting me without warning. Usually I'm fine once I get going, although often times I'm move slowly through rocky or grassy areas. Is this like this for anyone else???? Or am I just a nervous nelly?
PS: Anyone having any recent issues parking in Hot Springs? I really want to still have a catalytic converter when I get done.
PPS: Whats the REAL deal with Standing Bear?? So many mixed reviews.