I was on the trail near the Lehigh Gorge (PA) last weekend and came across a snake.
I walked from the parking lot to the Outerbridge shelter.
On my way down, I was busy looking at the ground when I heard a hiss about as loud as a DC10 taking off (yes, I'm being dramatic).
Needless to say, I stopped quickly.
I looked up and saw a black snake (about 4 foot) slithering across the trail.
Most striking feature on it (other than its hiss) was that it looked like it could puff it's neck out almost like a cobra (though not that flat).
Did some research when I got home.
From what I can tell, it was an Eastern Hognose Snake.
Anyone have any other possibilities?
Other than the diamond-ish shaped head (when it flattened out), nothing else remarkable (no rattle, stripes, etc.).
Tango Yankee
Alex