Three intrepid fellows seek timber rattlers in native Adirondack habitat. Creatures Tess Pfeifle October 3, 2020 Comment. Group Aims to Save Rattlesnakes in New York Park, Newman Center Film Series-on-Tour: TAKE THE MONEY AND RUN, Champlain Valley Film Series Presents Home Together Film Series’ Reel Talk: MY OCTOPUS TEACHER. But it was also a reaction to the alarmingly frequent reports of timber rattlesnakes being killed. Despite the name, this is the extreme northern end of the range for the timber rattlesnake. The eagle dipped down into the water and came back up with a fish while we watched excitedly through binoculars. The three kayak and hike and scramble but find no rattlesnakes. (Essex on Lake Champlain) Good news as long as your tyke is prudent. Our first rattlesnake on Split Rock Mountain! Long Pond appears on the right, and the parking area is near a small cabin with the sign "Bear's Den." Heightened risk? It's for hiking/ snowshoeing only. It's usually less than an hour to the top, and there are spectacular views of the entire area, including Willsboro Bay and Willsboro Point, the Four Brothers Islands, Giant Mountain, and Rocky Peak Ridge. It is a popular destination for hikers, backpackers, cyclists, rock climbers and nature-lovers in the Greater Toronto Area along with Mount Nemo Conservation Area.The park's ten kilometres of cliff edge and forest trails connect with the Bruce Trail and Crawford Lake. Pat B says: ” Swanton is near Lake Champlain and about 10 miles south of the Canadian border. Lake Champlain is in the middle of a mysterious American Eel die-off event. That is an huge rattle snake holy crap. The Nature Park will include hiking trails and educational signs and is on the site of the former Essex Quarry that operated from the late 18 th century to just a few years ago. A timber rattler had been laying just fifteen feet or so away from us. In early July 2012, I posted a heartbreaking image of a timber rattlesnake killed on Lakeshore Road near the Split Rock Wildway. As I drove, two thoughts occurred to me. This mountain is well-known for offering great "value for effort." Landmarks Tess Pfeifle October 4, 2020 2 Comments. Rattlesnake Mountain, Willsboro, NY. Take that and go to both overlooks where you will get spectacular views of Silver Lake, Lake Dunmore, the Champlain Valley, and the Adirondacks. - Duration: 3:57. Tell us more about what interests you, and we can help you plan your next trip. Jim Gillis 52,094 views. First class paddling and scrambling? A timber rattlesnake is coiled up in their barn. Is suspect we didn’t look very threatening, and the click-click-clicking of my camera my have hypnotized the almost black pit viper. Fingers crossed that we spot a Crotalus horridus. The 3,700-acre Split Rock Wild Forest is part of the Adirondack Forest Preserve. Timber rattlesnake? It's usually less than an hour to the top, and there are spectacular views of the entire area, including Willsboro Bay and Willsboro Point, the Four Brothers Islands, Giant Mountain, and Rocky Peak Ridge. Rattlesnake mountain lies just west of Willsboro Bay, Lake Champlain and offers fantastic views of the bay and the lake. No and no, but amusing. Champlain Area Trails has announced that the Rattlesnake Mountain Trail in Willsboro has been closed by the landowner until further notice due to crowding and non-respect of social distancing rules. On this day of poor visibility, we couldn't see beyond the bay, but if was enough. The Lake Champlain Basin supports a diverse array of natural plant communities and many rare plant species. The Rattlesnake Mountain trail is closed until further notice at the request of the Town of Willsboro. These much mythologized predators are in fact incredibly reserved, infrequently witnessed by recreational hikers and far more likely to retreat than attack. I want to believe that sharing a personal timber rattlesnake experience will inspire people to exercise greater caution when driving along Lakeshore Road. The goal? (freerepublic.com). I shared my plans for a “rattlesnake safari” in an effort to document live, healthy rattlesnakes in their natural habitat. https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/new-york/rattlesnake-mountain--3 Previous. So, is this a message? It is liscensed under CC BY-SA 4.0. It flew back below us and landed in a pine tree near shore for a late lunch or early dinner… As I started to scramble up some open rock to try and get a better view, I was stopped in my tracks. And the second thought was more of a question: how should a homeowner respond to a rattlesnake (or other potentially dangerous but protected wild animal)? The way north looks over Lake Champlain and the inviting peaks of the Green Mountains. Nothing that big though. 814 Bridge Road, Crown Point, NY 12928 :: Tel: 518-597-4649, A moderate climb over rocky terrain but not overly steep. Falcon? N… [Continue Reading], Essex Community Potluck Tuesdays 6pm Join us for food and friendly conversation. Your email address will not be published. No. (owner – PL) Rattlesnake Mt Trail Overview Map . Even this narrow section of the lake seems immense when viewed from up high above the water… As we looked on, three seagulls that had been floating peacefully in the lake took off in alarm. And on September 12 we embarked. You can listen to a provocative discussion about the film by a special guest and submit your own questions. Trail is a logging road that turns left onto a foot trail that climbs steeply to the summit with spectacular views of Lake Champlain, Willsboro Point, and Vermont. This mountain is well-known for offering great "value for effort." Middlebury College’s website lists a dozen species of snakes inhabiting Vermont.. I was amazed with how big these snakes are. Not just long, maybe five feet or so, but really thick. Learn how your comment data is processed. Plants. Geo Davis (aka virtualDavis) is a writer, storyteller and unabashed flâneur. Check. Our first rattlesnake on Split Rock Mountain! Those pale snakes, especially the rattlesnake with the pale yellow head are extremely similar to my rhubarb patch mystery serpent! Why? It was intended as an adventure. Common Gartersnake. ... Lake George: Rattlesnake Island (Sagamore Is.) They are active from active from mid-May to mid-October, and like to sun themselves on the abundant rocky ledges. The first part of the trail is a road suitable for any snowshoer, but the climb is rocky and must be taken with care. Our “rattlesnake safari” inspired the nickname “Trek-Beast” in honor or Davis’ epic wildlife and habitat adventures. If you’re a wise herpetologist with a knowledge of the Adirondacks’ Champlain Valley maybe you can help solve my snake mystery… Updates Don't forget to look back on Long Pond. Recommended Stories DEC: take precautions when […] 3:02. The above image is of Lake Champlain from Rattlesnake Mountain, Willsboro NY by Annacecchini. Check. Reply. Saved by John James. Closure signs have been posted. HAGUE, N.Y. (NEWS10) — On Sunday, an Environmental Conservation Officer responded to the town of Hague for a reportedly trapped timber rattlesnake at a residence where a family was vacationing. There is a small sign at the pull-off on the east side of road across from Long Pond Cabins. It was impressive. Now, don’t get me wrong. The Bouquet River runs through the town, emptying into Lake Champlain, and the town has 28 miles of shoreline on the lake. The Sacred Cenote. There is no camping, littering, fires, bikes, or motorized vehicles. So all of the pictures above are from that first lookout spot. To see some live timber rattlesnakes in their native Split Rock habitat. We’ve got the best ideas for things to do on your next Adirondack adventure, and we will deliver them right to your inbox! They are rarely encountered and tend to sun on rock ledges, rock slides, “Given their low reproductive rate along with a high mortality rate of young, as well as being killed or captured by humans, the Timber Rattlesnake is in serious trouble in the Northeast,” James Beemer, a civilian Defense Department biologist, wrote in a 2001 study… Rattlers have not been responsible for any fatalities in New York for decades. In hind sight, we might have worn gators to be extra-prudent, though the day was hot and we were more concerned with comfort and convenience. Photos are taken. @virtualDavis Let's also watch for falcons and eagles, Geo, here near the northern extent of rattlesnake range. John Davis prepares for first foray into timber rattlesnake habitat In hind sight, we might have worn gators to be extra-prudent, though the day was hot … Post was not sent - check your email addresses! (“Timber Rattlesnake Killed“). Eagle? It is. Protected by state law, rattlers are considered a threatened species in New York… State wildlife officials estimate New York has 3,000 to 6,000 rattlesnakes left, mostly around the Hudson Highlands and a dozen Adirondack dens… Rattlers hibernate in winter and are active from about May through September. Return either on the Rattlesnake Cliffs Trail or the Aunt Jenny Trail. HIKING ONLY: no camping, littering, fires, bikes or motorized vehicles. Take Exit 33 from I-87 (the Northway) and continue on Route 22. There are also two smaller ponds in the western part of the town, where the Adirondack Mountains begin with Rattlesnake or Willsboro Mountain (there are no rattlesnakes on Rattlesnake Mountain). I will update this post if/when I have confirmation on the best way to respond. Essex, New York Community Blog Since 2011. Enough dead rattlers; we wanted to see some live rattlers! Essex, New York Architecture: A Doodler’s Field Guide. Despite the name, this is the extreme northern end of the range for the Timber Rattlesnake, which is listed as Threatened, and are somewhat rare. Eagle's nest? Uncanny. The safari guide is well acquainted with the habitat and has located rattlers before. This afternoon I was tucking into my lunch when the phone rang. Or two! CATS notes that the closure came at the request of the Town of Willsboro. Timber rattlesnake safari w/ @trekeast this morning. My bride answered, listened and handed me the receiver. Pictures; Videos; Plans. This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Our “rattlesnake safari” inspired the nickname “Trek-Beast” in honor or Davis’ epic wildlife and habitat adventures. Damariscotta Lake; Sebago Lake – Jordan Bay; Moosehead Lake – Birches; Moosehead Lake – South; South Twin – Millinockett; Sebec Lake; Winni Rattlesnake Is; Lake Sunapee; Inner Malletts Bay – VT; Join the Club; Pix & Video. Sorry, your blog cannot share posts by email. If you’re in a rush, the executive summary follows: If you’re less rushed and more curious, here’s the more serpentine chronicle. Andrew Klingler Recommended for you. Timber Rattlesnake A Lake Champlain Land Trust Nature Snapshot Protecting lakeshore and natural areas since 1978 www.LCLT.org While this snake is venomous, and their bite can be fatal if left untreated, Timber Rattlesnakes only bite when threatened. Geo chronicles adventures (and misadventures) of rehabilitating an historic Essex home at Rosslyn Redux: Reawakening a home, a dream and ourselves; blogs about doodling and other esoterica at virtualDavis.com; posts sometimes unnerving, occasionally euphoric, and always pollyanna "midlife mashups" at 40x41.com; waxes nautical at Sailing Errant; and delves into matters of parenting, babylandia, and childfreedom at Why No Kids? For goodness ‘snakes’, there are actually more species of snakes in Vermont than most people might think. Please bring a potl… [Continue Reading], The Newman Center Film Series-on-Tour will stop at the Hampton Inn, 586 State Route 3, Platts… [Continue Reading], The Champlain Valley Film Series In order to help keep our community healthy, we won’t be showing … [Continue Reading]. A year later one of the fellows is out of town and his bride calls to alert me that…. Check! This trail is on private land; please be respectful to the owners. This mountain is well-known for offering great "value for effort." , George and Tom and I faced a steep scramble in our search for snakes, eagles, and falcons on Adirondack Coast pic.twitter.com/pK5NHGkk. This is private land. Free, open to all. After a short distance, the Rattlesnake Cliffs Trail will be on the left. Perhaps the gift of a timber rattlesnake sighting is best received by the unsuspecting. The best views from this spot are those over Long Pond and the … The views extend all the way to the "big lake," Lake Champlain, and the Green Mountains across it in Vermont! Lake Champlain Thing 1 Mountain View Hiking Tower Community Parking Lot Mountains Genealogy. Ive seen tons of them. The Champlain Valley Film Series In order to help keep our community healthy, we won’t be showing movies at the Grange this winter. He meanders on Twitter, Facebook, Google+, Pinterest, YouTube and Flickr. Only once Hillary fired up the lawn mower and backed away from the approximately 30-36″ snake did it slowly, lazily uncoil and navigate around the wall of the barn. Both in the east and out west. We watched him slowly make a retreat through a small slit in the rocks. The views extend all the way to the "big lake," Lake Champlain, and the Green Mountains across it in Vermont! Instead, the Home Together Winter Film Series has picked five movies you can watch anytime on your own at home and then join a REEL TALK via Zoom. After overwhelming the memory card on my camera and waving goodbye to Hillary I headed home. Located in the eastern foothills of the Adirondack Mountains along the shore of Lake Champlain it comprises the largest tract of undeveloped Lake Champlain shoreline in New York. By Herb Terns on September 13, 2012 at 11:00 AM. And, with a dash of luck, I just might convince people fearful of rattlesnakes to spare their lives. I go. Timber Rattlesnake killed on Lakeshore Road in Essex, ... tourists are drawn to the Split Rock trails and adjacent Lake Champlain shorelines with the hopes of seeing an Adirondack rattlesnake. The wild forest is named for Split Rock Mountain, the main feature of the area. Females start reproducing at age 8 or 9, giving birth to litters of five to 12 every few years. Previously [when?] But it’s a bit of a gamble, no? Unless you try to pick up or harass one, you stand a better chance of being struck by lightning than bitten, Beemer said… the ambush hunters are deadly to mice, chipmunks and squirrels but are “extremely shy” of humans and will hide or try to leave unnoticed. Snowshoes or traction devices are highly recommended. TrekEast/TrekWest veteran John Davis prepares for first foray into timber rattlesnake habitat on September 12, 2012 by transitioning from waterman to mountaineer. They mate in late August. In this area you can see a bit of Lake Champlain, a brief glimpse of Willsboro Bay, and some of the Green Mountains and Vermont in the distance. Avoid further threatening the snake and withdraw cautiously, slowly. No. Notice in the later pictures the rattlesnake is coiled next to and behind a lightning rod. We soon saw why as a bald eagle flew across Snake Den Harbor. The trailhead is easy to miss, but it is located on the east side of Route 22, just south of Long Pond. A short while later I was fortunate enough to photograph the young-ish, calm and totally unaggressive visitor. I’m no alarmist. No. I did. named Rattlesnake Hill, Mount Independence is located in Orwell, Vermont, on the east side of Lake Champlain opposite Ticonderoga, New York, and historic Fort Ticonderoga.At its narrowest, the lake is a quarter mile wide between Mount Independence and Ticonderoga. Our mission? Obviously most people would want to remove the risk, but I’m hopeful that most people recognize the merits of responsible action. The trail is an old logging road that turns left onto a foot trail, which climbs steeply to the summit where there are spectacular views of Lake Champlain, Willsboro Point, and Vermont. Rattlesnake Mt Trail Close Up Map In all likelihood the rattlesnake, no matter how large and menacing, will slither off without striking. Hillary Stransky asked me if I remembered last summer’s uneventful rattlesnake safari with her husband. Slightly less than a year ago I floated the idea of a “timber rattlesnake safari” with Essex, NY friends, John Davis and Tom Stransky. Increase awareness – and hopefully appreciation – for our native population of timber rattlesnakes concentrated in this unique Adirondack wilderness corridor. Enter to win a vacation for two to Lake Champlain! The Rattlesnake Point Conservation Area was established as a conservation area in 1961 by the Halton Region Conservation Authority. It's usually less than an hour to the top, and there are spectacular views of the entire area, including Willsboro Bay and Willsboro Point, the Four Brothers Islands, Giant Mountain, and Rocky Peak Ridge. It took us the balance of July and August to arrive at a date that worked for all three of us and favored our mission. We were a little worried about the dogs getting close but were excited to see our first rattlesnake in the Adirondacks! And both are loosely tied to the timber rattlesnake overview provided by a writeup, “Group Aims to Save Rattlesnakes in New York Park” from freerepublic.com. A Vermonter is recovering after a hike in Arizona turned into a trip to the hospital. Mount Independence is slightly more than a 1.25 miles (2.01 km) in length and less than .75 miles (1.21 km) … The Rattlesnake Mountain trail is closed until further notice at the request of the Town of Willsboro. They decide the day was fun anyway and admit rattlers are rare and tough to find. According to several local sources you should contact the DEC, and they will resolve the situation safely and expeditiously. Maybe a loon, too! So they tend to be visible if so! (timesunion.com). 4k Drone Video: Champlain and Highlands Forge Lake, Adirondack Park, NY - Duration: ... Rattlesnake Swimming in Lake George NY - Duration: 3:02. And so you can imagine my envy when on Thursday, September 13, 2012 Herb Terns published the following in the Times Union “Our first rattlesnake on Split Rock Mountain!” This excerpt describes their experience at Snake Den Bay Overlook: The lookout did not disappoint. He taught and coached at Santa Fe Preparatory School and The American School of Paris, co-founded Maison Margaux: "Paris à la parisienne" in Faubourg Saint-Germain, and owns Adobe Oasis in Santa Fe, NM with his bride. The Rattlesnake Mountain trail is closed until further notice at the request of the Town of Willsboro. Zilch. The Essex Quarry Nature Park is located on the southern edge of the hamlet, just a short distance from the Lake Champlain Ferries Essex/Charlotte, Vt. landing. Never once did the snake behave aggressively or ever rattle his tail. But it didn’t venture far, preferring to coil up again along the outside of the barn where it could enjoy the afternoon shade. Filed Under: Nature Tagged With: Timber Rattlesnake. Your email address will not be published. @TrekEast Loon? Charlie S says: August 10, 2020 at 7:39 am. - a unique blend of striking scenic beauty, endless outdoor recreational opportunities and celebrated heritage. Split Rock Wildway: Scouting the Adirondack Park’s Most Diverse Wildlife Corridor, The Essex Yoga Club meets every Monday at 5:30 pm at St. John’s Church. Facebook 0 Twitter LinkedIn 0 Reddit Pinterest 0 0 Likes. His head was already under the rock as my approach had led him to seek shelter there. Parking area on east side of road across from Long Pond Cabins. Our unsuccessful quest to witness live timber rattlesnakes highlighted the incredibly elusive nature of the Crotalus horridus. Lake Champlain. John Davis, a conservationist, writer and wilderness trekker (@wildwaystrekker) had discovered six timber rattlesnakes a couple of years prior during a Split Rock outing, and he was optimistic that we would be able to locate a few during our rattlesnake safari. The rattler’s thick black body was curled up with the rattle facing us but silent. Your next adventure awaits you in your inbox! #Adirondacks #Champlain #ADK. Required fields are marked *.