Maryland is home to a variety of wildlife, including the venomous Eastern Diamondback and Timber Rattlesnakes, which can be found in certain areas of the state. While these snakes generally avoid human contact, they thrive in specific habitats that offer shelter and food, such as dense woodlands, wetlands, and rocky hillsides.
For those venturing outdoors in Maryland, it’s important to be aware of the most rattlesnake-infested areas, where encounters are more likely to occur. From the Appalachian Mountains in the west to certain parts of the eastern shore, these areas are home to these elusive and dangerous reptiles.
In this article, we’ll explore the five most rattlesnake-infested regions in Maryland, providing insights on where to be cautious and how to stay safe.
1. Catoctin Mountain Park
Rattlesnakes prefer higher elevations, such as the Blue Ridge Mountains’ summits in Catoctin Mountain Park, Frederick County. They are one of 14 snake species found in the park, and they like habitats including steep slopes, rock heaps, rocky streams, abandoned houses, and woodpiles.
The park’s forests, streams, and rocky, mountainous terrain provide ideal habitat for rattlesnakes. Keep an eye out for hiking trails around the Blue Ridge Summit Overlook, Thurmont Vista, Chimney Rock, and the park’s highest point. Hog Rock. Rattlesnakes are usually reclusive, so encounters are infrequent, but it’s crucial to remain cautious of your surroundings and stay on marked pathways.
2. Sugarloaf Mountain
Sugarloaf Mountain, located south of Frederick in northeast Maryland, is a designated national landmark. It’s a little mountain, reaching 1,282 feet in elevation, with rugged cliffs at the summit that make great habitat for rattlesnakes.
The mountain is also home to rich oak forests and a thriving wildlife population, including black bears, coyotes, raccoons, and Maryland’s other poisonous snake, the copperhead. Sugarloaf Mountain is privately owned but open to the public year-round. There are four hiking paths of various complexity, ranging from a 1.5-mile circuit to a 7-mile loop around the mountain’s base. Visitors should keep their distance if they see a snake and not interact or upset it.
3. Pretty Boy Reservoir
There have been reports of rattlesnakes at Prettyboy Reservoir in central Maryland. This gorgeous area is the focus of the Prettyboy Reservoir Cooperative Wildlife Management Area, which spans 7,380 acres north of Baltimore. The area is a popular recreation destination, including opportunities for horseback riding, bird watching, fishing, boating, hiking, and biking.
Climbers enjoy the reservoir’s surrounding environment, which features tall rock formations, jagged cliffs, and loose boulders. The Upper Gunpowder Wall near the lake’s north end, as well as the Reservoir Wall and Bonus Wall in the south, are notable features. Rattlesnakes are more likely to be found in these rocky locations and woodland pathways, so stay cautious of your surroundings and keep an eye out for sunbathing snakes during the warmer months.
4. Rocky Gap State Park
Rocky Gap State Park in Allegany County has almost 3,000 acres of pure wilderness, with lots of areas for rattlesnakes to hang out without being disturbed by humans. The park includes Lake Habeeb, a 243-acre lake surrounded by mountains.
The lake is fed by steep Gap Run, which flows through a mile-long ravine of steep terrain. Rocky Gap is popular among hikers, boaters, hunters, fishers, and campers who come to appreciate the natural beauty and landscape. The park’s sheer cliffs, rocky gorges, and dense forests make it no surprise that rattlesnakes live there, though interactions with visitors are rare. If you spot a snake on one of the park’s numerous trails or recreation areas, notify a ranger so that it can be safely removed if required.
5. South Mountain State Park
The South Mountain Recreation Area near Hagerstown in Washington County encompasses a vast wilderness area, including 40 miles of the Appalachian Scenic Trail, which winds over 2,000 miles along the Appalachian Mountain ridge, the Weverton Cliffs, and the scenic viewpoint at 1,700 feet Annapolis Rock.
When trekking, take caution where you step because rattlesnakes can be found in the area, particularly at higher elevations, and wear long pants and ankle-covering boots. There are numerous activities to enjoy the environment, including bicycling, fishing, climbing, and camping. If you’re camping, pay extra attention to where you sit and where you store your tent and sleeping bag. Be cautious while approaching leaf litter and rock piles, and keep your hands and feet where they belong.
Snake Safety
Rattlesnakes are more active during the warmer months, so summer visitors should be extra cautious. If you spot a snake, give it some space. Rattlesnakes will only strike if they feel threatened, so step back, give them space, and avoid making any sudden moves that may surprise them. Attacks are extremely rare, but if a snake bites you, contact the Maryland Poison Center right away and get medical attention. Contrary to popular belief, applying ice or a tourniquet is not recommended because it can exacerbate the injury.