5 Most Rattlesnake Infested Areas in Alabama

Rattlesnake sightings in Alabama are on the increase. Not because their populations are expanding but because their habitats are shrinking — bringing them into contact with people more often. Given this uptick in reptile encounters, it’s a good idea to know your vipers before visiting.

If you’re hiking the trails, camping, or simply exploring the beautiful Alabama landscape, keep an eye out for large, thick-bodied snakes with triangular heads and a rattle on their tail. There are three species of rattlesnakes in Alabama: the Timber Rattlesnake, Crotalus horridus, the Pygmy Rattlesnake, Sistrurus miliarius, and the Eastern Diamondback Rattlesnake, Crotalus adamanteus.

The latter two are the most rare and very uncommon in most areas of the state. The Timber Rattlesnake, however, is found everywhere except in the very southernmost region of Alabama. Its preferred habitat is upland and lowland areas including hardwood forests, rocky outcrops, pine flatwoods, and cane thickets. They hibernate in dens during the winter, choosing rock crevices, stumps, and other concealed hiding places.

Oak Mountain

Several visitors at Oak Mountain State Park near Birmingham have been bitten by rattlesnakes, usually when they provoke or attempt to pick up the snakes. Staying aware of your surroundings can help prevent bites. When exploring the trails, wear boots that cover your ankles, watch your step, and avoid reaching into dark places like under logs, leaf litter, or between rocks.

Alabama’s largest park, Oak Mountain, contains over 100 miles of hiking and biking trails, birding platforms, boardwalks, lakes, and more. Highlights include the Treetop Interpretative Nature Trail and the beautiful beach at Double Oak Lake.

Conecuh National Forest

Conecuh National Forest along the Alabama-Florida border boasts some of the best Coastal Plain habitat in Alabama and includes many environments perfect for rattlers, including upland pine and hardwood forest. Don’t let that dissuade you from getting to know the park, however. This scenic preserve is a popular spot for hiking, biking, camping, fishing, and boating. It covers the Blue Lake Recreation Area and Open Pond Recreation Area, both of which are paradise for birders. Along with birds, you may see some larger wildlife, such as deer or wild turkeys. Look out for the group shelter at Open Pond, built by the Civilian Conservation Corps in the 1930s.

Cheaha State Park

Home to the highest point in Alabama, Cheaha State Park is the oldest park in Alabama and also one of the largest, covering the Appalachian Mountains, Talladega National Forest, and the Cheaha Wilderness. With wide expanses of pristine wilderness and varied habitats, including forest, granite boulders, rocky bluffs, and tree-lined slopes, it’s the perfect place for rattlesnakes to hunt, feed, breed, and hibernate. Park rangers host regular programs to educate visitors about the park’s wildlife, including the many snake species that call it home. If you see a rattlesnake while visiting, mark its location and inform a ranger so they can safely remove it.

Little River Canyon

Timber Rattlesnakes are frequently observed at Little River Canyon National Preserve in the Southern Appalachians, where they inhabit the trails, riverbanks, and rocky terrains. Little River runs along the summit of Lookout Mountain, providing stunning views and excellent recreational opportunities. The preserve showcases diverse ecosystems, including forested uplands, waterfalls, canyon rims, bluffs, pools, boulders, and sandstone cliffs. Rattlesnakes are protected within the preserve, and harming them is illegal. Visitors should remain on designated pathways and keep their pets leashed at all times.

Natchez Trace Parkway and National Scenic Trail

More than 40 reptile species inhabit the Natchez Trace Parkway, including the Timber Rattlesnake, also called the Canebrake Rattlesnake. This scenic route and trail system follows a historic corridor used by American Indians, European Settlers, Pioneers, and others crossing the country. In Alabama, it spans 33 miles from the Tennessee to the Mississippi border. Today, visitors hike, bike, ride horses, or enjoy the scenery while exploring its 10,000-year history. While sightings of rattlesnakes are uncommon, you’re most likely to encounter one in wooded areas near water sources.

Be Snake Smart

Snakes are scary, sure, but they’re also fascinating creatures that play a valuable role in their ecosystem. Although rattlesnake venom can be seriously harmful to humans, sometimes even fatal, this shy species is rarely aggressive and will only strike when they feel they have no choice. That’s why it’s important to keep your distance if you see one, give it space, and never touch or interfere with it in any way.

A rattlesnake’s tail rattles as a warning when they feel threatened, signaling they might make a defensive move. If you hear the rattle but can't see the snake, stay still. You may be too close. Wait until you find the snake before slowly backing away. During warmer months, especially in vacation spots, rattlesnakes often sunbathe. They are also active in spring and fall but tend to hibernate during winter.

With some sensible precautions and a little knowledge, it’s possible for us to happily share the wilds with these amazing reptiles who, scientists believe, have been around for over 10 million years.