5 Most Rattlesnake Infested Areas in Maryland

Rattlesnake reports in Maryland often concentrate where bedrock and sun line up perfectly. Timber rattlesnakes return to the same denning cracks each year, sliding into crevices that hold stable winter temperatures and shelter entire groups through the cold season. In spring, exposed ledges work like reptile solar panels, heating bodies quickly enough for a short hunting window, while heat-sensing pits guide strikes toward warm-blooded prey.

The best habitat is a rugged mix of boulder fields, talus slopes, and cliff-top overlooks that soak up afternoon warmth along the Appalachian ridges. Visit one of these landscapes on a clear day, and you may hear the first warning before you ever see the snake. These five Maryland sites deliver the most consistent encounters.

Catoctin Mountain Park

Rattlesnakes like to hang out at higher elevations, like the peaks of the Blue Ridge Mountains in Catoctin Mountain Park in Frederick County. They are one of 14 species of snake found in the park and prefer habitats such as rocky slopes, rock piles, rocky streams, disused buildings, and woodpiles. The forests, streams, and rocky, mountainous terrain make the park a perfect hangout for rattlesnakes. Keep an eye out for hiking paths, including those around the Blue Ridge Summit Overlook, Thurmont Vista, Chimney Rock, and the park’s highest point. Hog Rock. Rattlesnakes tend to be reclusive, so encounters are rare, but it’s important to be aware of your surroundings and not venture off the marked trails.

Sugarloaf Mountain

Sugarloaf Mountain is a registered national landmark south of Frederick, in northeast Maryland. It’s a relatively small mountain, reaching 1,282ft in elevation, with rocky cliffs at the summit that provide an ideal habitat for rattlesnakes. The mountain also has dense oak forests and a thriving wildlife population which includes black bears, coyotes, raccoons, and Maryland’s other venomous snakes, the copperhead. Sugarloaf Mountain is privately owned but open to the public year-round and has four hiking trails with varying difficulty, ranging from a 1.5-mile pathway to a 7-mile loop around the base of the mountain. Visitors are advised to keep their distance if they spot a snake and not interfere or disturb it.

Prettyboy Reservoir

There have been sightings of rattlesnakes at Prettyboy Reservoir in central Maryland. This scenic spot is the centerpiece of the 7,380-acre Prettyboy Reservoir Cooperative Wildlife Management Area north of Baltimore. The area is a popular recreation spot with facilities for horseback riding, birdwatching, fishing, boating, hiking, and biking. The reservoir’s surrounding area is also popular with climbers thanks to its tall rock formations, jagged cliffs, and loose boulders. Notable features include the Upper Gunpowder Wall at the north end of the lake and the Reservoir Wall and Bonus Wall at the southern end. You’re most likely to encounter rattlesnakes in these rocky areas and forested trails, so always be aware of your surroundings and look out for sunbathing snakes in the warm months.

Rocky Gap State Park

Rocky Gap State Park in Allegany County spans over 3,000 acres of pristine wilderness, offering numerous spots where rattlesnakes can thrive undisturbed by visitors. The park features Lake Habeeb, a 243-acre body of water surrounded by mountains, fed by Rocky Gap Run that flows through a rocky, mile-long gorge. Popular among hikers, boaters, hunters, fishermen, and campers, the park attracts many for its natural beauty and stunning landscapes. Its steep cliffs, rocky gorges, and dense forests provide suitable habitat for rattlesnakes, though encounters with people are uncommon. If you see a snake on the park’s trails or recreation areas, inform a ranger so it can be safely handled if needed.

South Mountain State Park

The South Mountain Recreation Area near Hagerstown in Washington County encompasses a vast wilderness, featuring 40 miles of the Appalachian Scenic Trail that stretches over 2,000 miles along the Appalachian Mountain ridge. Highlights include the Weverton Cliffs and the picturesque Annapolis Rock viewpoint at 1,700 feet elevation. Hikers should watch their step, as rattlesnakes are present, especially at higher elevations. Wearing long pants and boots that cover the ankles is recommended. The area offers many activities such as biking, fishing, climbing, and camping. When camping, choose your siting carefully for your tent and sleeping gear, avoiding leaf litter and rock piles, and be cautious with your hands and feet around these areas.

Snake Safety

Rattlesnakes are most active during the warmer months, so summer visitors should be especially wary. If you see a snake, give it some space. Rattlesnakes will only strike when they feel threatened so it’s important to step back, give them room, and not make any sudden movements that might surprise them. Attacks are very rare, but if a snake bites you, you should contact the Maryland Poison Center immediately and seek medical help. Contrary to popular wisdom, applying ice or a tourniquet is not a good idea, as this can worsen the injury.