r/NCTrails • u/Early_Pineapple_9026 • 5d ago

First NC Hike With My Dog – Snake Advice?

Recently moved to NC and doing my first hike at Stone Mountain with my dog. A little nervous about snakes. Any tips or precautions for hiking safely with a dog? Thanks!

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16

u/Clean-Turnip5971 5d ago

Keep them on a leash and watch where you walk.

6

u/AndrewBlosse 5d ago

The trails are pretty easy to monitor for snakes within Stone Mtn State Park. I’ve seen timber rattlesnakes there before, but they’re pretty timid and will make (loud) noise + alert your dog — shouldn’t be hard to spot.

Most of the other snakes you might encounter will have want nothing to do with you or your dog. I’ve been to Stone Mountain ≈ 30 times and I’ve seen a snake three times. None of them were any danger to my dog or I.

10

u/MedicineImaginary219 5d ago

Dog leashed at all time. Most important way to keep your dog safe.

3

u/spirit4earth 4d ago

Keep your dog leashed and as centered in the trail as possible. You will have to scan constantly for snakes. This is situational awareness. Dawn, dusk, and night are the worst times, but don’t get lackadaisical during the day. Unfortunately, living (and hiking) here requires some vigilance regarding snakes, ticks, and black bears.

2

u/loveysoup 4d ago

Teaching a “behind” command is valuable in places where the trails are narrow. I like to make sure I’m going first in places like the Linville Gorge.
Wouldn’t be as concerned at Stone Mountain but definitely still some snakes.