In addition, the scenery was spectacular! I had also seen over 20 cottonmouths during my hike as well as 1 water snake (possibly yellow-bellied). Five miles and 4 hours later, I returned to find about 10-12 cars in the lot. Much to my surprise, I arrived to find the parking lot totally empty and had the whole place to myself. I had heard that the small parking lot can get crowded, and expected there to be something of a crowd when I got there. The forecast called for temperatures in the 70’s and sunny, so I had high hopes that the animals would be active. Louis on a Sunday morning for the two hour drive to LaRue-Pine Hills. You bet it does! At least for me on this particular trip, the first time I have ever been there. On the levee heading towards the parking lot Does ‘Snake Road’ live up to the hype? However, fortunately for this guy and for many ‘herp’ enthusiasts, snake road is open to foot traffic during this time. In order to help provide a safer migration for the animals, the Forest Service closes the road to vehicular traffic in the spring and fall (March 15-May 15 and September 1-October 30). There are actually approximately 56 species of reptiles and amphibians that have been recorded in the area, and many in large numbers. A large number of replies and amphibians spend the winter hibernating in the bluffs and the summer season living in the swamp. The gravel road runs along the base of large limestone bluffs directly adjacent to LaRue Swamp. Snake Road is actually a 2.5 mile stretch of LaRue Road located within LaRue-Pine Hills Research Natural Area in Shawnee National Forest. Sign at gate near parking lot What is Snake Road? I guess in retrospect I probably should have. I honestly had no idea that the concept would cause such a stir. Some people were totally thrilled and begged me to bring them next time I go, some wondered what was wrong with me for going there voluntarily in the first place, and still others became visibly disturbed to the point that we couldn’t even continue the conversation. At least that was my experience after visiting the so-called snake road in Union County, Illinois earlier this month. Mention “Snake Road” and you are guaranteed to get an emotional response.
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