Rattlesnake Hill Wildlife Management Area is a 5,100 acre upland tract named after the Timber Rattlesnake, which historically was found in the more remote sections of the “Hill.” There are multiple trail options on Ebert Rd, where we will hike this week. The Climbers have the opportunity to take a 1.5 mile loop that follows along a ravine north of Ebert Rd, and after coming back up to Walworth Rd, take a loop around the ponds. The Tourists will loop around the ponds and connect with another loop south of Ebert Rd. The Naturalists can explore the grass fields and woods around the parking area for signs of the prior homestead, and take the short trail to one of the ponds created by the DEC.

There will be sections of tall grass (unless we get lucky and DEC mows this week), and possibly a bit of mud in spots (blame the beaver). Dress accordingly. You know you need bug spray.

History

Rattlesnake Hill was initially logged for its white pine and hemlock, then homesteaders settled and grew grain. Historic county atlases show 8-9 homesteaders on what is now Ebert Rd. Years of intensive and careless use led to loss of land fertility and the farmers left. The tract was purchased by the federal government in the 1930s under the Federal Resettlement Administration.

Our parking location was once the site of a homestead, owned by E. Burrall according to the 1872 County Atlas, and by 1902 it was owned by F. Rathburn. Neither atlas shows an Ebert, so it would appear that name came from some other source.

Social: Pot luck social after the hike near the parking area.  Please bring a dish to pass and something to sit on.  The grill will be cooking hot dogs, and I will bring the propane.

Directions From Dansville

No street address, enter these coordinates into Google maps for a look: 42.527497, -77.843613. Head west on Route 436 out of Dansville (2nd light), toward Nunda. At approximately 8 miles, turn left on Shute Rd. In approximately 3/4 of a mile turn left on Walsworth Rd. Continue to the end of Walsworth, and turn left onto Ebert Rd. The parking area will be on your right in about 1/3 of a mile.