9 Most Rattlesnake-Infested Areas in North Carolina (Hikers Beware)
With spring weather in full swing, now's the perfect time to get outside and explore all the great outdoors that North Carolina has to offer. From the forest-covered mountains in the east to the pristine beaches of its Atlantic coastline, North Carolina is varied and diverse in its natural beauty. But before you hit any of the hiking trails across the Tar Heel State, make sure you go out prepared, because as you explore, you may encounter rattlesnakes. So, where are rattlesnakes in North Carolina? We rounded up the 9 most rattlesnake-infested areas in North Carolina so you can be on the lookout if you live there or are planning to visit.
If you're wondering what rattlesnakes can be found in North Carolina, there are 37 distinct native snake species, however, only 6 are venomous and half of those are rattlesnakes. There's the eastern diamondback rattlesnake (Crotalus adamanteus), the timber rattlesnake (Crotalus horridus) and the pygmy rattlesnake (Sistrurus miliarius). While rattlers can be found all over the state, most of them tend to prefer dense forests, marshy areas and the Coastal Plain in southeastern NC. Unfortunately, some of the state's most popular parks, forests and preserves are rattlesnake hotspots, which can make exploring those locations risky.
Though a bite from one of these snakes can be dangerous, incidents in North Carolina are relatively rare. Rattlesnakes are not aggressive by nature and typically only strike when threatened or disturbed. By understanding how to respond during an encounter, hikers can significantly reduce the risk of being bitten. Still, it's important to stay alert when exploring rattlesnake habitats in North Carolina-especially in areas known for higher snake activity. Extra caution is recommended during the warmer months, when rattlesnakes are most active and more likely to be encountered on trails. Below are the most popular rattlesnakes hotspots in North Carolina.
Croatan National Forest
Widely considered the only true coastal forest of the eastern United States, the Croatan National Forest stretches across more than 160,000 acres of pine forests, marshy estuaries, and pocosins (a type of freshwater wetland with acidic peat soil). Located along North Carolina's Atlantic Coastline, Croatan is a hotspot for camping, hiking, fishing, and, of course, wildlife observation. Though Croatan's piney forests and sandy wetlands are inhabited by rattlers (including the endangered eastern diamondback), they are home to tons of other native wildlife species as well: ospreys, black bears, bobcats, river otters, peregrine falcons, bald eagles, and so, so much more. However, if you plan on going there, know it's one of the most common rattlesnake-infested areas in North Carolina.
Mount Mitchell State Park
Another location in North Carolina with rattlesnakes is Mount Mitchell State Park. Located about 30 miles northeast of Asheville, Mount Mitchell is not only the highest peak in the Appalachian Mountains, but the highest point east of the Mississippi River at 6,684 feet. Many visitors to the surrounding Pisgah National Forest challenge themselves to summit Mount Mitchell and take in the stunning views from the top. With around 40 miles of hiking trails to explore within Mount Mitchell State Park itself, you'll have plenty of great opportunities for sightseeing, birdwatching and more. Just be on the lookout for timber rattlesnakes, which can be found at elevations of up to 5,000 feet.
Pisgah National Forest
The Pisgah National Forest is a paradise for North Carolina nature lovers. Stretching over 500,000 acres of mountainous terrain in western North Carolina, Pisgah National Forest is home to some of the most beautiful vistas, whitewater rivers, scenic drive routes, hiking trails, and mountains in the state (including the aforementioned Mount Mitchell). Millions of people visit the Pisgah National Forest every year for camping, hiking, whitewater river rafting, and sightseeing (especially in the autumn, when the forest famously becomes a sea of vibrant auburn foliage). Though all kinds of wildlife can be found living throughout the Pisgah, the forest is known to be home to rattlesnakes.
Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Straddling the border of North Carolina and Tennessee, the Great Smoky Mountains National Park is the most visited national park in the country, with Travel + Leisure reporting over 11.5 million visitors in 2025. With its over 520,000 acres, 800+ miles of trails, 10 developed campgrounds (not including dozens of backcountry camping sites), and scores of waterfalls, lookout points, lakes, rivers, and peaks to explore, it's not hard to see why the Great Smoky Mountains National Park has such a colossal draw. Though 23 snake species live within the Great Smoky Mountains, only two are venomous: the timber rattlesnake and the northern copperhead. Even though your chances of encountering one-much less being bitten by one-are still pretty low, you should still take precautions. So, if you've ever wondered, "Are rattlesnakes in the Smokey Mountains?" The answer is yes, especially along the riverbanks and rocky outcrops where these snakes like to hide.
Pocosin Lakes National Wildlife Refuge
Made up of 110,000 acres of the aforementioned rare "pocosin" wetland type, the Pocosin Lakes National Wildlife Refuge was established in the interests of protecting waterfowl and migratory birds. Hunting and fishing are permitted there at certain times of the year, but the Pocosin Lakes National Wildlife Refuge is popular among those who are merely interested in wildlife observation. Though timber rattlesnakes and the occasional eastern diamondback may be found here, you're far more likely to encounter tons of other amazing animals. More than 100,000 ducks, geese and swans visit the refuge every year, and the area is also an important habitat for many other wildlife species, such as the black bear, the rare red-cockaded woodpecker, and the endangered red wolf.
Stone Mountain State Park
Located on the northwestern edge of the state, not far from the Virginia border, Stone Mountain State Park's main attraction is the 600-foot granite dome, designated a Natural National Landmark. Surrounding the dome are miles of trails, the mid-19th-century Hutchinson Homestead farm, amazing waterfalls, trout streams, and so much more. Just mind where you step, as hikers have reported seeing "tons" of rattlesnakes along the trails throughout Stone Mountain State Park.
Chimney Rock State Park
Located about 25 miles southeast of Asheville at the foot of the Blue Ridge Mountains, Chimney Rock State Park is named for "Chimney Rock," a 535-million-year-old monolith that rises above the surrounding mountain landscape like a chimney. Though the monolith (which can be summited via elevator or the more challenging Outcroppings Trail) is the park's primary attraction, people also visit the park for hiking, rock climbing, birdwatching, and more. Though timber snakes have been spotted among the park's rocky outcroppings and shaded trails, the park is home to less menacing snakes as well, including the nonvenomous eastern king snake, which not only eats timber rattlesnakes, but will ironically shake its tail like a rattler to deter predators!
South Mountains State Park
The South Mountains State Park covers over 20,900 acres of the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains. A backcountry playground for lovers of the untamed great outdoors, South Mountains State Park boasts attractions such as the 80-foot-tall High Shoals Falls, elevations up to 3,000 feet, 47 miles of trails, rivers full of trout fish, and so much more. This stunning are is also a hotspot for venomous snakes, so visitors should take precautions (especially along the riverbanks and rocky areas of the park), as copperheads and timber rattlesnakes have been sighted there.
Pee Dee National Wildlife Refuge
Roughly 50 miles east of Charlotte in south-central North Carolina, you'll find the Pee Dee National Wildlife Refuge, which covers over 8,400 acres along the Pee Dee River. It's an important habitat for lots of native wildlife and migratory birds, including the Eastern Bluebird (hence why the refuge is nicknamed the "Bluebird Kingdom of the World"). This also happens to be a North Carolina location where rattlesnakes live. However, don't let that stop you from visiting. With plenty of great opportunities for boating, hiking, birdwatching and sightseeing, the Pee Dee National Wildlife Refuge is a wildlife lover's dream. Just remember to be cautious.
How to Stay Safe in Rattlesnake Areas in North Carolina
Though these are some of the places in North Carolina where you're most likely to encounter rattlesnakes, rattlesnake encounters are still few and far between. As cliché as the saying is, rattlesnakes are far more frightened of us than we are of them, and they usually will only strike if they feel cornered or immediately threatened. Keep your eyes and ears open on the trail, wear good, thick hiking boots and long pants, and if you see a rattlesnake, back away at least ten big steps and wait for them to move along (you can try stomping the ground if they don't move, but don't attempt to approach them or poke at them yourself). Follow basic safety rules like these, and you can feel confident exploring North Carolina's breathtaking parks and forests this springtime!
What to Do If You're Bitten by a Rattlesnake
Although rattlesnake bites are rare, it's critical to act quickly and stay calm if one occurs. Knowing the proper steps can make a serious difference while waiting for medical help. According to Poison Control, here's what you should do:
- Call 911 and seek help from poison center experts by phone at 1-800-222-1222.
- Don't panic and stay as calm and still as possible to slow the spread of venom.
- Keep the arm or leg (usual sites for snakebite) at the level of the heart.
- Dowash the area gently with soap and water.
- Don't use outdated first aid remedies: no tourniquets, ice, or cutting the wound and sucking out the venom. None of these "treatments" help and most of them make things worse.
- Remove any jewelry, watches, or tight clothing from the bite area.
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This story was originally published April 17, 2026 at 4:10 PM.