I discovered Snake Island with some friends back in 2017. The goal for the trip was to find out if there was anything cool on that trail. Turns out, there was. We took some time to explore the entire Island and somehow didn’t notice any of the dozen snakes slithering around until we had been there for a couple minutes. It was a little scary but after learning what types of snakes they were, the area felt like a home and I was just a guest being invited in. I have been back here several times to take photos of the snakes and watch them from a distance. Seeing how they live in peace and harmony with their colony is a wonderful experience.

It is not very difficult to get here until the final 15 feet or so. Park at the Chambers Rock Parking lot in White Clay Creek State Park and hike north for about a ½ mile. Be aware that since this is a State Park, there is a $4 daily pass fee for in-state vehicles and an $8 out-of-state vehicle fee. The path is well worn and flat so the only issues you will come across are going to be mud and mosquitoes. Don’t be alarmed when you cross into Pennsylvania, you will only be in PA for about 50 feet. You’ll know that you’re here when you hear the rushing water and see the old bridge supports crossing the creek. This is where the final 15 feet is, you then have to go down a steep but short embankment and rock hop some small boulders. After you do that, you’ll be looking out at Snake Island. If you want to see a nice video showing the area, I found this one on YouTube. That middle area with the supports is Snake Island.

Having been here in almost every month, there is no real best time to go for an overall experience, rather there are better times to go for specific things. If your aim is to see snakes, then you should try and go from April to June. That is the time when the northern water snakes are most active, it is also the time when they breed so be extra careful. The wintertime is the most peaceful time to go. Go just after a rainstorm or when it snows, the entire area will have a pristine glow to it that it doesn’t get any other time of year.

I cannot recommend taking young children or pets here. However, a responsible and careful adult should have no problem maneuvering the island and trail easily. Please remember to keep our parks clean and to not disturb the wildlife in the parks. These snakes are for viewing and not playing. Here is a map of White Clay Creek State Park. Also, here is a link to the Delaware State Park website, you can find more info on White Clay, as well as other state parks in the area.