Illinois’ Famous Snake Road Is Closed, But You Can Still Walk It
Every spring and fall, traffic comes to a stop along one unusual road in Southern Illinois, and it's not because of construction.
It's for the snakes, the nope ropes, and the danger noodles.
The U.S. Forest Service has temporarily closed Forest Service Road No. 345, better known as Snake Road, inside Shawnee National Forest to give snakes and amphibians a safer place to cross during their fall migration.
The road will remain closed to vehicles through October 30, but here's where things get really interesting... You can still walk it!
Why Does Snake Road Close?
Snake Road runs through the LaRue-Pine Hills/Otter Pond Research Natural Area, and twice each year, several species of snakes and amphibians migrate through the area.
Closing the gravel road to vehicles helps protect the animals as they make that journey.
Now, if you're imagining some Indiana Jones-style mass of snakes slithering across the road all at once, that's not exactly how it works.
According to the Forest Service, snake movements happen in random individual pulses throughout the day. The animals don't gather together or cross the road in giant groups.
That means there's no scheduled "snake crossing" to plan your visit around.
You Can Walk Snake Road During the Closure
Although vehicles aren't allowed on Snake Road during the annual migration period, the road does remain open to foot traffic.
Visitors are asked to stay on the gravel road. Not only is that safer for people exploring the area, but the Forest Service says it also reduces stress on the animals during this important movement period.
Of course, there is another rule that may be even more important to remember:
Do not pick up or handle the snakes or amphibians.
The Forest Service says collecting or handling the animals is against the law and could also result in personal injury.
So yes, you can head into Shawnee National Forest and walk a road literally nicknamed Snake Road during snake migration season.
Just remember that you're visiting their neighborhood.
For additional information about the migration and visiting LaRue-Pine Hills, check out the U.S. Forest Service's website.
Beautiful Nature Photos from Shawnee National Forest Will Make You Want to Visit Southern Illinois
Gallery Credit: Kat Mykals