Going backpacking in the wild is filled with adventure. You get to explore the best of nature, but along with it, you also come across some deadly nightmares. And while you might be afraid of coming across deadly wild and exotic animals on your quest, what you actually need to look out for are venomous reptiles like snakes and scorpions. When going backpacking in the wild, you might come across various kinds of snakes on your trail. Some snakes would be venomous, some not so much – but as a backpacker, you should be able to tell one from the other.

Here is a list of 3 venomous snakes and how to identify them.

Western Diamondback

Western Diamondback is famous for its distinctive rattle – a warning sign that they give out before they attack. As the name suggests, you will find peculiar brown diamond patterns on its back. The head of the snake is triangular in shape. Look out for this snake when you find yourself anywhere between Southern California to Texas. Its habitat includes deserts, rocky areas, and grasslands. Diamondbacks are one of the largest rattlesnakes and also one of the most defensive snakes found in the region. The bite of the rattlesnake can prove to be deadly.

Copperhead

Copperhead may look beautiful, but don’t let its beauty fool you. They are shorter in length when compared to rattlesnakes ranging in size from 2 to 3 feet. The copperhead will be very easy to identify with its orange color and darker hourglass-shaped crossbands. Look out for them when you are anywhere between West Texas to the Atlantic. Their habitat includes grasslands, forests, and scrublands. When compared to rattlesnakes, they have less venom – but it still needs immediate medical attention.

Cottonmouth

Cottonmouth gets its name from its distinctive white mouth. Cottonmouth opens its mouth in a defensive display against the threat. If you can see the white mouth, you are probably too close to the snake. Cottonmouth is more likely to be found in the southeast – but you can spot them as far wast as Texas. It is also called water moccasin – you can spot these semi-aquatic vipers generally in and around water.

Anyone who loves roller coasters will surely want to add this one to their bucket list! Located in New York, the Cliffside Mountain Coaster opened recently and immediately started captivating everyone’s attention. And what better time to open up a new roller coaster that passes through a stunning resort out in nature than at the beginning of Autumn when all the foliage is colorful and mesmerizing?

The Olympic Bobsledding Track Got a New Purpose

The new coaster is actually a repurposed bobsled track that was used for the Olympic games in 1932 and 1980. It’s located at Mt Van Hoevenberg in Lake Placid, which is the first winter resort in America with a history that spans over 100 years. It’s one of the few villages in the world that hosted the Olympic games twice. Riders of the new coaster will be able to glide through that historic track surrounded by stunning foliage and get to see what it was like for the bobsledding teams that took that same course so many years before. As an additional treat, riders will be able to hear commentary the entire ride for the full experience.

A Stunning View of Autumn Foliage

To take this stunning coaster ride, it’s necessary to pre-purchase tickets online so that the organizers can maintain capacity control at all times. Rides will be available on the weekends with extended hours for Columbus Day weekend. The track is 1.4 miles long and the visitors will be riding in their individual carts, whose speed they can control. As the facility follows all NY state protocols, visitors will be required to wear masks, and the coaster carts will be properly sanitized between each use. Governor Andrew M. Cuomo says that this coaster is a thrilling addition to the Olympic Regional Development Authority venues and that the efforts to modernize the whole Mt Van Hoevenberg complex is ongoing. The coaster will help provide fun for families and athletes alike throughout the year, attracting more summer visitors and boosting the local businesses!