The Snake Road is located within the LaRue – Pine Hills Research Natural Area, a tract of nearly three thousand acres along the western border of the Shawnee National Forest in southern Illinois. ‘LaRue’, as the area is often called, lies on the eastern edge of the Mississippi River floodplain.

The Snake Road is closed to vehicular traffic each year from September 1st through October 31st, and then again from March 15th through May 15th. A number of regulations were enacted by the Forest Service and the Illinois DNR to protect the flora and fauna within the LaRue – Pine Hills Research Natural Area, and these are posted at each end of the road. Collection, possession, or harassment of any organism is prohibited, and all rocks, logs, and other natural features moved must be returned to their original position. Snake hooks, tongs, containers and bags are not allowed anywhere within the LaRue – Pine Hills Research Natural Area.

While the Snake Road itself provides a relatively safe arena to encounter and observe venomous snakes, the risk of snakebite remains, and a number of people have been bitten at LaRue over the years.  Cottonmouths are abundant and widespread, and juveniles can be difficult to spot in the leaf litter and other ground cover, and any pile of leaves may have a pit viper hidden underneath. Field herpers at LaRue should thoroughly inspect their surroundings before kneeling, sitting, or placing their hands on any surface.