Rattlesnake Hill (Delaware County, New York) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Rattlesnake Hill |
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 Rattlesnake Hill
Location in New York
Rattlesnake Hill
Location in the United States
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| Highest point | |
| Elevation | 1,854 feet (565 m) |
| Geography | |
| Location | Hancock, New York, U.S. |
| Topo map | USGS Fishs Eddy |
Rattlesnake Hill is a cool natural spot! It's a mountain found in the beautiful Catskill Mountains in New York State. You can find it southeast of a village called Hancock. It's surrounded by other hills and ridges like Jensen Hill to the south, Bouchoux Hill to the southwest, Big Fork Mountain to the northeast, and Johnny Ridge to the north-northwest.
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Discovering Rattlesnake Hill
Rattlesnake Hill is a mountain that stands tall at about 1,854 feet (which is about 565 meters) above sea level. This makes it a noticeable feature in the landscape of Delaware County. Even though it's called a "hill," it's actually considered a mountain because of its height and how it rises from the land around it.
Where is Rattlesnake Hill?
This mountain is located in the southern part of the Catskill Mountains. The Catskills are a large area of mountains and forests in southeastern New York State. Rattlesnake Hill is specifically found near the village of Hancock. Hancock is known for its outdoor activities and natural beauty, making Rattlesnake Hill a part of a popular area for nature lovers.
Nearby Natural Features
Rattlesnake Hill isn't alone in the landscape. It has several neighbors:
- Jensen Hill is located to the south.
- Bouchoux Hill is found to the southwest.
- Big Fork Mountain is situated to the northeast.
- Johnny Ridge lies to the north-northwest.
These nearby hills and ridges create a varied and interesting terrain, perfect for exploring.
What is a Mountain?
A mountain is a large natural rise in the Earth's surface. It's usually much taller and steeper than a hill. Mountains are formed in many ways, often when two of the Earth's large plates (called tectonic plates) push against each other. This causes the land to fold and rise up. Mountains can also be formed by volcanoes or by erosion, where softer rock is worn away, leaving harder rock standing tall.
How Mountains are Measured
The height of a mountain is usually measured from sea level. This is called its "elevation." So, when we say Rattlesnake Hill is 1,854 feet high, that's its elevation above the average level of the ocean.
The Catskill Mountains
Rattlesnake Hill is part of the larger Catskill Mountains range. The Catskills are not true mountains in the geological sense, but rather a deeply eroded plateau. This means they were once a flat, high area that has been carved out over millions of years by rivers and glaciers. The Catskills are famous for their beautiful scenery, dense forests, and many streams and rivers.
Wildlife in the Catskills
The Catskill Mountains, including the area around Rattlesnake Hill, are home to a wide variety of wildlife. You might find animals like:
- White-tailed deer
- Black bears
- Wild turkeys
- Various types of birds, including hawks and owls
- Smaller mammals like raccoons and squirrels
The forests are mostly made up of deciduous trees, which lose their leaves in the fall, creating stunning autumn colors.
Why "Rattlesnake Hill"?
The name "Rattlesnake Hill" might make you wonder if there are rattlesnakes living there! While some areas of New York State do have rattlesnakes, especially the timber rattlesnake, the name doesn't always mean they are common on that specific hill today. Sometimes, places were named after animals that were once more common, or perhaps just a few were spotted there long ago. It's always a good idea to be aware of your surroundings when exploring natural areas.
Exploring the Area
The region around Rattlesnake Hill and Hancock is a great place for outdoor activities. People enjoy hiking, fishing, and simply taking in the natural beauty. The USGS has maps of the area, like the "Fishs Eddy" map, which helps people navigate and explore. These maps show the elevation and features of the land.
