That is a Florida Cottonmouth. They are venomous, but not really dangerous.

They are not aggressive in any way and when you walk up to one, the generally just freeze and hope you won't notice them. If you get closer, they might flash their white mouth lining at you, but even then they don't usually strike. Just walk on by and leave them alone and no one will be the worse for the encounter. Or just appreciate how cool they are!

You will hear/read a lot of urban legends about Cottonmouths talking about how aggressive they are and how they drop out of trees, chase after people, occur in "nests" and all sorts of ridiculous stuff.

I have seen many hundreds of cottonmouths in my life, throughout their range from South Caroline to the tip of Florida and into the edge of western Texas. I have also been involved in a research project on cottonmouths which necessitated us collecting 40-50 wild Cottonmouths per day (day and night sometimes). I have probably caught 300+ of them myself.

They are not dangerous, but they are venomous. They should be respected but not feared. We are lucky to have such an amazing creature still living across a large portion of the Southeastern US in spite of all the parts of it we've destroyed.

As for this being a dangerous place to walk, you should certainly be watching where you step. They will just try and hide and hope you go away. On cold mornings, I have actually seen Cottonmouths coil up underneath the pine needles. Stay on the trails, watch where you are walking and you will be fine.

I think it sounds like a great place for a nature walk. It seems much better than a nature walk with no nature. Post signs warning people to be aware and enjoy...