Yes,KR, I think so, too. I never saw the tail, but the head was all dark, no other coloring. In the early morning light the brown actually looked dark green. At first glance, I thought someone had dropped a piece of camoflage gear, then I got closer and came to an abrupt halt. The camera flash brought out the brown color. The white rings were always quite clear. Another hiker had a photo of an obvious rattler, because the head was quite distinct. It was mostly brown more like a Timber Rattle Snake. The trail along the ridge of Rattle Snake Mt. really does look like prime rattle snake territory with the grasses and open rock. Hikers do have to be aware. I've read that strikes are very uncommon, and usually occur because the snake was stepped on. Snakes do like to lie in the sun to get warm, but the snake in the first photo was in a great spot for it to have spent the night. If the photo was not zoomed you would see that the rocks were against each side of the snake. It just looked comfortable with much of its long body touching each other in its wrap. Another morning I did see a squirrel walking nonchalantly right down the center of the trail, so snakes might also lie on the trail awaiting prey. I thought rattle snakes in New England were rare, but I guess not in NJ and probably PA, too, along the AT.
