Little Trouble
Little Trouble, originally uploaded by Appalachian Encounters.
So small, a group of us walked right over him lying on the trail. Only a few inches long, but gave a good lunge at a stick and rattled his tail viciously. I don’t know what kind of snake he’ll grow up to be…
Appalachian Encounters 
I think perhaps your little friend is a baby “corn snake” or “rat snake”. They’re similar and can be brightly colored.