I've even acquired a dislike over the years. I used to seek them out, bring them home. Now I see a garter snake (which is probably the least dangerous creature on earth) and I get a rake use it to throw the beast over the back fence.
That said, I wouldn't change a hike to avoid the possibility of chancing one. I had a king snake strike at me and it was amazingly slow - almost comical in the threat he thought he was imparting. I know they are pretty slow and if you are watching out there shouldn't be a problem.