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I'v been told that walking with a heavy foot-fall will deter snakes. Is this really true?

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Deter snakes from what? From existing in their natural habitat? You shouldn't be going out of your way to terrorize the wildlife. This is similar to throwing rocks at squirrels -- yeah, it will scare them, and it's not something you should do. – Ben Crowell Sep 29 at 21:20

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As with any wild animals, different species and different individuals are going to respond differently in different situations.

Some snakes are extra-ordinarily docile, and no amount of heavy-stomping will disturb them, unless you stomp on them.

So, to answer the original question, walking with heavy footfall is neither foolproof, nor sustainable for long hikes: resulting in very sore feet at best, and stress-fractures at worst.

Best is to keep an eye on your surroundings, and be careful not to place your foot somewhere you can't see what might be lurking around it - ie, stepping over a log, walking beside an overhanging rock, in deep grass, etc.

Stepping on a snake is an obvious no-no, but even passing within striking distance can result in an attempt depending on the disposition of the particular animal.

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