Did it, at any time, do anything like flatten out it's neck and point it's nose somewhat downward or roll over on it's back? The first thing that jumps to mind other than a water snake would be an eastern hognose, but I don't know offhand if they range into NY.

Actually, there's a good picture of a black one here:
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Heterodon_platirhinos

With that description though, I couldn't rule out a black timber rattlesnake, although I don't think a juvenile would be that dark. Agin, I'm not sure if you're in their range. That would be the only possibility for anything dangerous.
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What goes up must come down...unless it exceeds escape velocity.

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