Snake Mountain Wildlife Management Area Expansion

Hikers who reach the summit of Snake Mountain are rewarded with breathtaking views that stretch from Lake Champlain to the nearby Adirondacks. This hike is popular among locals, college students, and families because it offers a forested getaway in the heart of an agricultural landscape. For decades, Trust for Public Land (TPL) has worked to protect these treasured landscapes across Vermont, ensuring they remain places of refuge for people and wildlife alike. Now, we are deepening that commitment by expanding the most visited Wildlife Management Area (WMA) in the state—Snake Mountain WMA.

Nestled in the Champlain Valley, Snake Mountain has long been a recreational destination for hikers, birdwatchers, and nature lovers, with hiking trails, stunning views, and a sanctuary for countless species. However, much of its timber rights have remained in private hands, limiting conservation efforts. In partnership with Vermont Fish & Wildlife, TPL is working to change that by uniting 949 acres of timber rights with public ownership and adding 256 acres of ecologically rich land to the WMA.

This expansion is critical in protecting Vermont’s natural heritage in the face of the climate crisis. Snake Mountain provides essential habitat for peregrine falcons, endangered bats, and songbirds like the golden-winged warbler. Its ancient wetlands, including the 9,500-year-old Cranberry Bog, reduce flooding, support clean drinking water, and sustain habitat. By securing these lands, we are preserving a cherished recreation area and safeguarding a landscape uniquely suited to help boost climate resilience across the state.