Green Mountains

The Green Mountains are the backbone of more than 2 million acres of wildlife habitat, diverse forests, and popular trails—including the Long Trail, the nation’s oldest long-distance hiking route; the Appalachian National Scenic Trail; and the Catamount Trail, a ski trail that runs the length of Vermont.

For many, Vermont’s Green Mountains are the go-to place for a morning hike, a lunchtime mountain-bike ride, a Sunday river paddle, or a multi-week backpack trip. For others, the mountains offer a quiet respite from the busyness of life where they can experience profound appreciation for the natural and cultural resources the mountains provide, reminding us that these public lands belong to us all.

But development, growth of ski-resort towns, and forest fragmentation are major threats to this iconic region. Millions of acres of forestland are at risk of disappearing over the next 50 years, even as climate change threatens the health of the remaining woodlands and nearby communities.

TPL is focused on conserving land along the entire length of the Green Mountains—from Massachusetts to Canada—by using cutting-edge conservation science and recreation planning to make the Green Mountains enticing, accessible, and resilient for future generations. This means expanded recreational access, protected wildlife habitat, cleaner drinking water, and improved flood resiliency for more Vermonters!

Trust for Public Land has protected more than 52,500 acres in the Green Mountains, with a goal to conserve an additional 20,000 acres in the next decade. Thanks to our partnerships with the Green Mountain Club, the Green Mountain National Forest, the Catamount Trail Alliance, the State of Vermont, and other community partners, we’ll continue to improve the quality of life in Vermont— protecting public recreational access, maintaining sustainable timber harvesting, safeguarding wildlife habitat, and protecting water resources.