Lincoln Peak

Every pocket of Vermont holds its own charm, history, and opportunities. But few are cherished quite like the Mad River Valley. This tight-knit community is home to several quaint towns, including Lincoln and Waitsfield, that rely largely on the outdoor economy and are adorned with centuries-old homes and businesses. Towering above this community is Lincoln Peak, one of Vermont’s highest, standing just shy of 4,000 feet.

Whether you’re driving down the scenic Mad River Scenic Byway or hopping off the chairlift at Sugarbush Ski Resort, it’s impossible to miss Lincoln Peak, a crown jewel of the community. And while parts of Lincoln Peak were protected within the Green Mountain National Forest, two parcels of land—totaling 619 acres’ worth of breathtaking views, old-growth forests, and significant wildlife habitat—were at risk of fragmentation or restricted access. Permanent conservation of this land would mean protection of land vital to the local economy as well as rare habitat for native wildlife, while also safeguarding the water quality of Lincoln Brook.

In 2022, with help from our partners at Park Forestry NY, Trust for Public Land sprang into action to conserve this cherished space. And today, it’s permanently protected as part of the roughly 400,000-acre Green Mountain National Forest. This protection includes 1.34 miles of the Catamount Trail, a statewide cross-country ski trail, and a buffer around the iconic Long Trail, which is used by more than 200,000 hikers a year. The area will continue to support backcountry recreation, build climate resilience, improve water quality, grow the economy, and encourage more people to get outside to enjoy the fresh air and trails.