More than 2,300 acres of forest that include a mountain with scenic views and several ponds were recently protected near Lake Champlain. And the property could soon become a new hiking destination in eastern New York.
The conservation group Adirondack Land Trust recently purchased 2,390 acres of forest near Lake Champlain in Chesterfield, New York. The property includes Drake Mountain, 12 ponds, more than six miles of streams, and 126 acres of wetlands.
According to a property listing, the east side of Drake Mountain features a waterfall and exposed cliffs, providing an attractive hiking opportunity offering expansive views of Lake Champlain and the Green Mountains.
Officials with the land trust said they plan to transfer ownership of the property to New York State, eventually adding all 2,390 acres to Adirondack Park. Under state ownership, the land will become available to the public for outdoor recreation, including hiking.
“Keeping Drake Mountain as a forest makes good sense,” said Chesterfield Town Supervisor Clayton Barber. “I look forward to the day when the public can access the land for outdoor activities like hiking and hunting.”
The vast, forested property ranges in elevation from 580 to 1,615 feet above sea level. It harbors rare and uncommon plant species unique to the Champlain Valley, and provides habitat for beaver, bobcat, white-tailed deer, black bear, and other wildlife.
The land trust paid $3.38 million to a timber investment company for the property.
