The Nature Conservancy. Protecting nature. Preserving life.™

Hiker enjoying the sites at High Pond Preserve. © Sarah Wakefield

Open to the Public

Yes

Things To Do

Enjoy a nice hike and see if you can spot these unique plants and animals. View All

Plan Your Visit

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Get Directions

Located in the northernmost corner of Vermont’s Taconic Mountains, High Pond Preserve is a haven for wildlife like large-ranging mammals and birds. It also supports a number of plant communities that reflect both boreal and more southern affinities.

Size

2,977 acres

What The Nature Conservancy is Doing

High Pond Preserve is owned and managed by The Nature Conservancy of Vermont. The preserve was originally established through the generosity of the late W. Douglas Burden, a conservationist and explorer who lived in Charlotte, Vermont.

Things To Do

What to See: Plants

Mixed northern hardwood is the most common forest type in the High Pond Preserve, composed of maples, birches, ash, oaks, cherry, and hemlock, among other species.  Another feature of the preserve is the community of old growth hemlock, one of fewer than ten of its size and age that can be found in Vermont, a nearly pure stand of chestnut oak, and a distinctive, fire-influenced red pine community high on the ridge beside High Pond.

What to See: Animals

A number of mammals such as bobcat, fisher, and bear can be found at High Pond Preserve, as well as birds like the pileated woodpecker and the black-backed woodpecker.  There is also an abundance of amphibians in the vernal pools and the ponds of the preserve.

Plan Your Visit

With the help of a Vermont Youth Conservation Corps team, the Conservancy recently created a one-mile visitor’s trail to High Pond. The trail leads through the preserve to High Pond itself, passing through a number of different forest communities including a hemlock ravine and mature northern hardwood forest with abundant black birch. Please read our Preserve Visitation Guidelines.

Directions

Discussion

Have you been to this preserve? Are you thinking of visiting? See what others are saying about their experiences and add your comments below.

Add Your Comments

Time for you to join the discussion. Tell us about your experience at this preserve. What plants and animals did you see? When did you go? You can help others plan their visit when you share your thoughts. And thank you for visiting one of our nature preserves!

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