Green Mountains facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Green Mountains |
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Green Mountains looking South from the summit of Mount Mansfield
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| Highest point | |
| Peak | Mount Mansfield |
| Geography | |
| Location | Vermont |
| Parent range | Appalachian Mountains |
The Green Mountains are a mountain range in the U.S. state of Vermont. This mountain range mostly runs from south to north. It stretches about 250 miles (400 km) from the border with Massachusetts all the way to the border with Quebec, Canada.
The same mountains are called The Berkshires in Massachusetts and Connecticut. In Quebec, they are known as the Sutton Mountains, or Monts Sutton in French.
Many people call all mountains in Vermont the "Green Mountains." They are called "Green" because even in winter, the trees keep their green needles, making the mountains look green. However, some other mountain ranges in Vermont, like the Taconics and the Northeastern Highlands, are not truly part of the Green Mountains.
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Tallest Peaks and Fun Facts
The Green Mountains have many well-known peaks. People love them for their height, easy trails, or nearby ski resorts. Here are some of the most famous ones:
- Mount Mansfield: At 4,395 feet (1,340 m), this is the highest point in Vermont.
- Killington Peak: Standing tall at 4,241 feet (1,293 m).
- Camel's Hump: This mountain is 4,084 feet (1,245 m) high.
- Mount Ellen: It reaches 4,083 feet (1,244 m).
- Mount Abraham: This peak is 4,017 feet (1,224 m) tall.
- Pico Peak: It measures 3,957 feet (1,206 m) in height.
- Stratton Mountain: At 3,940 feet (1,201 m), this is where the ideas for both the Long Trail and the Appalachian Trail began.
- Jay Peak: This mountain is 3,862 feet (1,177 m) high. It gets the most snowfall in the eastern United States on average.
- Bread Loaf Mountain: It stands at 3,835 feet (1,169 m).
- Mount Wilson: This peak is 3,780 feet (1,152 m) tall.
- Glastenbury Mountain: It reaches 3,748 feet (1,142 m).
- Burke Mountain: This mountain is 3,280 feet (1,000 m) high.
The Green Mountains are part of the larger Appalachian Mountains. This huge mountain range stretches from Quebec in the north all the way to Alabama in the south. The Green Mountains are also part of a special natural area called the New England/Acadian forests ecoregion.
Three peaks—Mount Mansfield, Camel's Hump, and Mount Abraham—are special because they have unique alpine plants. These are plants that grow in very cold, high-altitude places.
Fun Activities and Tourism
Many of the Green Mountains are popular for skiing and other snow sports in winter. In summer, they offer amazing hiking trails. Mount Mansfield, Killington, Pico, and Ellen all have downhill ski resorts.
The Long Trail is a famous hiking path that goes over all the major peaks. It runs from the southern border of Vermont to the northern border. Part of this trail, about one-third of its length, is also shared with the famous Appalachian Trail.
History of the Green Mountains
The state of Vermont is named after these mountains! The French words Monts Verts or Verts Monts literally mean "Green Mountains."
This name was suggested in 1777 by Dr. Thomas Young. He was an American revolutionary and even took part in the Boston Tea Party.
Before Vermont became the 14th state in 1791, it was an independent country called the Vermont Republic. It was also known as the Green Mountain Republic.
The University of Vermont and State Agricultural College is often called UVM. This comes from its Latin name, Universitas Viridis Montis, which means "University of the Green Mountains."
Geology and Landscape
The Green Mountains are a specific part of a larger area called the New England province. This province is part of the even bigger Appalachian Mountains region.
There's a small stream called Lemon Fair that flows through several towns in Vermont. Some people say its name comes from early English settlers trying to say 'Les Monts Verts' (The Green Mountains) in their own language.
See also
In Spanish: Green Mountains para niños
