Green Mountains form part of the Appalachian system. They are one of the oldest mountain ranges in North America. The Green Mountains received their name from the forests of evergreens which covered the mountains when the first settlers came.
The mountains extend north and south, through central Vermont. They make up part of the mountain chain that continues south through Massachusetts and Connecticut. In these two states, the mountains are known as the Berkshire Hills and the Hoosac Mountains. The northern end of the chain reaches Quebec. Water and ice have worn down the peaks so that in some places they are low hills. The highest peak is Mount Mansfield (4,393 feet, or 1,339 meters).
Maple, ash, birch, beech, hemlock, fir, pine, and spruce trees almost completely cover the mountains. Many tourists visit the area. The mountains receive heavy snow in winter, and they have many ski resorts.
