Snake Hill
looking north from the south end of Saratoga Lake
October 1998
Snake Hill, Saratoga Lake
Summer 1990: This site was first discovered by studying topographic maps of the area, and is clearly indicated on maps of Saratoga Lake. Snake Hill is dramatically visible from most locations around the lake.
LOCATION: Easily visible rising abruptly from the water'sd edge on a tongue of land projecting from the southeast shoreline of Saratoga Lake.
DIRECTIONS: From Albany, take I-87 Northway north to Exit 11. Go east on NY 67 to Rte. 108. Turn left onto 108 Plains Road. Continue north to 9P. Turn right onto 9P and drive around the south end of Saratoga Lake. Snake Hill is plainly visible from most vantage points around the lake, and 9P passes close by the hill's east side.
DIMENSIONS: About 200 feet high from the lakeshore, this is perhaps the largest mound-type structure in the region. Base diameter is 1/3 mile north to south, and slightly narrower west to east. The crown of the hill is somewhat level and perhaps 500 feet around. This hill is very large, and it is difficult to imagine it as a man-made feature. However, its location and structure is difficult to explain by conventional geology. Yet, whether natural or man-made, Snake Hill is definitely a sacred site that would have been chosen for ceremonial purposes in ancient times.
FEATURES: Snake Hill seems shaped as a truncated cone with a wide, flat, slightly rounded top. There is a very abrupt, steep rise from land and water all around the hill. The peninsula it sits on is pointed at the northern tip, which seems significant when considering this site as a possible temple.
VEGETATION: The hill is covered by a well-established stand of tall, mature, mixed hardwood trees. As this is a private property, this site is not currently accessible to do a thorough vegetation survey.
>HISTORY: NA, but the strong aura of this site suggests there are likely quite a few local stories—perhaps even legends—about this unusual hill on the Saratoga Lake shore. Most of the Saratoga Lake shoreline has been developed with private houses and hotels, but no structures or man-made disturbance breaks the continuous natural shoreline around Snake Hill, and it has been covered by thick forest for many decades. It remains an undisturbed section of the lakeshore, suggesting some sort of protection. It is reportedly owned by the family that owns Stewart's Shops, a chain of convenience stores. Thus, access is restricted, and local residents warn that police have arrested trespassers in the past.
DIMENSIONS: About 200 feet high from the lakeshore, this is perhaps the largest mound-type structure in the region. Base diameter is 1/3 mile north to south, and slightly narrower west to east. The crown of the hill is somewhat level and perhaps 500 feet around. This hill is very large, and it is difficult to imagine it as a man-made feature. However, its location and structure is difficult to explain by conventional geology. Yet, whether natural or man-made, Snake Hill is definitely a sacred site that would have been chosen for ceremonial purposes in ancient times.
HISTORY: NA, but the strong aura of this site suggests there are likely quite a few local stories—perhaps even legends—about this unusual hill on the Saratoga Lake shore. Most of the Saratoga Lake shoreline has been developed with private houses and hotels, but no structures or man-made disturbance breaks the continuous natural shoreline around Snake Hill, and it has been covered by thick forest for many decades. It remains an undisturbed section of the lakeshore, suggesting some sort of protection. It is reportedly owned by the family that owns Stewart's Shops, a chain of convenience stores. Thus, access is restricted, and local residents warn that police have arrested trespassers in the past.