diff --git a/eth/downloader/downloader.go b/eth/downloader/downloader.go
index 9a805396c4..23bdd7b71e 100644
--- a/eth/downloader/downloader.go
+++ b/eth/downloader/downloader.go
@@ -398,7 +398,14 @@ func (d *Downloader) synchronise(id string, hash common.Hash, td, ttd *big.Int,
 		log.Info("Block synchronisation started")
 	}
 	if mode == SnapSync {
-		// Snap sync uses the snapshot namespace to store potentially flakey data until
+		// Snap sync will directly modify the persistent state, making the entire
+		// trie database unusable until the state is fully synced. To prevent any
+		// subsequent state reads, explicitly disable the trie database and state
+		// syncer is responsible to address and correct any state missing.
+		if d.blockchain.TrieDB().Scheme() == rawdb.PathScheme {
+			d.blockchain.TrieDB().Reset(types.EmptyRootHash)
+		}
+		// Snap sync uses the snapshot namespace to store potentially flaky data until
 		// sync completely heals and finishes. Pause snapshot maintenance in the mean-
 		// time to prevent access.
 		if snapshots := d.blockchain.Snapshots(); snapshots != nil { // Only nil in tests