Hike to Killington Peak
Mendon, Vermont
Details
Distance
3.4 miles
Route Type
Out-and-Back
Description
Added by Court Findeisen
This is a really fun and challenging hike up onto the peak of the biggest ski area in the east. It is a classic trail I try to do at least once a season, I have even met collegiate cross country runners using this trail to train.
The trail head (Bucklin Trail) is found a couple of miles up Wheelerville Road on the left. Wheerlerville is a dirt road that will be muddy in the spring and summer. The drive is long enough that you will think you did something wrong, but you haven't! the trail head will eventually pop up.The trail is 3.4 miles one way, and winds lazily through the forest and over a stream for the first mile or so before becoming steep and crushing upwards. Be sure to follow the same color trail markers the whole way. You will come to Cooper's Cabin about 3/4 of the way up (a decent sized hut on the AT) that has a great view and isn't a bad spot for a break before completing the hike. The final push is up through pretty pines and breaks open at the bottom of the rocks before the top, a grade 4 scramble for a few hundred feet to the peak. The rocks at the top are a great spot for lunch. Round trip, this hike can be done in 3 hours- or if you want, take all day.The way down: Retrace your steps(3.4 miles down to the car); OR take a short descent to the mountain's peak lodge and walk down 2 miles down the Kbase Lodge, having a spotted car or friend waiting to pick you up!
My dog especially loves this hike on cool fall mornings.
Note: Fall colors are great.In winter there are back country skiers and hiking is less common, as well as the trail not being marked for winter hiking.
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Hike to Killington Peak Reviews
Loved this hike! Took us a little over 5 hours to complete with photos, chats with other hikers, snacks and hydration stops! Most of the hike is a beautiful and rocky path until the last 1/4 mile or so.. becomes a bit of a rock scramble!
5.0
Loved doing this in the winter, got to see some skiers playing around as well.
5.0
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