Jump to Section
  Hike Summary
  Route Summary
  Mileage Splits
  Trail Map
  Trail Guide
  Driving Directions
  Facilities
  More Killington Peak Trail Reports

Killington Peak via Bucklin Trail

Mountain:  Killington Peak (4241')
Trails:  Bucklin Trail, Long Trail, Appalachian Trail, Killington Spur
Region:  VT - Southern  
Location:  Mendon, VT
Rating:  Moderate/Difficult  
Features:  Summit, views, 4000-footer, lodge/restaurant, fire tower, brook
Distance:  7.2 miles  
Elevation Gain:  2500 feet (cumulative)  
Hiking Time:  Typical: 4:55  
Outing Duration:  Typical: 7:07  
Season:  Fall
Hike Date:  10/11/2008 (Saturday)  
Weather:  Clear
Author:  Kevin Cummings

Route Summary   

This is a hike up to Killington Peak where there are far-reaching panoramic views to the Green Mountains of Vermont, the Adirondacks of New York, and the White Mountains of New Hampshire.

  • Start on the blue-blazed Bucklin Trail and follow it for 3.3 miles all the way to the junction with the Long Trail and the Appalachian Trail. You will cross Brewers Brook on bridges after 0.2 mile and again at 1.2 miles into the hike. Bucklin Trail closely parallels Brewers Brook for about the first 1.4 miles of the hike. The first two miles climb gently and then the ascent becomes quite steep.
  • Upon reaching the Long Trail and the Appalachian Trail (they run together at this point), turn right and follow the white-blazed LT/AT for just 0.1 mile.
  • Next, turn left onto Killington Spur which will lead you to the summit after a 0.2-mile pitch straight to the top with some scrambling up large rocks to the open, rocky peak.
  • Descend via the same route.

Place         Split
Miles		      Total
Miles
Bucklin Trailhead (1800') 0.0 0.0
Killington Peak (4241') 3.6 3.6
Bucklin Trailhead (1800') 3.6 7.2
Legend
   Difficulty Rating
   Hiking Time Comments
   Hiking Time Calculator
   Actual vs. Typical Hiking Times and Outing Durations  
   Distances of Hikes
   Elevation Gain/Loss
   New England States
   Maine Regions
   Vermont Regions
   New Hampshire Regions  
   Massachusetts Regions
   Connecticut Regions
   Rhode Island Regions
   Dates Comments
   Map Comments and Legend

 
Tip
Hover your mouse over images in order to see captions.


Taking up where field guides leave off, Trees of New England offers an engaging look at the natural history of the region's native and common nonnative tree species.

Tip
Use our Hiking Time Calculator to estimate how long a hike will take based on YOUR walking pace.
 

Map of hike route to Killington Peak (map by Webmaster)


Trail Guide   

I would rate this route to Killington Peak as moderately strenuous. The initial approximately 1.5 miles is a nice walk along a brook; the next approximately 1.5 miles is a steady climb with the last 1,000 feet being a hand-over-hand scramble to the mountain's summit.

We did the climb on a busy Saturday during the October Columbus Day weekend and ran into less than eight fellow hikers on trail. Once we got to Killington Peak the crowds were there because of chairlift access; other than that we were in beautiful solitude.

The views from Killington Peak are spectacular in all directions. Well worth the three-hour hike up.

Towards the end of the hike you run into Cooper Lodge on the Appalachian Trail / Long Trail segment.

I strongly recommend this hike. 		 
Welcome
Welcome hikers, walkers, and snowshoers!

This site is geared towards those that love to be outside. Whether you're looking for outdoor fitness and recreation or wishing to find peace and serenity through nature - we have suggestions for you.

Our free hiking trail guide resource offers everything from short, easy, nature walks to challenging mountain climbs above timberline in the alpine zone. The detailed trail reports with hike descriptions, trail maps, photos, and driving directions serve as a great planning tool. Many of the trail guides are based on hikes in the beautiful White Mountains of New Hampshire.

We offer ideas for all seasons so take those boots or snowshoes out of the closet and go for a hike! Get revitalized and melt away stress; there's always a special peace or joy in being surrounded by nature whether you're all alone on a remote path or on a busy trail exchanging cheerful greetings with like-minded people.

HikeNewEngland.com covers hikes in Maine, Vermont, New Hampshire, Massachusetts, Connecticut, and Rhode Island.

Share Content
Share this page's content on a social network. Choose from Facebook, Twitter, Digg, Yahoo, MySpace, and more. Hover over the button below to share.

Share/Save/Bookmark
 


VT - Southern

   Driving Directions   

The Bucklin Trailhead is located in Mendon, Vermont, not far from Route 4.

From Rt. 4:
  • Turn south onto Wheelerville Road off of Rt. 4 in Mendon, Vermont. This turnoff can be found 5.1 miles east of the northern junction of Rt. 4 and Rt. 7 in Rutland; or 4.1 miles west of the Inn at Long Trail in Sherburn Pass.
  • Follow Wheelerville Road for 4.1 miles.
  • Park at the turnout on the left at Brewers Corner, located on a sharp corner of Wheelerville Road.

Facilities   

Cooper Lodge, located 100 feet from the junction of the Long Trail/Appalachian Trail and the Killington Spur, is a bunk house for campers. At 3,850 feet, the lodge is the highest shelter on the Long Trail.

Shortly downhill from Killington Peak are facilities associated with the resort. The ski lodge at the summit has restrooms and a cafe with light food and beverage.

More Killington Peak Trail Reports   

  

 

Website by LeapfrogProgramming.com Logo LeapfrogProgramming.com


© 1998-2024
 Page copy-protected against website content infringement by Copyscape
The information on this site may freely be used for personal purposes but may not be replicated on other websites or publications. If you want to reference some content on this site, please link to us.