Killington Peak stands at the crossroads of Vermont hiking history. Here, the Appalachian Trail and Long Trail share the same path before diverging—the AT heading east toward New Hampshire, the LT continuing north toward Canada. At 4,235 feet, it's Vermont's second-highest summit, topped only by Mount Mansfield.
A fire tower on the summit provides 360-degree views across central Vermont, from the Adirondacks to the White Mountains. And while Killington is famous as a ski resort, the hiking trails offer a completely different experience—forested approaches giving way to rocky alpine terrain and expansive vistas.
Trail Options
Bucklin Trail (Most Popular)
- Distance: 7.4 miles round trip
- Elevation Gain: 2,480 feet
- Difficulty: Strenuous
- Time: 5-6 hours
The standard hiking route starts from Wheelerville Road and climbs steadily through hardwood forest before steepening significantly in the final mile. The trail meets the Long Trail just below Cooper Lodge, from where it's a short scramble to the summit.
Long Trail from Route 4
- Distance: 10+ miles round trip
- Elevation Gain: 2,500+ feet
- Difficulty: Strenuous
- Time: 6-8 hours
A longer approach following the AT/LT from Sherburne Pass. More remote feeling but adds significant distance.
Gondola Option
During summer and fall, the K-1 Express Gondola runs to near the summit. Hikers can take the gondola up and walk down (or vice versa) for a shorter experience. Check resort schedules and fees.
The Bucklin Trail Experience
Lower Section
The trail begins gently, following an old logging road through mixed hardwood forest. Brewers Brook parallels the path, offering pleasant stream sounds. This section is moderate and lulls you into thinking the whole hike will be easy.
Upper Section
Above 3,000 feet, the trail steepens dramatically. The forest transitions to spruce and fir, and the path becomes rockier. The final approach involves scrambling over exposed rock with excellent views opening up.
Cooper Lodge
Just below the summit, Cooper Lodge is a stone cabin on the Long Trail that provides emergency shelter. From here, a spur trail leads 0.2 miles to Killington's summit and fire tower.
The Summit
Killington's summit features a fire tower (open to climb) that provides panoramic views above the trees. On clear days, you can see the White Mountains to the east, Adirondacks to the west, and Green Mountain ridges stretching north and south.
Practical Information
Getting There
Bucklin Trail: From Rutland, take Route 4 east. Turn left onto Wheelerville Road and continue to the trailhead parking area on the right.
When to Hike
- June-October: Best hiking conditions
- July-August: Warmest weather, occasional afternoon thunderstorms
- September-October: Fall foliage, cooler temps
- Winter: Ski area operates; hiking requires full winter gear
Considerations
- The summit can be 15-20 degrees cooler than the trailhead
- Afternoon thunderstorms are common in summer—start early
- The fire tower may be closed in high winds
Combining Peaks
For a longer day, combine Killington with nearby summits:
Pico Peak
At 3,957 feet, Pico is connected to Killington via the Long Trail. Adding Pico creates a 12+ mile day with significant elevation gain.
Shrewsbury Peak
A separate trailhead leads to Shrewsbury Peak (3,720 feet), which offers views of Killington from a different angle.
Quick Reference: Killington Peak
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Elevation | 4,235 feet |
| Distance (Bucklin) | 7.4 miles round trip |
| Elevation Gain | 2,480 feet |
| Difficulty | Strenuous |
| Fire Tower | Yes, open to public |
Killington Peak offers a challenging climb to Vermont's second-highest summit, complete with fire tower views and Long Trail heritage. Whether you hike up or combine with a gondola ride, the panoramic summit views reward the effort.
