5 Epic Summer Adventures in Killington, Vermont

Plan your next visit to Killington Mountain around one of these 5 epic summer adventures.

Mountain Biking, Hiking, Trail Running Moderate, Difficult, Severe

Description

Known for having the longest ski season in the east, Killington is a hub for summertime adventures, including downhill mountain biking, backcountry hiking, camping, and even trail running. The mild summer temperatures and stunning wildflowers make it one of the best summer destinations in the east, and after your first visit, it will be easy to see why it’s one of the top tourist destinations in New England! No matter what you are into, plan your next trip to Killington, Vermont, around one of these five epic outdoor adventures near the resort!

Just minutes from Killington Mountain Resort, the Sherburne Pass Loop is easily one of the best overnight hikes or sub-10-mile trail runs in the area. An experienced hiker or runner could easily complete the loop in a single day, but Cooper Lodge lies near the trail junction with the AT/LT and "at 3,850 feet, the lodge is the highest shelter on the Long Trail," according to this source. For the trail running version of this loop, check out this route instead.

Want to get the entire family out for a short hike? Deer Leap Rock begins just minutes from the resort and is great for all abilities or ages. This easy-to-moderate hike visits a popular overlook towering over the Inn at Long Trail, offering views of both Killington and Pico Mountains across the valley. In addition to several rooms, the Inn serves traditional pub food, hosts live music, and pours "Vermont's Best Guinness on Tap," according to their website.

Just around the corner, the Bucklin Trail offers a western approach to Killington Mountain by foot. This challenging trail climbs 2,500 feet in 3.6 miles, then returns the same way. Expect upwards of five hours of hiking to complete this route, though you may need to factor in some extra time to soak in the stunning views from the summit. A lodge at the top of the mountain is also open to visitors, so remember to bring your wallet along for the hike.

Whether you’re new to downhill mountain biking or a pro shredder, Jump Start is a great introduction to Killington’s incredible network of downhill mountain biking trails. This intermediate downhill trail is accessed via the Showshed Express Quad and is one of three classic trails on the lower portion of the mountain. It’s loaded with numerous tabletops, wooden features, and a healthy serving of chunder, though everything is 100% rollable. It is the perfect trail to warm up on when planning a long day, or the perfect trail to master if you’re new to downhill riding and jump lines.

Not listed but worthy of note, Vermont’s 273-mile Long Trail shares a route with the world-famous Appalachian Trail from the MA/VT State Line until Highway 4 near Killington. After passing the summits of both Killington and Pico Mountains, the trails art ways—the Long Trail bound for the US/Canada border, the Appalachian Trail bound for Mount Katahdin in Maine. Our section-by-section guidebook of the AT may be the only comprehensive guidebook with both descriptions and photos for every segment of the 2,200-mile trail!

Sources: https://www.hikenewengland.com/Killington070825.php https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/KillingtonSkiResort