Killington Peak, VT


• 5-star hikes
• 4 to 8 mile options
• Moderate | Gain 1,700 to 2,400 feet
• Killington, VT | Southern Region
.   VT Fire Towers    A gondola lift at Killington Ski Resort in Vermont rises diagonally across the frame, threading through dense summer foliage on the mountainside. Multiple black and silver gondola cabins, each branded with the white “Killington” logo, move steadily along thick support cables, appearing mid-transit above the treetops. The lift is anchored by a sturdy metal support tower, which also features trail direction signage—white-on-green arrows for “Cascade” and “Downdraft,” hinting at the resort’s dual identity as a winter haven and a summer adventure spot. In the distance, the landscape softens into misty layers of forested ridges and valleys that blur gently into the horizon, suggesting humidity or early afternoon haze.

Killington Peak is second highest of Vermont's five 4,000 foot mountain peaks, and hiking it offers great rewards without an overwhelming challenge. The Bucklin Trail offers a memorable hiking experience, leading its explorers to the 4,235-foot summit via the forgiving terrain of the mountain's western flanks.

The opening 2.4 miles feel deceptively flat as the path winds through dense forest, twice across Brewers Brook and following natural contours that minimize steep pitches. The moderate grade continues through terrain largely free of the rock scrambles and root tangles that typify many New England mountain hikes. The forest canopy provides consistent shelter throughout the ascent, creating a corridor of shade that helps us stay cool even during summer months. Be sure to visit the picturesque Irene Falls, accessible by a signposted, brief detour off the main trail.
⬤ 5★ Bucklin Trail   7.5 mi out & back, moderate, gain 2,400 ft
GPX File · AllTrails · Directions GPX?
⬤ A-Trail Loop   3.7 mi loop, gain 1,700 ft
GPX File · AllTrails · Directions
 P  Free parking

Just shy of the summit, a brief, steep, and rocky section may challenging some hikers - especially those with shorter legs. You can either embrace this final push up the Bucklin Trail as part of the adventure, or take a sharp left turn at Cooper Lodge. This alternate route leads to a series of boardwalks and steps that navigate much of the remaining elevation gain, eventually connecting to the Killington gondola and the Peak Lodge. Though slightly longer in length, this route doesn't add any extra distance, assuming you were already planning on exploring the lodge area.

The true of Killington Peak is marked by a cluster of communications masts, outbuildings and a standing fire lookout tower. Originally built on neighboring Pico Peak in the 1920s, the tower was relocated to Killington Peak in the early 1960s and, though decommissioned in 1984, now supports communications equipment. A short loop - signposted as the 'J' trail - circles the summit and offers the best views from the peak.

Three other popular routes also lead to the summit of Killington Peak from the ski resort’s K-1 Lodge and parking area. The ‘A’ trail provides the most direct path, while the ‘C’ and ‘E’ trails wind more gradually up the sides of the bowl, crossing several broad ski runs. While we haven’t yet hiked these routes, our map includes an A–C loop option, and we've also linked to a C–E loop in the 'Public AllTrails' section below. Follow Trailspotting if you'd like to be notified when we review these trails.

A hiker in a red shirt and backpack walks along a mossy, rocky trail through a dense green forest. Tall trees with leafy canopies surround the path, and a blue trail marker is visible on one tree.
Very moderate terrain on Bucklin Trail.

A gentle waterfall cascades over several moss-covered rock ledges into a calm, shallow stream winding through a forest. The scene is surrounded by dense greenery, with tall deciduous trees arching overhead and smaller saplings filling the understory. Ferns and broadleaf plants grow along the damp, uneven banks. Dappled sunlight filters through the leafy canopy, creating soft light reflections on the water’s surface, evoking a serene, undisturbed woodland setting.
Don't miss Irene Falls on the Bucklin Trail.

A rustic one-room cabin made of weathered stone and dark wood stands in a small forest clearing. It has a slanted roof decorated with various colorful stickers and patches, giving it a quirky, lived-in character. A wooden door and a single shuttered window face the viewer. In front, a wooden post holds a small orange sign, though the text is not legible. The cabin is surrounded by dense, leafy trees and undergrowth, with soft natural light filtering through, suggesting a remote, tranquil woodland setting.
The decidedly rustic Cooper Cabin.

Split image of two forest hiking scenes. On the left, two hikers in outdoor gear walk along a rugged trail bordered by rocks and dense green trees. The background reveals a sweeping view of tree-covered mountains beneath a partly cloudy sky. On the right, a wooden footbridge spans a narrow forest path. The bridge leads to rocky terrain, and a small brown trail marker with a white hiker symbol, the letter 'J,' and a directional arrow stands on a post beside the path. Moss and foliage cover the forest floor, suggesting a well-used and serene wilderness route.
Short challenging Bucklin section. | Summit Loop trail.

A fire lookout tower stands atop a forested mountain, framed by a clear blue sky. The tall metal structure has an enclosed observation cabin at its summit, supported by sturdy beams. A large satellite dish is mounted to one side, and a tall antenna extends above the roof. Below, dense green trees blanket the landscape, stretching into a horizon of rolling hills and distant mountains.
Fire tower marks the mountain's approximate high point.

A wide-angle view of a layered mountain landscape stretches beneath a partly cloudy sky. In the foreground, dense green trees and underbrush line a wooded slope, giving way to a vast sequence of rolling hills and ridges that fade into the distance. The terrain is blanketed in lush summer foliage, with the furthest peaks appearing hazy blue due to atmospheric perspective. The scene conveys depth, scale, and the serene majesty of an unbroken wilderness vista.
Vermont's mountains green.

Tangents:
• Official: Killington Resort, Resort Hiking Map
• AllTrails Public: 5 mi Loop, Bucklin Trail
• Facebook Group: Comment, Follow Us

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