Killington Peak, VT
• 5-star hikes
• 4 to 8 mile options
• Moderate | Gain 1,700 to 2,400 feet
• Killington, VT | Southern Region
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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.
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5★ Bucklin Trail
GPX File · AllTrails · Directions GPX? |
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A-Trail Loop
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.

Very moderate terrain on Bucklin Trail.

Don't miss Irene Falls on the Bucklin Trail.

The decidedly rustic Cooper Cabin.
Short challenging Bucklin section. | Summit Loop trail.

Fire tower marks the mountain's approximate high point.

Vermont's mountains green.
Tangents:
• Official: Killington Resort, Resort Hiking Map
• AllTrails Public: 5 mi Loop, Bucklin Trail
• Facebook Group: Comment, Follow Us
New England Fire Towers
Discover our map of fire towers and the trails to find them.
Discover our map of fire towers and the trails to find them.
New England Rail Trails
The first and only complete rail trail map. Photos, reviews and downloads.
The first and only complete rail trail map. Photos, reviews and downloads.

New England Summits
Explore mountain-top hikes around New England with Trailspotting.
Explore mountain-top hikes around New England with Trailspotting.