Mount Killington stands as one of Vermont’s most dynamic peaks, challenging hikers with steep climbs and rewarding them with expansive views that stretch across the Green Mountains. Whether you’re pushing through rugged ridges or tracing quiet forest floors, Killington’s trails demand respect, offering a balance of raw nature and navigable paths. This guide highlights day hikes that combine accessible adventure with practical details, perfect for both newcomers and seasoned hikers looking to test their legs.

The Bucklin Trail A 3.1-mile round trip with about 1,900 feet of elevation gain, Bucklin is a direct route up Killington’s summit. The trail moves steadily uphill through fir and hardwood forests, where moss-draped boulders lean like silent guides. Keep a steady pace: the terrain tightens with rocks and roots, pushing your balance and footing. The summit lookout frames the rugged mountain ridges, and on clear days, you catch glimpses of the distant Adirondacks daring you to explore further.

The Killington Peak via Sherburne Pass Stretching roughly 4.5 miles round trip with 2,200 feet in elevation gain, this trail weaves from Sherburne Pass through northern forests where firs crowd the trail like watchful sentinels. Midway, a brief rocky scramble tests grip and nerve before opening to sweeping views. This path offers a blend of forest shade and bright summit exposure, perfect for varied weather days. Prepare for exposed ridges where wind carries its sharp edge.

The Long Trail Section: From Gifford Woods to Killington Peak For those seeking a more extended challenge, this 7-mile trek offers steady climbs, rocky stretches, and pockets of upland meadow scented with pine resin. Terrain varies from soft earth to stone shuffles, demanding sturdy shoes and focused footing. Elevation gain approaches 2,900 feet. Along the way, water trickles in creeks push ahead, fresh but quick to dry in summer heat. The summit’s panorama includes the shifting dance of clouds over peaks and valleys—nature’s ever-changing painting.

Practical Preparation Tips Hydration is crucial; streams run swiftly but are sparse on higher paths—carry enough water or a filtration system. Footwear with good ankle support and traction guards against sudden slips on wet rocks or loose gravel. Start early to avoid afternoon thunderstorms common in summer, especially on exposed ridges. Layers matter as temperature shifts sharply from wooded base to open summit.

Each hike invites an engagement with the mountain as a force: firm yet alive, old yet ever-shifting. You meet the land in its honest form—not to conquer, but to move with intent and awareness. Mount Killington’s trails offer more than views; they present a challenge that rewards preparation and respect.

Ready your pack, lace up carefully, and step into a day where the Green Mountains push back just enough to remind you they’re fiercely themselves.