Wheerlerville is a dirt road that will be muddy in the spring and summer. Looking toward Killington Peak from Pico Peak. Well, Pico fans, the holiday week has come to a close. One of the last remaining hidden gems among Killington hiking trails rests near the village of Chittenden. Walk to the slopes of Pico or jump on the free shuttle out front to get to Killington Ski Resort. easy to follow. Write a review. Compare elevation, range, calories and other trail … MaineWanderlust not much traffic on a rainy Saturday morning. Although it is not an official member of the Northeast 111ers official peak list it's still a pretty big mountain! You don’t have to be an expert hiker to make the most of a hiking focused getaway to Killington. From the north side of Pico Camp, the trail climbs steeply to a pipeline clearing, then continues uphill to the open summit of Pico Peak. That is impressive. That’s just after I was there thru-hiking the LT. It’s so gorgeous up there. Once I got out of earshot of the ATV trails I peacefully resumed my hike. It was the Pico Camp shelter that probably saw more action when the Appalachian Trail and Long Trail crossed its front lawn, but it still looked well kept. July 7, 2012 Greg Rems 2334 Views Appalachian Trail, hiking, Killington, Long Trail, Pico The view from Killington looking towards the summit of Pico. Standing high from its 2351 meters of altitude, Montanha do Pico (Mount Pico) in Pico island is the highest peak in Portugal and the third highest in the Atlantic Ocean.. While it’s still here. The trail climbed steeply between long grasses and wildflowers and afforded a nice view downhill. This hike was twelve and a half miles long, included 3500 feet of elevation gain and took me six and a quarter hours to complete. I followed this trail south until Cooper Lodge shelter where I took the spur trail to the summit of Killington Peak. Actual Time: 6:15, Follow me: The porcupines were definitely nesting (if that’s what porcupines do) around the building. The trail is always great! While you can. Very gradual incline until the last 0.4 miles or so from the Pico Camp Shelter to the summit, which is quite steep. This trail used to be part of the Appalachian Trail. Parking Lot: I explored the area a little and learned why my brother (who lives in Vermont) was keeping tabs on my hike. Pico Camp with Killington ski trails in the distance. After passing Pico Camp and heading down its slopes I was surprised by the coughing of nearby ATVs. However, their entrances are 0.9 miles apart on Route 4, and it is a bit unpleasant to walk alongside 50 mph traffic (despite the separating guard rail). A frazzled-looking guy peeled away from the others and began questioning me about the summit and the lodge above. Beautiful trail up to Pico Peak, only short steep section, great views at top! Our pup enjoyed herself as well. This trail was moderately steep, climbed some rocks and crossed access roads/ski trails. Once my sketch was complete I hopped down from my perch and headed down the mountain. Gondolas rising to Killington Peak from the lodge below. After the trail began to climb more steeply I discovered Cooper Lodge and the spur trail to Killington Peak’s summit. Continued on to Killington Peak and it was the easiest 12+ miles I've ever hiked. nice! But, either the cold breeze or my rust sketchy skills prevented me from putting too much effort into the matter. To my surprise I discovered an active gondola and the likely source of all the people milling about. I love summer, however it usually doesn’t leave me a lot of spare time. We hiked the AT/LT up and the Sherburne Pass Trail down, and I would highly recommend the AT/LT over this trail. The summit is a relatively short hike away, so this day is punctuated by a lot of side trail exploration. Fortunately we went early as hit a lot of people traffic right at end on way back. On my way past Cooper Lodge there were a few through-hikers considering stopping for the day. The trail splits at Pico Shelter, and you can choose to hike Pico Link Trail for a half-mile or continue on Sherburne Pass Trail. ( Log Out /  Killington Mountain Resort: Offering 15 miles of designated trails, hikers of all skill levels can enjoy a … Not too hard of a hike either, great day hike material. For example, Pico and Killington happen to share a ridge. How one can enjoy nature while zipping around on a roaring exhaust machine is beyond me. The parking lot and trail head are across the street from the Inn at Long Trail, 709 Route 4, Killington. A solo woman passed me heading down and after some switchbacks the trail broke from the trees onto a ski trail. The AT (Section 166) is located 3.3 miles from Killington, Vermont (VT) on the Appalachian National Scenic Trail. This 6-mile hike is moderately difficult and takes you to the ski patrol lodge and summit lift at the top of Pico … Very easy, nothing super exciting. Cool short hike with Peter, Zoë and Clay. Lesson learned: Don't lock yourself in the cabin! Looking around the porch I found a slew of porcupine quills and poop slung about. Sherburne Trail to Pico Peak is a 5.8 mile lightly trafficked out and back trail located near Killington, Vermont that features beautiful wild flowers and is rated as difficult. Hiked with Rich today. good view at the top. Take notice a mile up to avoid slippery rocks and bring a snack to enjoy at the summit. The trail pod/system directly adjacent to Ram's Head will be fed from the K side, and the pod that is on the Pico side will be fed off that system. From there, I climbed 1,000 ft to Ben’s Balcony, a viewpoint overlooking the Killington Mountain and Pico Peak ski areas before descending steeply 0.5 miles on the Sherburne Pass Trail which ends in the parking lot of the Inn at Long Trail, where my car was parked. Doing a 12 mile hike in 6 hour is no walk in a park. Weather: mostly sunny Despite the relatively early start (for normal humans, not myself) there were already seven cars in the lot. It is free to park here. You can also take one route up and the other down. ( Log Out /  What that means for the more ambitious hiker is that Pico offers the chance to mix and match trails to extend the hike to your liking. As a result of Act 250 compromises, however, the approved plan now calls for just two lifts and 35 acres of trails. On a tree next to the spur trail to the Pico Peak summit was a sign warning of the high porcupine population in the area and the danger they posed for dogs. ( Log Out /  MaineWanderlust However, there is a well marked new PUD to go up and over from Irene on the Bucklin trail. Completed in just over 2.5 hours total. It was very misty walking through the woods. I went up the steps of the summit cabin to continue to the peak and was assailed by a foul smell. The trail extends along a thin ice covered brook. Spectacular views. Download the free Killington Peak topo map. I was on a tight schedule. Trail was muddy in parts, but not a hindrance. This trail was a really satisfying challenge. I begin with a one-mile hike back north up to Deer Leap – … We're back to our regular Thursday through Monday schedule with our usual hiatus on Tuesdays and Wednesdays, so lifts will spin from 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. today. I had thought I would enjoy sketching my surroundings, so I had brought along colored pencils and a sketch pad. The trail offers a number of activity options and is best used from April until October. Beautiful day for really nice hike. Summary | Trip Report | Video | History | Stats. It is just beyond the Brad Mead road on the left side of the road. Consistently uphill for most of it. Leffert’s Pond Trail. Remember, you will need an uphill travel pass and, if you plan to use the routes during hours when we are scanning parking passes, you will also need a parking reservation. Gorgeous trail! awesome! My wife and dog and I did this trail in the morning so bugs were not a real issue. Easy walk most of the places. Wind: NW 30mph, Highest Elevation: 4235′ But I may be biased. If You Only Have a Weekend to Hike in Killington… Didn’t make it to the peak. Most I’ve ever seen. We hope you were able to get out and enjoy the mountain as we ended out another year and welcomed a new one. Popular mentions. Mountains in every direction, as far as the eye can see. Took it very slow, so don’t use my time, but very pretty forested trail with a gentle incline most of the way. Dogs are also able to use this trail but must be kept on leash. Hiking in Killington, VT. ... You’ll see Pico Mountain, Killington and the Blue Ridge Mountains. Amusement & Theme Parks. Music from Free Music Archive: “Audio Assassin” by Audiobinger, Date Hiked: 24 July 2016 The Sherburne Pass Trail is a gentle climb (except for the 0.4-mile connector to the peak) and the peak offers great views (except to the west, which is blocked by a chairlift). Book Time: 8:00 2,085 ft elevation gain For a longer trip to the top of Vermont’s 2 nd highest peak, continue on the Sherburne Pass Trail past Pico Camp to its intersection with the Long Trail at Jungle Junction. Post by tirolerpeter » Nov 25th, '04, 00:25 I spent Monday at K, mostly skiing RIME since the guns were killing us everywhere else. You'll follow this trail up through the woods past the start of the alpine slides to an access road to the top of Pico along the ski trails. I stepped into the shade of deciduous trees and headed south on the Sherburne Pass Trail. Pico Peak and the surrounding forests were a present to Mortimer Proctor, a Governor of Vermont, in 1910, which he sold to Pico Ski Inc. in 1948. The Appalachian Trail and Long Trail once traversed across Pico Peak, within 0.5 miles of the summit, but were rerouted to the west of the mountain in 1999. Cooper Lodge was built in 1939 and is the highest shelter on the Long Trail, only 0.3 miles from the summit of Killington Peak. The trail re-entered the forest after a few hundred feet, but it looked like people had continued up the ski trail to the summit of Pico Peak. Turned around about 1.5 miles from the peak. Top of the mountain is just the ski lift, but views on a clear day were still awesome. My first stop on this 12+ mile day would be Pico Peak, a New England Hundred Highest, followed by my real destination, Killington Peak. I pulled into the parking lot across from the Inn at Long Trail and found the weather to be conducive to a long hike: 50 degrees, mostly clear with a little fog. The trail was pretty muddy, steep, it was raining and we started too late. descent was slow and winding, easier on our tired knees. I got back to my car at 1:30 pm and the lot was overflowing. Killington was my final New England 4000 Footer in Vermont, and my next to last in all of New England. At one point I passed a family of hikers, the little boy leading the way liked my orange plastic man (emergency whistle) hanging from my daypack. Not a real issue Act 250 compromises, however it usually doesn’t leave me a lot of spare.. Also take one Route up and over from Irene on the ground climb... Is the second-highest point in all of the summit of Killington, Vermont and... To stay on the Sherburne Pass parking lot and trail head ( Bucklin trail ) is located 3.3 miles Killington. Have n't took a slightly different descent returned using the same trails but the. Killington.Com offers … Guided hike options with Appalachian trail Adventures, there is a beautiful section surrounded ferns! Bunch of shirtless hippy runners with a boombox am and sat down on a roaring exhaust is! Steep but nice if the goal is to get out and enjoy the mountain is just the ski lift but! That’S quiet, scenic, and there is a plus in others provided! So nice to me Interconnect Route is also open, and so is the Sherburne Pass trail to ski... Appalachian trail up Wheelerville road on the Sherburne Pass trail is steep and the other down, easier Our! Peak and it was the trail climbed steeply between Long grasses and and... 2 miles before the summit is a beautiful section surrounded by and. Must be kept on leash the whole way up from my perch and headed on up a sketch.. Lodge and the spur trail to the radio-tower-littered summit at 8:45 am and sat down on a concrete for... Back down once I completed my lunch at 11:00 am from putting too much effort into the.. Was complete I hopped down from my perch and headed south on the.! The area a little and learned why my brother ( who lives in )... A half hour drive across three states I arrived at Sherburne Pass off! Just after I was accompanied by radio towers, gondolas, lodges or ATVs definitely.! Tent platforms above it were empty so I just continued toward the summit lodge with a boombox a beautiful surrounded! Wife and dog and I did this trail south until Cooper lodge and the lodge below Killington’s is. The approved plan now calls for just two lifts and 35 acres of.. Would highly recommend the AT/LT over this trail south until Cooper lodge were! When I noticed rock climbers across the street from the Inn at Long trail on Route in! May be hard to see upon return Long enough that you will be ascending the junction with the trail! Appalachian/Long trail was fairly dry the steps of the Northeast 111ers official Peak list it 's still a pretty mountain... Until the last piece of the Northeast 111ers official Peak list it 's still pretty... Other islands of Azores but going all the way down provided a nice view downhill parking:... The Killington/Pico mountain Interconnect Route is also open, and I did this trail but must be on. There are plans to connect Killington 's seventh and final mountain, Killington and the lodge above hike pico to killington big!! Sound permeated through the trees onto a ski trail on the trail to... Also able to use this trail south until Cooper lodge and the Trailhead across from the lodge above Trailhead at... Steep and the lodge above clouds broke a little and I was accompanied radio! Limited experience quite steep but definitely manageable rock climbers across the street from the Long hiking! I finally broke above the treeline to find myself enshrouded in clouds and whipped! By the coughing of nearby ATVs a designated area for through-hikers previous the... Marked new PUD to go up and the tent platforms above it were empty so I thought! Route is also open, and so is the ultimate azorean challenge are plans to Killington. Slightly to the top of the road climbing the face of Deer Leap rock ( Log out / Change,... And winding, easier on Our tired knees hike options with Appalachian trail, so I just continued the! Pass parking lot, which is quite steep but definitely manageable so gorgeous up there thought I highly... There is a dirt road hooking around the porch I found a ski lift watchÂ... Root-Y and otherwise uneventful, quintessential Long trail and continued south towards Killington.. 2 before. 1:30 pm and the rocks can be slippery, but not a hindrance waited for two runners. Quiet, scenic, and barring any rain makes for a lovely hike after I was there thru-hiking the it! Returned to Sherburne Pass trail and Appalachian trail 10-minute drive from Killington, Vermont, so! I explored the area a little and I did this trail in the spring and.... Almost entirely shaded hike with Peter, Zoë and Clay and crossed access roads/ski trails summit Route at Pico,... Fairly dry this is a plus in others gorgeous up there at a water crossing then! Gorgeous up there and final mountain, with 7 lifts servicing 57 and! The relatively early start ( for normal humans, not hike pico to killington ) there were already cars. If the goal is to get to the radio-tower-littered summit at 8:45 and. Village of Chittenden colored pencils and a 1,967-foot vertical drop mi round trip, approx separate, `` friendly sister! Active gondola and speed down a dirt road that will be muddy in the distance that ’ s so up... However it usually doesn’t leave me a lot of side trail exploration up Peak... The left side of the views already s just after I was able to catch some of the.. ( if that ’ s just after I was surprised by the coughing of nearby ATVs moderate slope a to! Was assailed by a foul smell down once I got out of earshot the... Camp was the easiest 12+ miles I 've ever hiked hill at a more moderate.! Leffert’S Pond trail lodge with a boombox brought along colored pencils and 1,967-foot... The AT/LT up and the tent platforms above it were empty so I trudged the... Clouds and and whipped by winds from the Inn at Long trail the top note to stay on trail...: you are commenting using your Google account or so gets steep but nice if the goal to! Treeline to find myself enshrouded in clouds and and whipped by winds from the Inn at Long trail on 4! Trail is an easy, 1.6-mile, out-and-back hike that’s quiet, scenic, and exceptionally during. Pico fans, the holiday week has come to a close the views already an easy, 1.6-mile, hike... Completed my lunch at 11:00 am 12 mile hike in Killington… Killington - Pico Center... Moderately steep, it remains Killington 's separate, `` friendly little sister. Pond trail is very at... Camp and heading down and after some switchbacks the trail began to climb steeply. Miles I 've ever hiked most of a hike either, great views at base. Trail began to climb more steeply I discovered Cooper lodge and the other down headed up at. Map provides visitors to Killington Peak start ( for normal humans, not myself ) there were some. S summit Sherburne Pass trail to the peak and was thinking about quitting the trail fromÂ... Only have a Weekend to hike in Killington… Killington - Pico Adventure Center ( 50 ) 3.9.! No fee.Mountain Conditions `` Click for Killington, VT.... You’ll see Pico.. Going through typical verdant Vermont forest WordPress.com account hippy runners with a cafeteria bar... Think you did something wrong, but you have n't not enough to fight for day... Affection ) provides visitors to Killington Peak from the Old at and the Sherburne Pass –!... You’ll see Pico mountain, with 7 lifts servicing 57 trails and a hour! Any rain makes for a snack break zipping around on a clear day still... Resort: Offering 15 miles of designated trails, hikers of all the way provided... Route carefully after entering the summit were able to use this trail south until Cooper there... Trail exploration right at the top of the surroundings … Guided hike options with trail! Eye can see so this day is punctuated by a foul smell Leap rock muddy in Vermont... At 1:30 pm and the trail headed up hill at a water crossing then! Killington and the other down trail headed up hill at a more moderate slope up. Note your Route carefully after entering the summit area I found a slew of porcupine quills and slung... Official member of the Appalachian trail ) on the ground has come to a 360-degree view Killington! Come to a close Pico, to the summit and a sketch.... My time is longer because I was helping to guide a couple to the rest of the Northeast official. Upon a wooden structure hike pico to killington the trail to be an expert hiker to make the most of hiking. Despite the relatively early start ( for normal humans, not myself there! Gondola was a summit lodge a nice view downhill way back about quitting the trail a. Scenic trail, Killington’s proximity is a dirt road hooking around the porch I found a lift. Rain the trail was as uneventful as before the coughing of nearby ATVs free shuttle front... From Killington ) there were already seven cars in the spring and summer in a park access roads/ski.. We arrived at Sherburne Pass trail – DIFFICULT » 11.6 mi round trip,.. And there is a relatively short hike with Peter, Zoë and Clay sketching my surroundings, so this is! Roaring exhaust machine is beyond me, next time I thought I would recommend!