Killington - Bucklin Trail, Long Trail, and Killington Spur Trail - 12-29-2012

Hiking Trail Conditions Report
	Peaks	Killington, VT

	Trails:	Bucklin Trail, Long Trail, and Killington Spur Trail

	Date of Hike:	Saturday, December 29, 2012

	Parking/Access Road Notes:	The lot at Brewers Corner was plowed - could fit about six cars in the lot itself and another four or five along the road at the entrance to the lot.

	Surface Conditions:	Snow - Unpacked Powder

	Recommended Equipment:	Snowshoes

	Water Crossing Notes:	There were no issues - I don't remember the bridges being there the last time we hiked this trail about five years ago.

	Trail Maintenance Notes:	There were a few big blowdowns on the lower portion below the Long Trail Junction that were easily ducked under or "bushwhacked" around. Same for the upper section above the Long Trail Junction. We removed a bunch of smaller ones along the way.

	Dog-Related Notes:	We didn't have a dog but the only other hikers on the trail did (some type of Labrador Retriever mix) and he did fine.

	Bugs:

	Lost and Found:	Found a gray fur lined hat mashed into the snow in the lot - left it hanging on the trailhead kiosk.


	Comments:	There was evidence that someone had hiked the route before the most recent storm but with the limited number of foot prints and the fresh snow from the current storm we had to work our way through soft spots and powder the whole way. It was easy to follow from the trailhead to the junction with the Long Trail but after that it got a little more difficult with huge snow-covered frozen branches hanging down. The final 200 yards of the Killington Spur Trail was a tough climb - steep with lots of fresh powder. After trying (and failing) six times to climb the steepest section I finally had to ditch the snow shoes and kick steps. The snow shoes were like skis and I just kept sliding back further than where I started.

	Name:	Michael & Monica

	E-Mail:	akafuzzjones@yahoo.com

	Date Submitted:	2012-12-29

	Link:	https://
		Disclaimer: Reports are not verified - conditions may vary. Use at own risk. Always be prepared when hiking. Observe all signs. Trail conditions reports are not substitutes for weather reports or common sense.