| Hiking Trail Conditions Report |
 | Peaks |
Killington Peak, VT |
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 | Trails: |
Bucklin Trail, Long Trail, Killington Spur, ski trails |
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 | Date of Hike: |
Thursday, April 10, 2014 |
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 | Parking/Access Road Notes: |
Wheelerville Road had a sign saying residents only. As the President said in Berlin, I claimed to be a 'citizen of the world' and drove up the road anyway. It wasn't nearly as muddy as I've seen it, perhaps in large part due to the post-Irene rebuild. |
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 | Surface Conditions: |
Mud - Minor/Avoidable, Snow/Ice - Monorail (Stable), Snow - Spring Snow |
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 | Recommended Equipment: |
Snowshoes |
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 | Water Crossing Notes: |
Larger crossings have wooden bridges. Small ones were opening up, but hoppable. |
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 | Trail Maintenance Notes: |
About half a dozen blowdowns on the Bucklin Trail, most of which were frozen into the snowpack. I took out some deadfall. Could use some more signage at the Bucklin and Killington Spur junctions to help point people in the direction of Killington/Bucklin. |
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 | Dog-Related Notes: |
Sign at the trailhead warning about porcupine issues. |
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 | Bugs: |
None yet. |
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 | Lost and Found: |
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 | Comments: |
Spring is approaching with vigor. I was able to snowshoe roundtrip, but things were starting to get sloppy down low on the way out.
The flats had maybe 6" of snowpack with some monorail in places. The Irene reroute, with its southern exposure, had extended melted areas and had some areas that looked like the were going to get mud/standing/running water on them soon.
After the last crossing (and start of ascent), snowpack quickly picked up to 1-2 feet. Stepping off the monorail resulted in sinking.
Cooper Lodge had some friendly skiers having a late afternoon cookout. One can walk up on the roof right now with the snowpack at its current level. Probably 3-4 feet of natural up high.
Killington Spur is hard to follow if you're unfamiliar with it, and the upper portion was tricky due to set up snow/steeps. Opted to drop down to the summit lodge, then double back along the stairway to the bootleg ski trail to Cooper Lodge.
I believe this trail could be considered closed for mud season starting April 15. |
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 | Name: |
rocket21 |
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 | E-Mail: |
rocket21@franklinwebpublishing.com |
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| Date Submitted: |
2014-04-10 |
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 | Link: |
 https:// |
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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. |
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