NewEnglandTrailConditions.com
NewEnglandTrailConditions.com:
MA
|
ME
|
NH
|
RI/CT
|
VT
|
Ski
Hiking Trail Conditions Report
Peaks
Peaks Killington Peak, VT
Trails
Trails: Bucklin Trail, Long Trail, Killington Spur
Date of Hike
Date of Hike: Sunday, November 4, 2018
Parking/Access Road Notes
Parking/Access Road Notes: No issues. Wheelerville Road, while dirt, is in good condition for any vehicle. 
Surface Conditions
Surface Conditions: Dry Trail, Ice - Black, Snow - Trace/Minimal Depth, Wet Trail, Wet/Slippery Rock, Ice - Breakable Crust, Standing/Running Water on Trail, Mud - Significant, Leaves - Significant/Slippery, Snow/Ice - Small Patches 
Recommended Equipment
Recommended Equipment: Light Traction 
Water Crossing Notes
Water Crossing Notes: All major crossings were bridged, which is good because the streams were raging. On the upper Bucklin Trail, there were several crossings of raging streams that are probably usually empty at this time of year, but those were all easy. 
Trail Maintenance Notes
Trail Maintenance Notes: SO. MUCH. MUD!!!!!!!! Multiple large sections of the Bucklin Trail were extremely muddy, including practically the entire reroute between the first and second bridges. Keeping boots dry was impossible. The lower, flat part of the trail needs some rocks to be placed in it to get through the wet sections, and the entire reroute needs some serious work to keep it from turning into one big mudpit. The upper part of the trail also had significant mud, but it was generally easier to get around. Both sections also had substantial water on the trail (standing water on the lower part, running water on the upper part). The water bars mitigated the issue somewhat, but the trail needs more of them. Besides that, only a couple minor blowdowns, and no issues following the trail. 
Dog-Related Notes
Dog-Related Notes: If they like mud, they'll be OK. Also some of the steep icy parts just below the summit might be tough for them. 
Bugs
Bugs: Nada. 
Lost and Found
Lost and Found: Nada. 
 
Comments
Comments: Really nice hike (though very wet and muddy) up Killington. First two miles of the trail are very gentle along a brook. The next 1.3 miles are a constant, moderate, mostly sidehill climb to the top of the ridge. Not too long after we started climbing, snow started to appear in small patches, and it gradually increased to about an inch or two at the AT/LT junction. Very little ice below the junction, with somewhat more ice (but still manageable) from there to Cooper Lodge. We put spikes on at Cooper Lodge for the climb to the summit. They were needed - the summit spur is very steep and icy in many spots. Not enough snow anywhere for snowshoes. Great views in all directions from the summit.

One other note: The food at the Killington Ski Area's summit lodge is extremely expensive, so you should probably bring your own.  
Name
Name: GN 
E-Mail
E-Mail:  
Date Submitted
Date Submitted: 2018-11-05 
Link
Link: https:// 
Bookmark and Share 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.

Copyright 2009-2024, All Rights Reserved