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Ski
Hiking Trail Conditions Report
Peaks
Peaks Killington Peak, VT
Trails
Trails: Bucklin Trail, Long Trail, Killington Spur
Date of Hike
Date of Hike: Saturday, August 24, 2019
Parking/Access Road Notes
Parking/Access Road Notes: Ample parking for about 10-12 cars in lot with additional space along roadside. We were the last car in the lot at just before 10am. Lot was full and about 5 cars along road upon return at 3pm. 4 miles along Wheelerville Rd from Rte 4 to trailhead is gravel and nicely graded. All vehicles should have no problem. 
Surface Conditions
Surface Conditions: Dry Trail, Mud - Minor/Avoidable 
Recommended Equipment
Recommended Equipment:  
Water Crossing Notes
Water Crossing Notes: None - all (3) bridged 
Trail Maintenance Notes
Trail Maintenance Notes: Well maintained and popular trails. Some noticeable erosion prior to Cooper Lodge. Trails all blazed and easy to follow - Bucklin blazed in blue. Long Trail in white. Killington Spur in blue. 
Dog-Related Notes
Dog-Related Notes: Saw a few along trail and a couple at summit. Good terrain until Cooper Lodge. Could be a bit tricky for some above Cooper Lodge as trail steepens. A few water sources down low along bridged crossings. 
Bugs
Bugs: Hardly noticeable - no problems. 
Lost and Found
Lost and Found:  
 
Comments
Comments: Well, it was a nice walk in the woods along Bucklin to Cooper Lodge. As previously reported, trail is quite flat until the 2 mile mark (about 2,400') and then gradually steepens and is persistent until the Lodge (at about 3,800'). Final pitch from Lodge to summit (about .3 miles) goes straight up, but much easier than anticipated. Very little true scrambling required as rocks are well placed to allow for normal non-technical climbing. Rocks were dry today, but could be quite slick if wet. All trails are well blazed and easy to follow.

Summit offers some nice northerly views, but radio/cell and old observation towers are quite the eyesores! Summit was also very busy with people walking over from the Gondola and Peak Lodge Restaurant. Given its fairly small area, it was pretty crowded. Estimated about 6-8 hikers and 20-25 non-hikers on the summit.

This hike marked the completion of our NE67! I'm so proud of my (15 year old) son for completing this quest with me. While it was certainly not one of our favorite mountains of the 67 (we would probably put it in the bottom 10 actually!), it will undoubtedly be unforgettable. It has been an amazing journey and an adventure of a lifetime for both of us!  
Name
Name: Charlie 
E-Mail
E-Mail: skcharles at comcast dot net 
Date Submitted
Date Submitted: 2019-08-25 
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.

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