Killington Peak : Climbing, Hiking & Mountaineering : SummitPost

Overview

Killington Peak is the second highest peak in Vermont. Only Mt. Mansfield is higher. Killington is also the highest peak in the Coolidge Range in the central Green Mountains. The views from Killington are impressive. On a clear day, looking north, you can see: the Adirondack's to your left, the rest of the Green's in front of you, and the White's to your right. You are front row center for the peaks of New England.

Killington is a very popular mountain. The Appalachian Trail and Vermont’s Long Trail come with in 0.2 miles of the summit. Killington is the highest piont of the Appalachian Trail in Vermont. Besides the long distance trails there is a good-sized ski area on the mountain and on some of the other peaks that surround it.

Mountains of Vermont

These are the 10 highest mountains in Vermont

Mount Mansfield	4393
Killington Peak	4241
Mt. Ellen	4083
Camels Hump	4083
Mt. Abraham	4006
Lincoln Peak	3975
Pico Peak	3957
Stratton Mountain	3940
Bear Head	3940
Little Killington	3939

Getting There

Killington is located in central Vermont at the junction of U.S.4 and VT 100 North in Killington, 11 miles east of Rutland. From the Killington sign on Route 4 (across from Bill's Country Store) drive 3.6 miles up the Killington Road to Snowshed Base Area on left. Continue straighgt to reach the base of Killington Peak.

For those with GPS technology, Killington's Latitude is 43.6775, Latitude DMS is 43 deg 40' 39N. Longitude is -72.7803, Longitude DMS 72 deg 46' 49W.

3 hrs. from BOSTON AREA: Take Interstate 93 to just south of Concord, NH. Exit onto Interstate 89 north and follow to US 4 Rutland, Exit 1 in Vermont. Follow US 4 west to Killington.

3 hrs. from HARTFORD AREA: Follow Interstate 91 to north of Bellows Falls, VT. Take Exit 6 (Rutland) onto VT 103 and follow to VT 100. Take VT 100 north to US 4 and follow US 4 west to Killington. 5 hrs. from NY CITY (via Connecticut Turnpike): Connecticut Turnpike (Int. 95) to Int. 91 and then follow directions given under "Hartford."

5 hrs. from NY CITY AND NJ AREAS (via NY Thruway): NY Thruway to Exit 24 Albany. Take Northway (Int. 87) north to Fort Ann/Rutland Exit 20. Pick up NY 149 and follow east to US 4. Turn left on US 4 and follow east to Killington.

3 1/2hrs. from MONTREAL: Take Highway 10 east to Highway 35 south. Exit at Route 133 south and follow to Interstate 89 south. Exit Interstate 89 at Exit 3 in Bethel, VT and follow VT 107 west to VT 100 south to Killington.

From Philadelphia, Washington, D.C., points south: Take feeder highways to NJ Turnpike. Exit onto Garden State Parkway and follow to NY Thruway. Then follow directions under "From NY City and NJ Areas."

From Buffalo, Cleveland, Toronto, Midwest points: Take feeder highways to NY Thruway (Int. 90). Exit at Albany onto Northway (mt. 87) and follow north to Fort Ann Exit. Pick up NY 149 and follow east to US 4. Turn left on US 4 and follow east to Killington.

Red Tape

All high elevation trails are closed by the State of Vermont from April 15 to Memorial Day-"Mud Season"- to protect the fragile plants and help prevent trail erosion.

When To Climb

Most people climb Killington in the summer and fall. During the winter snowshoes are required. The mountain is closed in spring. (see Red Tape)

Camping

The majority of the camping for Killington Peak is on the Appalachian Trail.
Cooper Lodge:Located at the start of the side trail that leads to the summit from the A.T. It is a stone shelter the sleeps 8 and has three tent platforms. No fee. Picture of Cooper Lodge
The GMC is closing Cooper Lodge in 2007. Enjoy it while you can. Thanks to big_g
Governor Clement Shelter:Locater 5 miles south of Cooper Lodge.
This shelter is not recommended as a good place to stay overnight because of its short proximity to the road. There have been several incidents involving hikers and "visitors". Sleeps 8, no fee.
Pico Camp: Located 2 miles north of Cooper Lodge
Shelter located 0.5 miles of the A.T. on the old Long Trail, now called the Sherburne Pass Trail. Sleeps 8 no fee.

Mountain Conditions

"Click for Killington, Vermont Forecast"

Killington.comoffters uptodate reports on conditions during the winter ski season.
Here is a webcam of the base of Killington Peak.

Summit Shots

Post your hero shots here.

External Links

Peakbagger.com
Basic info for Killington
kinningtonskiclub.com
Webcam for Killington Peak
killington.com
Offical site for the resort

Images



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