Killington Peak, August 9, 2008

Killington Peak is 4,251 feet. The hike is 7.2 miles round trip, about 4.5 - 5 hours with 2,481 feet elevation gain.

Follow Bucklin Trail (blue blaze) two miles through gentle woods road and take a right off that road to begin a steady steeper climb with good footing. We will cross over the Long Trail just below Cooper Lodge. From the lodge we continue Bucklin Trail on a 0.2-mile pitch straight to the top with some scrambling up large rocks to the open, rocky summit where the lodge should be open.

We will stop at the Long Trail Brewery after and then for fire-roasted corn on Route 4 so it will be a long day.

NEXT HIKE: August 9, Killington Peak
MEETING SPOTS: Raymond Post Office at 7:45 a.m.
Exit 2 off of Rt. 89 North, turn right off of the ramp, Park N Ride on Clinton St., Concord at 8:30 a.m.
Bucklin Trialhead at 10:30 a.m
TRAILHEAD: From I-89 North in Concord, NH head into Vermont and take Exit 1 for Route 4/Woodstock VT. Travel on Rt. 4 toward Rutland until you are within 5 miles of east of (before) Route 7 (Rutland) and take a left onto Wheelerville Road. Go about 4 miles down Wheelerville Road; Bucklin Trailhead is to the left before a sharp corner.
HIKE LEADER: Diane King

Our delayed start allowed six hikers to travel in promising blue skies surrounded by gray and white clouds to the Bucklin Trailhead where is was in the 60's. The trail was wet and we slogged through muddy areas at a brisk pace arriving at the dry and clear summit in just two hours.

We dined on the outdoor patio of the ski lodge after passing by a group just beyond the summit encircled around aromatic "peace pipes"... some sort of ceremony/celebration.

We scurried down and wound up the 7.2 mile hike in just a tad over 4.5 hours. Then we headed over to the Long Trail Brewery for a fresh brew and a bite to eat on their patio near the stream. After weeks of rainy days and T-storms all were thankful for a day out to enjoy the sun, the trail, stories and laughter.

Members may see more photos in our online photo album.