Becky wanted to hike last weekend, this has become a rarity, and I'm in
peak-bagging mode. Since she's not really in 4K shape, I came up with
Killington from the ski resort side. Here's a link to their hiking trails if
intersted. MAP

Looking at that map, we took the C/Warbler Trail to the J/Summit trail.
A total of 2.4 miles, one way. And as they put it, a total of 1840' of vertical.
I wanted to do the A/Flume Trail. 1640' in 1.1 miles.

The forecast did a 180 on us but I had no back-up so it was off to Killington as
planned. Things did not look great when we arrived. Since we drove through a few
showers on the way, it looked like we'd be getting wet. That Gondola looked
tempting.


Ski trails are always good for wildflowers.


Then things started looking up.


Worst thing about hiking ski trails in the summer......No Shade! And of
course it was hotter and stickier than first forecast.


Very interesting section of trail.






Spotted a great ledge to have lunch on.


I would have had lunch in the summit lodge but I wasn't sure you didn't
need a tie in this one. Holy Moly!


Now just 200' of elevation left. Did not no about the fire-tower.


And with that, VT 4K #2. Nothing to write home about on the views.


Even without the clouds, I doubt the views are spectacular from Killington.
Not much close by. The Monadnock effect.

All'n'All, a pretty descent day. Considering the drive time was almost double
the hike time. Which went very well. Just one short slowdown in Woodstock and at
the Quechee Gorge bridge. Which I've yet to stop at.

Click Pik 4 Pix.

Nice, I enjoyed that report. Love the stairs.


Terry

Great pictures Joe! I haven't yet climbed Killington but I've skied enough and walked up Cat Walk Trail enough to know a clear day the view is pretty good. You can see Mt. Moosilauke, Franconia Ridge and Mt. Washington to the east and you can see Camels Hump, Mt. Mansfield and Possibly Mt. Marcy in NY to the north and west.

How did you find walking up the ski trails? I've always hated doing that on other mountains.

I've always enjoyed it. I've hiked up Loon a lot. All 4 seasons. Since ski trails are designed
for going down, the constant up can be annoying. You have to make your own switch-backs
where it's steep too. But I love the openness of them. But as mentioned, not so much when the
hot sun's beating down on you.

As for the views, my last time there was about 10 years ago and don't remember them. I'll
take your word for it that they're good.

I think our weekend plans just got changed....

Gorgeous sky shots!!!!! I love a dark dramatic sky. Until it dumps on me!

Looks like about as good of a day as you can have hiking ski trails. I think like you said the views are a bit Monadnockesqe. Far reaching but not overly dramatic. Not bad for Vermont though where open summits like that are few and far between. If anyone is looking to make more of a hike out of this one add on Pico for the HH from the north on the AT and there is a nice little cabin in between the peaks to use for overnight accommodations.