Killington Peak via Bucklin Trail: Summiting the "Beast of the East"
- Stephen Warner
- Aug 8
- 3 min read
While Killington is best known as one of the premier ski destinations in the Northeast (nicknamed the "Beast of the East") it’s also an excellent summer and fall destination, especially for hiking. Sure, you could take the ski lifts to the summit, but where’s the adventure in that? Instead, tackle this rewarding climb and knock off one of Vermont’s tallest peaks.
Trail Info
Trailhead Name | Bucklin Trail |
Distance | 7.5 miles / 12 km (out and back) |
Estimated time | 4-6 hours |
Elevation gain | 2,500 ft / 760 m |
Highest point | 4,229 ft / 1,289 m (Killington Peak) |
Permits / fees | None |
Parking | Paved lot |
Toilets? | No |
Dog friendly? | Yes (some may struggle with scrambles) |
Know before you go
Don’t expect many views until the summit. That said, the journey is still beautiful, with lush forest and flowing streams However, if mountain views are your thing, you're going to have to earn those.
The final push includes a light Class 2 scramble. Nothing too crazy, but it will require hands and balance.
The ski resort part of the summit area is worth exploring. It feels a little weird seeing people who rode the gondola up, but it offers additional perspectives of the views you just earned.
Alternate approaches to summit
Distance: 9 miles (14.5 km) out and back
Elevation gain: 2,600 ft (790 m) gain
Details: A great option if you're already on the Long or Appalachian Trails and want to tag Killington Peak.
The Trail
This hike naturally breaks into three parts.
The first couple miles are relatively flat and peaceful, with the gentle sounds of Brewers Brook following alongside.
About 10–15 minutes in, you'll see a tempting side path near the river. If you look at the map, there's a faint dotted line here.
Don’t fall for it.
That path is overgrown and unofficial, those sticks blocking the way are there for a reason. Ticks, thorns, and no trail maintenance make it a poor choice. Stick to the official Bucklin Trail, which weaves uphill away from the river.
Plus, you get to cross a charming little bridge (I’m a sucker for a good trail bridge).
When you're actually in the trees, sometimes its hard to tell if there's fall colors. This was the first time I could see a little pop.
Part 2: The Climb Begins. Around the 2-mile mark, the incline picks up. Time to earn that maple creemee (IYKYK). The trail gets steeper, and the foliage deepens as you gain elevation.
As you near the summit, expect a few trail junctions. The signage isn’t great (I don't recall any signs explicitly saying Killington Peak), so keep your map handy. If you’re still heading uphill, you’re likely on the right path.
Part 3: The Scramble and Summit. You’ll know you’re close when you reach a rocky Class 2 scramble. It’s manageable, though a bit tricky if there's ice or snow. Use your hands when needed and take your time.
After huffing and puffing your way up, you’ll be greeted by a rocky summit with multiple viewpoints.
If there’s a view, that is...
But with a little patience? Boom! Clouds cleared just enough to reveal the fall foliage lighting up the treetops. Worth the wait.
IIf you’re ready to call it a day, the summit is a great turnaround point. But if you’ve still got some energy, I highly recommend continuing past the summit for even more stunning views.
Follow the trail for about 5 minutes and you’ll reach the top of the K-1 Express Gondola. The lodge may be closed, so no mid-hike snacks unfortunately. But you will likely see a small crowd of gondola riders enjoying the views or heading out for casual walks or mountain biking.
From here, keep walking a bit farther along the Peak Walkway Trail (just 0.3 mi round-trip and ~100 feet of elevation). It’s mostly stairs, but the extra effort delivers the best views on the mountain.
The Beast of the East lives up to its name, this time in a totally different way.
SS Reflections
Killington has a special place in my heart. It’s where I truly began my alpine skiing journey, busting my ass (quite literally) on the icy slopes as I tried to shed my Florida Man skin and become a halfway decent skier.
But I’d always wanted to summit Killington under my own power. So on a leaf-peeping trip through the Northeast, I made it happen. The hike was beautiful, challenging, and so satisfying. Standing at the top, looking out over the trails I used to ski, was a full-circle moment. A reminder of how far I’ve come.
Other helpful resources
Stav is Lost's post about bagging this peak
