Let’s HikeVT! These easy, moderate, and difficult hikes all start at the Sherburne Pass Trail parking lot in Killington, VT. Our accessible trail recommendation is nearby on the Appalachian Trail in Killington.
- Deer Leap Trail – EASY (Bonus hike: Deer Leap Loop!)
- Pico Peak – MODERATE
- Killington Summit via Sherburne Pass Trail – DIFFICULT
- Thundering Falls Boardwalk – EASY, ACCESSIBLE
From Sherburne Pass Trail Parking Lot on US Route 4:
DEER LEAP TRAIL – EASY
» 2 mi round trip, approx. 492 ft elevation gain
The Deer Leap Trail is a relatively short but rugged hike to the top of a rock outcrop with impressive views of the Coolidge Range and Sherburne Pass. The trail starts on the north side of US 4, at the east end of the Inn at Long Trail parking lot. Climb steadily for .5 miles until you intersect with the Appalachian Trail. Turn left and follow the AT for about 200’, at which point the Deer Leap Trail turns left and climbs .4 mi to the Overlook Spur, which leads .2 mi to the lookout.
To extend your hike, try the 3.5 mi DEER LEAP LOOP! From the Overlook Spur, continue .9 mi on the Deer Leap until you intersect with the AT again. Turn right (AT north) and follow the AT .8 mi back to the original intersection. Turn right on the Deer Leap Trail to return to the parking lot.
NOTE: There are a few parking spots for hikers at the Inn at Long Trail, but plenty of room at the Sherburne Pass Trail across the street.
PICO PEAK VIA SHERBURNE PASS TRAIL – MODERATE
» 5.5 mi round trip, approx. 1,860 ft elevation gain
From the parking area on Route 4, the Sherburne Pass Trail gradually climbs 2.7 miles to Pico Camp, a small four-sided shelter. Ski trails allow for nice views along the way. From the camp, follow the Pico Link trail 0.4 miles up to Pico’s open summit.
KILLINGTON PEAK VIA SHERBURNE PASS TRAIL – DIFFICULT
» 11.6 mi round trip, approx. 2,085 ft elevation gain
For a longer trip to the top of Vermont’s 2nd highest peak, continue on the Sherburne Pass Trail past Pico Camp to its intersection with the Long Trail at Jungle Junction. Follow the LT south as it gradually climbs for 2.5 miles to Cooper Lodge, the highest shelter on the Long Trail at 3,850’. From Cooper Lodge, take the 0.2 mi Killington Spur to climb steeply to the summit. This final spur trail is the hardest part of the whole hike, but leads to an open summit with 360-degree views so the reward is substantial!
NOTE: On your way back, be sure not to miss the Sherburne Pass Trail at Jungle Junction, as continuing on the Long Trail brings you to a different parking lot.
Driving Directions:
Via Public Transit: The “Rutland Killington Commuter” bus route of the Marble Valley Regional Transit District (aka The Bus) stops at the Inn at Long Trail across the street from the Sherburne Pass Trail parking lot. See thebus.com for route schedules and times, which are subject to change.
From Rutland: From the US 7/US 4 intersection, drive east on US 4 until the highest point of Sherburne Pass. Parking lot will be on your right across from The Inn at Long Trail.
From Killington/Woodstock: Drive west on US 4 until the highest point of Sherburne Pass. Parking lot will be on your left across from The Inn at Long Trail.
Thundering Falls from Thundering Falls/Appalachian Trail Parking:
THUNDERING FALLS BOARDWALK – EASY, ACCESSIBLE
Nine hundred feet of accessible boardwalk on the Appalachian Trail in Vermont, built and maintained by the GMC, crosses an extensive wetland and connects to a smooth gravel switchback path to a platform at a 140-foot waterfall.
Driving Directions to Thundering Falls/Appalachian Trail parking lot on River Road:
From Rutland: From the US 7/US 4 intersection, drive 12.6 mi east on US 4. Turn left on River Road. Continue 1.6 mi to the parking lot on your left.
From Bethel/I-89 Exit 3: Turn onto VT-107W from I-89. After 2.6 mi, turn left to stay on VT-107W. Continue onto VT-100S. When you see a golf course on your right, bear left onto River Road. Continue 2.3 mi to the parking lot on your right.
Where to eat and drink nearby:
- The Inn at Long Trail for lunch, dinner and after-hike beers
- Killington Deli and Marketplace for snacks and to-go sandwiches
Mendon:
- Sugar and Spice for breakfast, lunch, and maple syrup
Maps:
