Bucklin Trail
Reaches Killington Peak (4,242 ft).
- Length
- 3.4 mi
- Climb
- 2,010 ft
- Time, one way
- about 2 h 45 min
- County
- Rutland
- Difficulty
- Strenuousestimated
- Surface
- ground
- Segments
- 8
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About this trail
The Bucklin Trail climbs Killington Peak from the west, starting at the Brewers Corners lot on Wheelerville Road. For about the first 2 miles it climbs gently along an old road, then steepens to meet the Long Trail at 3.3 miles. A short way south on the Long Trail is Cooper Lodge, the highest overnight shelter on the trail, and from there a 0.2-mile spur climbs very steeply, with some scrambling, to Killington's open, rocky summit and its 360-degree view. The Green Mountain Club gives the round trip as 7.2 miles with about 2,500 feet of climbing.
Good to know
- The summit spur is steep and rocky; take care on the way down, especially when wet.
- Do not block the gate on the old Killington carriage road at the trailhead.
- The trailhead lot is plowed, so it can be reached in winter.
Written by VTHiking from Green Mountain Club, Killington Summit via Bucklin Trail, checked Oct 24, 2026. Distances in this text are the source's own; the figures above are measured from the mapped line and can differ.
Where to park
We haven't confirmed the fee at the lot below yet. Check posted signs when you arrive.
Walking distances follow the mapped trail network. They are not a route, they ignore slope, and they are not driving directions.
Elevation
Climb, time and difficulty are estimates worked out from the mapped line and USGS elevation data, not measurements or official ratings. Time assumes about 2.5 mph plus an hour per 1,500 ft climbed.
Other trails nearby
Trail geometry and attributes from OpenStreetMap contributors (ODbL). Elevation from USGS 3DEP. Lengths are computed from mapped geometry and are approximate. Safety disclaimer.