lx93
New member
- Joined
- Sep 19, 2005
- Messages
- 301
- Reaction score
- 14
Traction needed: Didn't have to take off my snowshoes from my pack; probably could have used StablIcers on the Killington Spur if it were a little more icy.
Found lots of good, accurate info from amstony's earlier trip report. The trailhead is exactly 4 miles from the turn-off from Hwy 4 onto Wheelerville Rd. As far as dirt roads go, Wheelerville Rd. seems pretty well-maintained but a little muddy; might be something to think about after a hard rain in the Spring.
The only sign of the trailhead is parking for about 6(?) cars and a faded-out, small sign w/ white background and a very, very faint blue lettered Bucklin Trail nailed high on a tree. PM me for pix and I'll be happy to send them to you.
The first 2 miles of the trail seem like an old forest road, on both sides of the brook. It seemed level, but somehow you gain 600' elevation. This portion seemed like it'll be VERY muddy & wet come the 3-season. I didn't have a view of Killington going up, and to be honest, found myself wondering if I was on the correct trail.
Then the trail makes a sharp right hand turn with moderately steep grade. Here there are 2 red 8x11 signs which tells you where you are, phone #'s to call if you're lost, etc. On both trails, it was possible to follow faint tracks, but it seemed as though they were made before the last snowfall. Lots of blue blazes, which definitely came in handy on the way back, when it sometimes can be hard to tell which is a ski trail and the Bucklin Trail.
Cooper Lodge was shortly after the trail junction with the Long Trail (white blazes). Be aware that this is also the Appalachian Trail. Killington Spur isn't marked, but can be seen right from the Cooper Lodge; it's almost as though they both arrive at the Cooper Lodge at the same place more than actually being a junction. It is very well-blazed (blue).
The summit had an awesome view, unfortunately clouds obscured the ADK & White Mts. of NH, but I still got great pix- plenty of rocks/trees to brace myself for blur-free pix. Radio tower makes it easy to tell you you've reached the summit.
One potential confusing part is that there are green, "J" marked signs on the summit leading to something other than the Killington Spur. Seemed like some kind of wildlife educational trail, for it had labels on different types of trees/fauna, descriptions of the ADK, etc.
Tried glissading on the way down, but snow was too wet. Now that all my VT 4k'ers are done, it's time to go for a tour at Ben & Jerry's Ice Cream factory, apparently 144 lbs. isn't heavy enough to glissade down a mountain!
All in all, a great hike.
Found lots of good, accurate info from amstony's earlier trip report. The trailhead is exactly 4 miles from the turn-off from Hwy 4 onto Wheelerville Rd. As far as dirt roads go, Wheelerville Rd. seems pretty well-maintained but a little muddy; might be something to think about after a hard rain in the Spring.
The only sign of the trailhead is parking for about 6(?) cars and a faded-out, small sign w/ white background and a very, very faint blue lettered Bucklin Trail nailed high on a tree. PM me for pix and I'll be happy to send them to you.
The first 2 miles of the trail seem like an old forest road, on both sides of the brook. It seemed level, but somehow you gain 600' elevation. This portion seemed like it'll be VERY muddy & wet come the 3-season. I didn't have a view of Killington going up, and to be honest, found myself wondering if I was on the correct trail.
Then the trail makes a sharp right hand turn with moderately steep grade. Here there are 2 red 8x11 signs which tells you where you are, phone #'s to call if you're lost, etc. On both trails, it was possible to follow faint tracks, but it seemed as though they were made before the last snowfall. Lots of blue blazes, which definitely came in handy on the way back, when it sometimes can be hard to tell which is a ski trail and the Bucklin Trail.
Cooper Lodge was shortly after the trail junction with the Long Trail (white blazes). Be aware that this is also the Appalachian Trail. Killington Spur isn't marked, but can be seen right from the Cooper Lodge; it's almost as though they both arrive at the Cooper Lodge at the same place more than actually being a junction. It is very well-blazed (blue).
The summit had an awesome view, unfortunately clouds obscured the ADK & White Mts. of NH, but I still got great pix- plenty of rocks/trees to brace myself for blur-free pix. Radio tower makes it easy to tell you you've reached the summit.
One potential confusing part is that there are green, "J" marked signs on the summit leading to something other than the Killington Spur. Seemed like some kind of wildlife educational trail, for it had labels on different types of trees/fauna, descriptions of the ADK, etc.
Tried glissading on the way down, but snow was too wet. Now that all my VT 4k'ers are done, it's time to go for a tour at Ben & Jerry's Ice Cream factory, apparently 144 lbs. isn't heavy enough to glissade down a mountain!
All in all, a great hike.
