Convenience & Challenge
Just show up and ride in Killington.
2 Riding Days • 2 Trail Networks • Riding-Focused • All Skill Levels
Grant Wieler Photo
Photo Courtesy KMBC
Whether you like short hops or big drops, Killington offers riding to satisfy every ability. Excellent trailside bike rental options allow you to travel light.
New England’s fastest-growing lift-served mountain bike park and loop upon loop of purpose-built singletrack are drawing more cyclists every year. If you don’t want to lug a bike or even a bike rack, this itinerary is for you.
DAY-BY-DAY ITINERARY
Kick back on the Mountain Meadows Lodge porch. (Courtesy Photo)
ARRIVAL DAY
Say Hi to a Thru-Hiker
Arrive at the Mountain Meadows Lodge and relax into your Vermont getaway by taking in expansive Green Mountain views from the hotel’s deck. Enjoy a refreshing craft cocktail or local brew and if you need to stretch your legs, walk toward the pond to see the historic Appalachian Trail that crosses the Lodge’s property. Don’t stray too far or you’ll miss dinner. The Kent Bistro and Bar, which serves locally-sourced specialties and delicious homemade desserts, is a convenient (and excellent) choice for your first meal. Eat there.
VIDEO: Go with the flow on Sherburner. (YouTube: Toogy Howser)
DAY ONE - MORNING
Rip Shelburne Trails Singletrack
Circle back to The Kent Bistro and Bar for a hearty country breakfast before exploring the Sherburne Trails. Rent the perfect bike at Base Camp, just up the road from the Lodge. They’ll point you in the direction of either the intermediate-friendly western section of Sherburne Trails or the more diverse eastern section. Base Camp also offers guided tours, but you need to book those in advance.
The Overlook is conveniently located behind an Irish Pub. (Courtesy Photo)
DAY ONE - AFTERNOON
Hoof it up Deer Leap Overlook
Grab a grinder (Vermont-speak for a sub) at the Killington Deli. When you’ve finished riding for the day, venture up to the top of Sherburne Pass for a short hike to the Deer Leap Overlook. This short-but-steep hike offers spectacular views of the surrounding peaks. The trailhead is conveniently located behind McGrath’s Irish Pub, which is a cool place to kick back and make conversation with thru-hikers taking a respite from their time on the nearby Appalachian Trail. Buy them a pint or a plate of Bangers & Boxty if you’re feeling generous—they’ve earned it.
“Killington is one of the more approachable places to ride. I tell people who have a wide array of skill level in their group to go there because anyone from a never-ever to a professional biker can have a good time.”
VIDEO: Riding Killington Bike Park is always a blast. (YouTube: PinkBike)
DAY TWO - MORNING
Rise to a Homemade Roll
Pull into Sunup Bakery on your way to the Killington Bike Park. There, owner Laura McKenna and crew serve a locally-sourced menu featuring baked goods and breakfast sandwiches prepared with Vermont ingredients. Continue up the road to the Killington Bike Park for a day of riding. The rental shop will set you up with a dedicated downhill bike and full protective gear.
Want to ride for free? Join VMBA and get one free lift ticket for the Killington Bike Park.
33 miles of trails and 18K possible feet of descent await at Killington. (Courtesy photo)
DAY TWO - AFTERNOON
Have a Peak Experience
There’s plenty of terrain to explore at the Killington Bike Park as long as you like going downhill! With everything from fast flow to teeth-rattling chunder on offer, you can feast upon whatever flavor of riding experience you seek.
A visit to the bike park is not complete without a trip to the summit. Ride the gondola to the Peak Lodge, for a snack or lunch. Once you’re feeling rested and fortified, cruise down “Off the Top”, a 3-mile descent trail that ends at the resort base more than 1,700 feet below.
WHERE TO STAY, EAT & SHOP
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Situated on the tranquil edge of Kent Pond, Mountain Meadows Lodge is a 180-year-old historic cow barn and farmhouse that has been upgraded with modern accommodations while still holding fast to its rustic Vermont charm.
The Killington Group** offers rentals in the Killington region and a discount to VMBA members. 2% of your rental will go to support VMBA.
Killington Resort offers a variety of lodging options, including the Killington Grand Resort Hotel. Use their Lodging Finder, especially if you’re traveling as a large group or prefer to cook in your own kitchen.
** Offers a VMBA Member Benefit
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Sunup Bakery is a local favorite serving locally-sourced espresso, baked goods, and breakfast sandwiches from a cute A-frame.
Liquid Art is the best spot to help you with your caffeine hit and they also have tasty lunch and dinner menus.
McGrath’s Irish Pub is a cozy spot for Irish eats, draft beer, and—if four leaf clovers are in your favor—live music.
Peak Lodge dishes farm-fresh food with sweeping views daily from the top of Killington Ski Resort’s K-1 Express Gondola.
The Kent Bistro and Bar serves a local, seasonal menu with both indoor and outdoor dining options right from the Mountain Meadows Lodge.
Sushi Yoshi runs a dual Chinese and Japanese kitchen that serves traditional favorites as well as new fusion cuisine and craft beers.
Lookout Tavern** invites you to warm up to some chili or cool down with a craft brew.
Snowshed Umbrella Bar at Killington’s base area is a great spot to regroup and après.
** Offers a VMBA Member Benefit
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Base Camp** is a full-service bicycle maintenance, rental, and gear shop that also runs mountain bike (including e-bike) tours.
Alpine Bike Works** is a full-service mountain bike shop focusing on performance-driven brands. Trail, park, e-bikes, and more are available for rent here.
Basin Ski, Bike and Ride** has been the go-to shop for bike rentals and bike demos for the Killington, VT area since 1998, including eMTBs
Killington rents downhill bikes and protective gear (full-face helmets, knee pads, and elbow pads) that will help riders of any age and size take on the bike park with confidence. Located at the Snowshed Base Lodge, their fleet of 200+ rental bikes is the largest of its kind in the East.
** Offers a VMBA Member Benefit
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Deer Leap Overlookoffers expansive views of Killington and Pico Peaks and can be accessed via a moderately challenging two mile out-and-back hike.
Thundering Brook Falls is Vermont’s sixth largest waterfall and reachable via the first universally accessible portion of the Appalachian Trail. At high water, the cascade drops 140 feet into a narrow cataract.
Catch some thrills at the Killington Adventure Center, which hosts a mountain coaster, zip line, ropes course, maze, and more.
For more information, visit the Killington Tourism Website
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You can save a lot of money by becoming a VMBA member before your trip!
Becoming a VMBA member supports mountain biking and trails throughout Vermont, as well as our local Chapters.
Everyone is welcome. Individual memberships are $60, with discounts available for families and those under 25.
Join VMBA today for immediate access to the member benefits in this region, through our App**.
STAY:
The Killington Group
10% Off your rental. 2% of the rental fee will go to support VMBAEAT & DRINK
Lookout Tavern
Free order of Jumbo WingsBIKE SHOPS
Alpine Bike Works - Killington
15% Off regular price apparel and accessories
10% Off Service labor
50% Off a weekday bike rental (1 per member)
15% Off a new bike (limit 1 per member some exclusions apply)Base Camp
25% Off one bike rental
25% Off one AT or telemark rental
20% Off Sweet Protection productsBasin Ski, Bike and Ride
50% Off one weekday or 10% off weekend demo
10% Off non-sale clothing, accessories, and serviceBIKE PARKS
Killington Bike Park
One Free DH MTB Day Ticket (Sun - Fri)Becoming a VMBA member supports mountain biking and trails throughout Vermont, as well as our local chapters.
Local VMBA Chapter:
**Please note that restrictions may apply to the above offers. Please consult the VMBA Member App for terms and conditions for each of these offers.
ROUTES & RIDE TIPS
“The variety and quality of trails on offer in Killington means that you can feel good extending your itinerary a night or two beyond what’s outlined here.”
Sherburne Trails
Sherburne Trails
Killington Mountain Bike Club VMBA Chapter
Eighteen miles of beginner, intermediate, and advanced trails make this hilly system a great place to hone your skills—just make sure you bring your cross-country riding fitness. Use the Sherburne Trails trailhead on Route 100 to ride the easiest loops, Mind Eraser and Pacas Path. From Gifford Woods State Park, enjoy the flow of Sherburner, a one-way trail with a long climb and feature-filled descent. The Pesky Cairn loop is a smooth lollipop out and back with gentle climbing in both directions.
Base Camp or the Sherburne Trails trailhead get you to more aggressive terrain. Archie Baker is a one way technical trail with rock features, Convoluted is a challenging but fun zone using the natural rock to incorporate roll overs and wall rides. Always pre-ride before trying any features!
Killington Bike Park
Killington Resort Bike Park
Killington Mountain Bike Club VMBA Chapter
There’s plenty of terrain to explore at the Killington Bike Park as long as you like going downhill! With everything from fast flow to teeth-rattling chunder on offer, you can feast upon whatever flavor of riding experience you seek.
Everything is clearly marked and easy to navigate, so pre-ride, re-ride, freeride your way to a good time.