Killington, VT - Classic XC with a Dose of DH

Terrain:
20% Beginner
60% Intermediate
20% Expert

Good For:
Downhillers
All Abilities
Renters

Whether you like short hops or big drops, the Killington area offers riding experiences to satisfy every ability. Excellent trailside bike rental options allows you to travel light.

Killington, Vermont

Get up to speed on local trails or shred like a pro at a resort destination that caters to riders of all abilities.

By Vermont standards, the Killington area offers a number of approachable riding options. New England’s fastest-growing lift-served mountain bike park and loop upon loop of purpose-built singletrack are drawing more cyclists every year, and the town is doing well to welcome all the bustle. Whether you ride the lifts at the resort or the cross country trails in town, convenient rentals mean that you don’t need to lug a bike or even a bike rack. The variety and quality of trails on offer mean that visitors can feel good extending their itineraries a night or two beyond what’s outlined here.  

KILLINGTON, VT LOCATOR MAP
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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. 

    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 VMBA Member Benefit

  • 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. 

    The 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.

    Stop by Lookout Tavern (VMBA partner?) to warm up to some chili or cool down with a craft brew. 

    The Snowshed Umbrella Bar at Killington’s base area is a great spot to regroup and après.

    ** Offers a VMBA Member Benefit

  • 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. 

    First Stop Board Barn stocks outdoor gear of all kinds, has a consignment section, and rents mountain bikes as well as kayaks, SUPs, and river tubes. 

    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. 

  • Deer Leap Overlook offers 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, VT Tourism Website

  • Sherburne Trails
    Eighteen miles of primarily green and blue-rated trails (but remember, this is by Vermont standards!) make this hilly system a great place to hone your skills—just make sure you bring your cross country riding fitness. Easier multi-use trails can be accessed via the Sherburne Trails trailhead, about 2 miles north on Route 100. 
    Google Parking Directions

    Killington Bike Park
    This lift-served bike park has over thirty miles of downhill mountain biking trails and more than 1,700 feet of potential descending. Two chairlifts and a gondola provide access to terrain appropriate for riders of all abilities.
    Google Parking Directions

  • You can save a lot of money by joining VMBA for your trip! Everyone one is welcome. Individual memberships are $60, with discounts available for families and those under 25. Your benefits can be used immediately from the VMBA App!

    Join VMBA today for immediate access to these member benefits through our App.

    • Killington Bike Park
      One FREE downhill mountain bike lift ticket (valid Sun - Fri.)

    • Base Camp Bike Shop
      25% off one bike rental

    • Mountain Meadows Lodge
      15% Off your reservation*

    • Gifford Woods State Park
      Current KMBC members can obtain a Day Use Season Pass to Gifford Woods at no cost. Join VMBA and select KMBC as your chapter, or as an add-on chapter.

    Becoming a VMBA member supports mountain biking and trails throughout Vermont, as well as our local chapters.

    Local VMBA Chapter:
    Killington Mountain Bike Club

    Additional conditions may apply for any of the above offers. Please refer to the VMBA App for details.

Take at least one ride up the Killington Gondola to reach Vermont’s second highest peak at 4241 ft. The descent back to the base area is a 15-30 minute ride, depending on your pace!

Base Camp is a full-service bike shop and hosts one of the three trailhead parking areas for Sherburne Trails.

Sherburne Trails were created by the local bike club and offer a classic (and authentic) Vermont riding experience.

The Killington Bike Park has everything you could want in one place, except climbing!

SUGGESTED ITINERARY

ARRIVAL DAY:

Say hi to a thru-hiker on the Appalachian Trail

Arrive at the Mountain Meadows Lodge and relax into your Vermont getaway by taking in expansive Green Mountain views from the hotel’s deck. Hang out and enjoy a refreshing craft cocktail or local brew, or, if you need to stretch your legs, walk toward the pond and intersect the Appalachian Trail. The historic AT crosses the Lodge’s property and goes north to Maine and south to Georgia—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.

DAY ONE:

Rip some single-track right from the lodge

Circle back to The Kent Bistro and Bar for a hearty country breakfast before exploring the Sherburne Trails for the day. If you brought your own bike, you can unrack it and ride right from the lodge, accessing the trail system near the shores of Kent Pond. If you need to rent, Base Camp is less than half a mile away and open to serve your needs. From there, you can either access the intermediate-friendly western section of Sherburne Trails (the system is bisected by Vermont Route 100), or you can take a short ride back to the Lodge to access the more diverse eastern section. Base Camp also offers guided tours, but you need to book those in advance.

Hoof it up to Deer Leap Overlook

Grab a grinder (Vermont-speak for a sub) at the Killington Deli and venture up to the top of Sherburne Pass for a short hike to the Deer Leap Overlook, just a few miles up Route 4 from the Lodge. This short-but-steep hike leads to a rocky overlook and offers spectacular views of the surrounding peaks.

Cozy into a cabin-like Irish pub

The Deer Leap Overlook trailhead is conveniently located behind McGrath’s Irish Pub. Featuring live music on the weekends, it’s 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. For other evening cuisine options, explore the variety of restaurants along Killington Road.

DAY TWO:

Rise to a roll made with Vermont-milled flour

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 highlights including Green Mountain Creamery goat cheese, Cabot cheddar, King Arthur Flour, and Broad Brook maple syrup.

Continue up the road to Killington Bike Park for a day of riding. If you have a full-suspension bike and plan to stick to the green and blue trails, you can use your own bike. However, if advanced features and jumping are on your agenda—or if you want to save your personal equipment from the wear and tear of so much descending— consider renting a dedicated downhill bike and gear.

Want to ride for free? Join VMBA and get 1 free lift ticket for the Killington Bike Park - a value which more than pays for your membership! Your free ticket voucher is immediately available in the VMBA app once you’ve joined. The voucher is not valid on Saturdays, so plan accordingly!

Cap off the weekend with a “Peak” experience

A visit to the bike park is not complete without a trip to the summit. Hop on the K1 Express Gondola and ride it to the Peak Lodge, where you can stop for a snack or lunch. Park your bike in one of the racks and take a quick hike up to the rocky summit of Killington Peak, or plop down in an Adirondack chair and take in the panoramic views. 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.

Sherburne Trails

Killington Bike Park

RIDE RECOMMENDATIONS

Sherburne Trails

(Trailforks Link)

The first two loops out of the Sherburne Trails parking lot on Route 100, Mind Eraser and Pacas Path, are introductory and beginner terrain geared for all riders small to tall, young to old. Ohly Roller is an intermediate trail which rides differently depending on the direction you are riding. Come out and enjoy the beautiful woods of Vermont with a mountain Pond View for a reward.

The style of trail accessed from Base Camp is traditional rake and ride technical single track. There are double track routes within the loops to create a shorter way out if needed. The Base Camp Loop, Betty Trail, and Hutchins Hill Trail ride best counterclockwise, but if you want more of an uphill challenge, ride them clockwise. The Archie Baker Trail is a one way technical trail with rock features that will test your skill. Always pre-ride the trail before trying any features.

Free access. Trails developed and maintained by KMBC.

Killington Bike Park

(Trailforks Link)

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.

Lift/access ticket required. (VMBA members get one free - Join Here)

THE SKINNY:

“Killington is honestly one of the more approachable places to ride. I often tell people who have a wide array of ability level in their group to go there because anyone from a never-ever to a professional biker can have a good time and then you can meet at the umbrella bar and grab a bite to eat. The trails range from fast and flowy to bermy to teeth rattling chunder. Whatever you want really.”