Summer in Killington, Vermont is like a breath of fresh air – literally. Ditch the stuffy city and trade it for mountain breezes and endless green landscapes. Killington Resort isn’t just about world-class skiing and snow tubing anymore. The town explodes with life in the summer months, offering a smorgasbord of activities for all interests.
Feeling adventurous? Hike or bike the scenic trails. Want to relax? Chill by a lake or take a scenic gondola ride. But feeling overwhelmed by all the choices? Fear not! This post will be your guide to the best things to do in Killington VT in summer, making sure your summer vacation is unforgettable.
10 Killington, Vermont Summer Activities For Outdoor Enthusiasts
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Fun Things to do in Killington, VT in Summer
Killington Mountain Resort might be the largest ski resort on the east coast, but don’t count it out in the summer months! Killington Resort is the perfect place to enjoy beautiful views of the Green Mountain State. With seemingly endless things to do in Killington VT in summer, we have a list to help you choose.
There are outdoor activities for all so whether you’re planning a day trip or a weekend getaway, Killington is a great spot for the entire family. Here are our 10 favorite Killington, Vermont summer activities.
1. Scenic Gondola Ride
Purchase scenic gondola ride tickets for the whole family and enjoy the view from the top of Killington Peak. Grab a snack or picnic lunch from the Peak Lodge Food Court for a meal with a stunning view.
Enjoy the mile and a quarter ride up the K-1 Gondola to the 4,241-foot summit of Killington Peak. Riding the green mountain state’s second tallest gondola is a great way to share breathtaking views of the surrounding Green Mountain National Forest with the entire family.
This is definitely one of the most popular things to do in Killington, VT in summer and for good reason! The effort is minimal and the views are incredible. Don’t count this experience out!
2. Killington Adventure Center
Snowshed Adventure Center has a variety of epic activities for thrill seekers of all ages to enjoy. This is definitely one of the best things to do in Killington, VT in summer for families; there are so many fun summer activities to choose from.
- Beast Mountain Coaster
You’re in for an epic thrill on this 4,800-foot long alpine coaster that twists and turns through the woods and over downhill mountain biking trails. Ride alone or with a friend (weight cannot exceed 300lbs) and control your speed on the Beast Mountain Coaster. - Soaring Eagle
Enjoy unbelievable views next to your partner in crime on the Soaring Eagle. You will both be comfortably seated while soaring 30 miles per hour at 100-feet off the ground! - Woodward Wrecktangle
Designed for the ninja warrior in all of us, the Woodward Wrecktangle is an epic adventure. Featuring 10 unique obstacles, get ready for a show down with your friends as you challenge each other to complete each daunting challenge! - Skye Ropes Course
Closed toe and heeled shoes are required for those seeking the challenge of the Skye Ropes Course! Standing at four stories tall, there are over 42 obstacles to maneuver. - Zip Line Racer
Dual zip lines allow you to race your family and fiends across Snowshed Pond! Enjoy stunning mountain views while flying through the air at Killington Adventure Center. - Trampoline Jump
Meant for the little adventurers among us, let your 30-120-pound littles experience weightlessness. This bungee jump system is designed to give you the extra time and height you need to pull off cool tricks!
You can purchase single ride tickets, unlimited day, or season passes for these attractions.
3. Killington Bike Park
A great place for riders of all skill levels to ride! Killington Bike Park includes miles of trails for the whole family. From basic green flow trails to difficult, black tech, the mountain biking and the views of the surrounding mountains never gets old.
Rent a full downhill setup, bike and protective gear included, from Snowshed Base Lodge or bring your own rig. Whether you’re a first time rider or you’ve been riding before, know that you can book group and private lessons or attend an adult camp. Youth lessons and camps are also available for little shredders looking to start riding or improve their skills!
Killington ski resort is one of the best in the east. In the summer months, the mountain turns into one of the best bike parks on the East Coast and one of the few that has multiple signature Gravity Logic flow trails on the map!
4. Hiking Trails in the Killington Area
Killington is a popular spot for hiking! With access to the Appalachian Trail, Long Trail, and other shorter hiking adventures, Killington is an outdoor enthusiasts paradise! Here are some of our favorite trails.
- Appalachian Trail/Long Trail
12.1 Miles & 3,120 Feet
Sections of the Appalachian and Long Trail travel right through Killington. Hike a portion of these trails, such as Killington Peak via Long Trail, to the summit of Killington for incredible views of the surrounding Green Mountains. - Gifford Woods State Park
1.5 Miles & 242 Feet
Hike the Gifford Woods Loop for a peaceful stroll through the woods. Perfect shady spot to enjoy the woods with some peace and quiet in
1.3 Miles & 78 Feet
Cross Vermont Route 100 to hike South Kent Pond via the Appalachian Trail. It can be a bit muddy and buggy at times, but provides beautiful, serene views of the Green Mountains. - Thundering Brook Falls
.5 Miles & 32 Feet
A short, sweet, and simple boardwalk hike leaders to a thundering waterfall in the woods. This trail also connects to the Appalachian Trail so you have the opportunity to continue further if you would like! - Quechee Gorge
1.3 Miles & 157 Fete
Quechee Gorge Trail in Quechee State Park provides a great easy hike for the entire family. Bring a swimsuit for the crystal clear water you have access to at the end of the trail but please stay behind the fence on other areas of the trail. - Deer Leap
2 Miles & 511 Feet
You can hike to this beautiful lookout from a few different spots. The trail that leaves from the Inn at Long Trail is quite the beauty and not too long or difficult. - Bald Mountain & Girl Scout Loop Trail
3.1 Miles & 846 Feet
Located in Aitken State Forest, the Bald Mountain and Girl Scout Loop Trail allow you to experience incredible Northeast terrain. Bald Mountain is 3.5 miles and leads to incredible vistas with a great opportunity for wildlife viewing. The Girl Scout Loop Trail provides forested views through an old Civilian Conservation Corps camp turned a Girl Scout Camp was then located here. - Sherburne pass trail
5.5 Miles & 1,814 Feet
The Sherburne Pass Trail is a challenging route that leads to the summit of Pico Peak. This popular trail winds up through the forest, passes the Long Trail’s Pico Camp Shelter, and cuts across the ski runs to the summit.
5. Mountain Biking with Pedal Access
If you’re looking to pedal your mountain bike instead of paying for lift access, there are a few places you can expect incredible trails. This is one of the best things to do in Killington VT in summer to get your heart pumping (on your efforts) and adrenaline rushing!
- Pine Hill Park
Pine Hill Park in Rutland, Vermont offers 18 miles of single track spread over 300 acres. There are a variety of beginner, intermediate and advanced biking loops available to ride. Paper maps can be found at the front entrance kiosk or you can download you map. - Sherburne Trails
Sherburne trails are maintained by the Killington Mountain Bike Club through a partnership with Town of Killington and the U.S. Forest Service. There are 4.5 miles of multiuse trails with plans for expansion! The current trail system includes great features with ride arounds making in a great place for riders of all abilities to pedal. - Mount Peg
Mount Peg features a classic New England combination of technical climbing, flowy single track, and freeriding trails. The signature trail features a 3-mile fast, flowy descent! Hang out in Knox Meadow, the skills area, featuring progressive dock drops to hone your riding skills.
6. Killington Golf Course
Designed by the prolific golf course architect Geoffrey Cornish, Killington Golf Course is one you don’t want to miss. This unique 18-hole golf course takes full advantage of the mountainous terrain and provides a golfing experience unlike any other.
The pace of play is 4.5 hours per round, or about 15 minutes per hole. The earliest you can book your tee time is 7 days out, unless you book through a stay and play package. This might be the way to go if you want to ensure a specific start time for your round of golf. Choose between 18 or 9 holes and know that rates are cheaper during the week with a great Foursome deal on Wednesdays!
If you don’t want to play at Killington Resort, look into playing at Green Mountain National Golf Course. Located just North of Killington, Green Mountain National Golf Course was voted the best public golf course in Vermont – it’s worth checking out if you like to play!
7. Fishing and Swimming
One of the best things to do in Killington, VT in summer is hit up the local watering holes. No… not the bar, but places to swim and fish. Fishing licenses can be purchased at Gifford Woods State Park, the Killington Town Clerk, or online ahead of time. Here are some of the best fishing spots Vermont has to offer.
- Chittenden Reservoir
This 721-acre reservoir is up to 25-30 feet deep in some spots, and more of a large wetland area in others. It is a perfect spot for fly-fishing, spinners and bait fishing. Watercraft with motors up to 15 horsepower are allowed on Chittenden Reservoir. - Lake Bomoseen
Lake Bomoseen, or Lake Bomo, is the largest lake in Vermont! Bomoseen State Park’s sandy beaches are perfect for swimming and taking in the views. The park is also home to some hiking trails, and the ability to launch you boat, kayak, or canoe for fishing! - Kent Pond
The 101-acre Kent Pond is 20 feet deep in areas. It’s shallow, clear, and features a variety of fish including largemouth bass, yellow perch and sunfish. The access area is located on the west side of the pond; it is a great spot to go fishing from shore or from a launched canoe, kayak, rowboat or motorboat.
8. Local Events
The Killington region hosts a variety of fun local events throughout the summer. Although many of them take place at and are sponsored by the resort, some are hosted by local associations. Local events and festivals are great way experience a location and meet likeminded people!
- Killington Wine Festival
Hosted by the Killington Pico Area Association (KPAA), this annual event is a vibrant celebration of fine wines, gourmet food, and the beauty of Killington.
For More Information, Click Here. - Music in the Mountains Concert Series
Head to Pico Mountain Lodge on Saturdays at 7PM to enjoy talented musicians!
For More Information, Click Here. - Cooler in the Mountains Concert Series
Enjoy free, fantastic local and national acts at the Snowshed Base Lodge every Saturday afternoon at the Umbrella bar.
For More Information, Click Here. - VMBA Day
Experience the Mountain Biking beast of the East with Vemont Mountain Biking Association for group rides, adaptive MTB demos, and free races.
For More Information on the 2024 Event, Click Here. - Killington Brewfest
Head to Pico Mountain Base Area for local brews and live music with a beautiful backdrop in late September.
For More Info, Click Here if you’re 21+
9. ATV Vermont
The Green Mountain State is home to some beautiful terrain perfect for exploring on an all terrain vehicle. You will find a variety of terrain in Vermont; beginners will enjoy flat and smooth trails and advanced riders will marvel at the steep and rocky terrain.
If you’re coming to the area with your own ATVs and UTVs, be sure to check VASA (Vermont ATV Sportsman Association) for details on where to ride and when the trails open. Over 800 miles of legal trail opportunities are built and maintained by volunteer VASA members and the VASA Trail Crew.
If you’re coming to town and need a vehicle to explore with, book ATV and UTV tours through ATV Vermont. Get set up on a Polaris Razor, equipped with a helmet and eye protection, and get to exploring with a guided tour.
10. Rock Climbing
There are a lot of incredible places to rock climb near Killington, Vermont. If you’re an adventurous soul looking for fun things to do in Killington VT in summer, rock climbing might just be the new outdoor hobby you never knew you needed.
It’s important that you have the appropriate gear and knowledge base to tackle the local outdoor climbing routes. If you do not have the knowledge or the gear, we recommend hiring a guide who will help educate you and keep you safe.
The popular hike to Deer Leap is also a very popular place for climbers. Where one trail leads you to a switchback trail up to the lookout, the other leads you to a series of cliffs featuring 45-50 climbs. This area is closed seasonally for Peregrine Falcon Nesting. If bouldering is more your speed, there are a variety of beautiful glacial erratics along the Appalachian Trail. Over 109 developed problems are ready to be solved at DEKD Killington Bouldering.
Conclusion
Killington, Vermont is the perfect home base for mountain bikers, hikers, and outdoor enthusiasts of any kind. Whether you’re confident enough to hit the trails and experience some of the best places Vermont has to offer on your own, or you’re looking for a guided tour, there are endless things to do in Killington, VT in summer.
The state of Vermont is home to a variety of incredible areas, including Stowe, Burlington, Woodstock, and Manchester. Vermont’s green mountains can be enjoyed from so many different areas throughout the state, but Killington is one of my favorite things about the Northeast!