Where To Bike In Killington Vermont

• Posted on 22 May 2024
• By Rob Cunliffe
• 2

Where to Mountain Bike and Gravel Bike in the Killington Area

So your wheels have been spinning about where to get out and ride your bicycle in the Killington area. Perhaps you’re planning a trip. Or maybe you’re already here, driving the winding and leafy roads of our beautiful state, searching for a destination worthy of getting your tires dirty. Whatever the story that has led you to our gorgeous neck of the woods, allow us to help you fill in the blanks and write the future of your biking experience here, together.  Whether you seek pedal trails through narrow woods, lift service and downhill mountain bike parks, or quiet country gravel roads, allow us to guide you. In no particular order, here is our list of best local riding with some tips and gems thrown in along the way. Welcome to Killington. Welcome to Vermont.  

Killington Bike Park

First on our list is The Beast herself, the Killington Mountain Bike Park. Featuring over thirty miles of mountain biking trails with service from three separate lifts, this park is the place for all things downhill biking. Split into three distinct areas, the mountain offers varying types of trails from single track, to flow, to more advanced technical and freeride terrain. Snowshed peak and lift are where you can find terrain geared towards beginner level riders, with plenty of intermediate options as well for the sake of progression.  Get started on Easy Street or Wiggle, progressing to Step It Up when you feel ready. Ramshead is where riders can find advanced and expert terrain focused on bigger jumps and faster speeds. Trails like Black Magic are perfect at mixing the joy of flow with the exhilaration of downhill freeride. For a real challenge check out Goat Skull where the US open downhill course is set when it’s in Killington. If you’re seeking more blue flow, check out Side Show Bob and Blue Magic. Killington peak, accessed via the K1 gondola, offers more advanced samplings of technical trail riding with plenty of rock gardens, steep rooty-routes and technical terrain. Our favorite line from Killington Peak begins at Off The Top and Cable Trail then hops onto Yo Vinny and Gambler, ending back on Jump Start. From the bottom you can pedal back to K1 and keep doing gondy laps, or make your way back to either Snowshed or on to Ramshead to mix it up and see more of the mountain. The bike park is a phenomenal way to explore Killington Resort in the warmer months, offering beautiful panoramic views from its various peaks and keeping you close to weekend nightlife and local cuisine. For an afternoon beverage or snack with a gorgeous view of the mountain check out the patio at The Killington Distillery or the top deck of The Lookout Tavern. Our other local favorite is the “Classic Japanese Comfort Cuisine” of Yama Ramen.

So, we covered lift service, but don’t feel left out if what you came here for are pedal trails. While Killington Resort doesn’t offer much in the way of uphill or cross-country pedaling options, the surrounding areas are rife with scenic alternatives for those hearty of leg and spirit.  So here are some staff picks for local pedal trails.

Gifford Woods State Park

Our first stop is right down the road at Gifford Woods State Park, which can be found nestled into the mountainside on the Western side of Rt. 100 opposite Kent Pond. Gifford Woods is home to a trail called Sherburner, a favorite of Basin staff and locals alike. In the Summer season you won’t find any panoramic views from the top, but the close and quiet solitude of the trail is beautiful, and Sherburner is a one way loop, allowing you to take in your surroundings on the way up without being concerned about who might be coming down.  It’s also an epically fun blue flow trail with a couple of intermediate level rock gardens and stream crossings thrown in for good measure. It’s sure to elicit a few woo’s and hoo’s from even the most advanced of riders while being a great intro to flow for those new to the sport.

Pine Hill Park

From here we move on down the line, and down the road twenty minutes, to the city of Rutland and the beautiful and expansive trail system at Pine Hill Park. Maintained and operated by the Pine Hill Partnership, this park and system of trails are gorgeous and offer a wide variety of intermediate level riding, as well as some limited advanced and expert terrain. The folks at the Pine Hill Partnership work tirelessly at trail improvement and have done an excellent job of making trails more accessible to beginner level riders, but have also kept a fair amount of rocky and bumpy climbs intact to keep things interesting. Pedal all the way up to Rocky Pond or the Overlook trail for a quick snack break and then work your way back across the park to Milk Run and Maximum Capacity, for some sweet blue flow and whippy berms. For you long haulers who want a workout and can arrange a pick-up, or want a long loop back, this park also abuts the Redfield Trails which continue all the way North-West to the town of Proctor. Pine Hill also has pedestrian walking trails and a large lower sports field, bordered by East Creek, for some frisbee, lazy sunbathing, and easy, post-ride recovery. For a little local love from some fellow two wheel enthusiasts, and a hard won reward for all your pedaling, grab an ice cream treat from Prouty’s Parlor in Downtown Rutland. Then hop back in the car, because we’re not done yet!  

Green Mountain Trails

Next we head North from Killington on Route 100, past Kent Pond again and onto Green Mountain Trails in Pittsfield. With something for multiple skill levels of riders, Green Mountain is another trail system with unique sights and pretty views. Take the Yonder set of trails to get your taste of techy and difficult downhill riding, or the Bubbas trails for steeper and sketchier wet, off-camber rock riding. For your long blue descents, get on Fusters and switchback your way down the mountain. Don’t miss a stop over at Shrek’s Cabin for a snack break. Just keep in mind that because of the way the trails are situated, one wrong turn at Green Mountain can turn a short day into a long day real quickly. So as always, pay close attention to trail signs and keep a map on hand if you are new to these trails. When you’re done for the day make your way to the Clear River Tavern for some great food, drinks and live music in their outdoor seating area and stage overlooking the Tweed River.

Woodstock Area

Our last two stops put us back on Route 4, passing through Killington to the quaint town of Woodstock where we find one more pedal trail system for mountain bikers as well as a great gravel ride and some popular local cuisine.

Let’s start with the Aqueduct trail network for mountain biking, located in West Woodstock. Aqueduct is another system of trails that offers something for all riders. For those new to the sport who want an easier and more relaxing ride, check out the Reservoir Trail with views of the (you guessed it!) reservoir. For properly big, and quite frankly scary jumps and drops, check out the Cabot Pepper Jack trail. Finish your day on Slash Ridge for a super fun, long blue flow trail. This is a gorgeous little park and a great stop on the mountain bike tour of Rutland and Windsor Counties.

Last but not least, a perfect little mixed-surface gravel loop. From Aqueduct, get back on Route 4 and head East back to Bridgewater Corners, where we will start and finish at the famous Long Trail Brewery. We recommend parking right in their lot and taking the following route. Turn right out of the parking lot and head West on Route 4, and then right onto 100A, crossing the Ottauquechee River and heading North. After about 6 miles bang a left onto Lynds Hill Rd for a decent 1.5 mile climb up, followed by a 1.7 mile descent cruising into the Five Corners region of Plymouth, VT. Take a left onto Hale Hollow Road, a 4 mile ride down to 100A, and make your way back to the brewery, the finish line of your gravel journey. Grab some local fare and froth from this famous beer spot and replenish all those hard burned calories. Bring your cold one through to the patio and dip your feet in the Ottauquechee for a quintessential Summer afternoon. Keep in mind that Vermont is teeming with a plethora of dusty back roads and scenic lanes, all perfect for getting out, breathing the fresh air and seeing the state from the perspective of your bike seat. You can hardly go wrong picking a road that looks nice and calling it your gravel route, but when in doubt, don't be afraid to ask a local.  We won't be as cold as the falling thermometer in December if you ask us about our favorite spots to ride. The area is full of trails and tracks enough to share, and we’re happy to have you here.  

Thanks for getting out and exploring our magnificent state and all the beautiful biking options therein. If you find yourself in need of some repair work, a bike rental, or just want to talk bikes, mountains, and the great outdoors be sure to stop in and see us at The Basin, up the Kilington access road, or up North at Pinnacle Sports in Stowe. Keep in mind this is merely a list of our staff favorites, if you want more options be sure to check out Slate Valley Trails, Rochester Valley Trails, Mt. Peg, Mt. Ascutney, and Sherburne Trails.  Safe riding and welcome to Vermont!