| Hiking Trail Conditions Report |
 | Peaks |
Killington Peak, VT |
|
 | Trails: |
Bucklin Trail, Long Trail, Killington Spur |
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 | Date of Hike: |
Friday, March 19, 2021 |
|
 | Parking/Access Road Notes: |
Wheelerville Road from Route 4 was perfect. No ice, no snow, plowed. Parking lot had ice on it, but stones/sand gave it plenty of traction. |
|
 | Surface Conditions: |
Snow - Trace/Minimal Depth, Ice - Breakable Crust, Snow/Ice - Frozen Granular, Snow/Ice - Monorail (Stable), Snow/Ice - Postholes |
|
 | Recommended Equipment: |
Snowshoes, Light Traction |
|
 | Water Crossing Notes: |
Snow/ice bridge water crossings are intact, but sunshine and warm weather ahead will weaken them significantly. |
|
 | Trail Maintenance Notes: |
No obstacles. |
|
 | Dog-Related Notes: |
One dog, having the time of his life. |
|
 | Bugs: |
None. |
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 | Lost and Found: |
None. |
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|
 | Comments: |
Wore snowshoes the entire way besides the last 100 yards at the summit (could have microspiked it, but no need to risk destroying the trail). Post hole evidence all over the place---some as deep as 2-3 feet near the top! Warm weather and sunshine made the descent more post hole prone---expect the weekend/week ahead warmth will make the trail snowshoe only (in my opinion).
Top 100yards is steep and icy. Other reports are not joking around---definitely need some confidence in your traction and ability. I dropped the snowshoes half way and switched to microspikes (crampons could have helped, but I didn't bring them). Rumor is, go left around the mountain and then up the side for a safer ascent (confirmed by the snowboard group on top that hiked up in snowboard gear without traction). Note, small trees make it possible to have some handholds on the traditional ascent, but the postholes on that steep area made using "teethy" snowshoes worthless.
Beautiful day overall, fun hike. Easy ~7.5 miles. Car to Car: 3h 17min.
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|
 | Name: |
BenZ |
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 | E-Mail: |
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|
| Date Submitted: |
2021-03-19 |
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 | Link: |
 https:// |
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Disclaimer: Reports are not verified - conditions may vary. Use at own risk. Always be prepared when hiking. Observe all signs. Trail conditions reports are not substitutes for weather reports or common sense. |
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