Your Killington Summer Guide

Use this to pick hikes, swim spots, meals, kid-friendly ideas, rainy-day plans, and the practical stuff you may need during your stay.

At a Glance

What's Included in the Guide

Weather, Kids, Dinner Timing & Everything Else

Start with the Day You Have

Arrival Night

Arrival Night

Grab the groceries you still need, check tomorrow's weather, and pick a low-effort dinner on Killington Road.

First Full Day

First Full Day

Try the Adventure Center, a short waterfall hike, or the pool. Save the ambitious plan for after everyone has slept.

Hot Afternoon

Hot Afternoon

Head for a pool, lake, or river spot. Bring towels before you leave the condo.

Rainy Window

Rainy Window

Use it for museums, indoor golf, spas, or a slower meal. Rain does not have to wreck the day.

Bring the rain jacket. Even sunny days can cool off fast.

Weather and Packing

  • Typical Temperatures

    Days: 70-85°F (21-29°C) | Nights: 50-60°F (10-16°C)

  • Mountain Elevation

    At 4,241 feet, it can be 5-10°F cooler than the valley. Bring layers.

  • Rainfall

    Occasional rain showers. A light rain jacket is handy to have.

What to Pack

What to Pack

  • Layers

    Mornings and evenings cool off fast, even mid-summer.

  • Hiking Shoes/Boots

    Trails are rocky. Sneakers for short walks, boots for longer.

  • Sunscreen (SPF 30+)

    UV hits harder at elevation. Reapply after any swim.

  • Bug Spray

    Active near water and in the woods. Don't skip it.

  • Rain Jacket

    Afternoon showers are common. A packable one is fine.

  • Water Bottle

    Hikes and the Adventure Center go through it quickly.

  • Fleece or Sweater

    Evenings on the deck and anything above 3,000 feet.

  • Sun Hat

    Long stretches at the pool or on the mountain add up.

  • Swimsuit

    Good for the pool, lakes, and any warm afternoon.

On the Mountain

A Few Useful Habits

Bring Water

Bring Water

Mountain air is dry. Bring more than you think you need, especially for hikes and bike days.

Check the Sky

Check the Sky

Forecasts help, but storms can still roll in quickly. Recheck before you head out.

Wear Layers

Wear Layers

Mornings, peaks, and shaded trails can feel cooler than town.

Do Tick Checks

Do Tick Checks

After hikes, fields, and tall grass, check ankles, knees, waistbands, armpits, and hairlines.

Plan Your Days

Things to Do

Resort days, hikes, bike rentals, paddles, spas, events, and a few good drives. Start with the resort if you want a big mountain day. Save the rest for when you want something slower, quieter, or a bit farther from town.

Killington Resort

Lift-Served Biking, Summer Tickets, and Events

Mountain Biking

Lift-served trails for all levels, from green flow trails to black diamond descents. Rentals are at the base lodge if you don't have your own bike. Helmets are required on all rides.

Mountain Biking

Bike Park TicketsMountain Biking
Adventure Center

Mountain coaster, zip line, sky ropes, gondola rides, climbing wall, trampoline, maze, and more. There is also a new playground for younger kids. Buy online ahead of time if you can.

Adventure Center

Adventure Center DetailsAdventure Center
Summer Events

Cooler in the Mountains concerts, the KPAA wine festival, and other resort events run through the summer. Check the full calendar before you plan around a specific date or night out.

Summer Events

Event CalendarSummer Events

Hit the Trails

Pick the Hike by Energy Level. Bring Water, Layers, Snacks, and a Charged Phone.

Thundering Brook Falls Trail

Easy · about 20 minutes Boardwalk start, waterfall overlook, and an easy turnaround. Good with kids or for a quick morning outside. Park near 2295 River Road, Killington.

Thundering Brook Falls Trail

Trail InfoThundering Brook Falls Trail
Deer Leap Overlook

Moderate · about 2 miles Popular up-and-back with a solid viewpoint at the top. Start near the Inn at Long Trail on Route 4. Sturdy shoes help on the rocky upper sections.

Deer Leap Overlook

Trail InfoDeer Leap Overlook
Pico to K-1 Peaks

Hard · full-day hike A serious mountain day for experienced hikers. Sort transport beforehand, check gondola hours for an easier descent, and head back down if it changes.

Pico to K-1 Peaks

Trail InfoPico to K-1 Peaks

Outdoor

Golf Near Killington

Read the Full Killington Golf Guide

Nearby courses, indoor options, and golf-trip planning

Read the Full Killington Golf Guide

Compare CoursesRead the Full Killington Golf Guide
Killington Golf Course

Compare Killington Golf Course, Green Mountain National, Rutland, Woodstock, and indoor options.

Killington Golf Course

Visit WebsiteKillington Golf Course
Green Mountain National Golf Course

Public course in Killington, right on the mountain. A fair test for all skill levels, with a pro shop, golf instruction, and Gracie's Grille on site.

Green Mountain National Golf Course

Visit WebsiteGreen Mountain National Golf Course
Stonehedge Indoor Golf (Rutland)

Full simulator bays in Rutland. Good for a rainy afternoon or an evening round when the outdoor courses have closed.

Stonehedge Indoor Golf (Rutland)

Visit WebsiteStonehedge Indoor Golf (Rutland)

Kayaking and Paddleboarding

Rentals for the Water

First Stop

Kayaks and SUPs

First Stop

Visit WebsiteFirst Stop
Blue Ridge Outfitters

Canoe and Kayak Rentals in Chittenden

Blue Ridge Outfitters

Visit WebsiteBlue Ridge Outfitters

Good Spots

Kent Pond, Lefferts Pond, Chittenden Reservoir, Echo Lake.

Before launching, clean, drain, and dry boats and gear to help keep Vermont lakes clear of invasive species.

Mountain Biking and Bike Rentals

Killington Has Plenty of Singletrack

Basin Sports

Bike Rentals on Killington Road

Basin Sports

Visit WebsiteBasin Sports
First Stop

Bike Rentals on Killington Road

First Stop

Visit WebsiteFirst Stop
Woodstock Wheels

E-bikes with pre-mapped routes in Woodstock

Woodstock Wheels

Visit WebsiteWoodstock Wheels
Vermont Mountain Bike Association

Trail maps and singletrack info for the region

Vermont Mountain Bike Association

Trail MapsVermont Mountain Bike Association
Pine Hill Park

Free trails in Rutland, good for all levels

Pine Hill Park

Trail InfoPine Hill Park
Come Alive Outside Gear Library

Low-cost gear loans in Rutland, including fishing poles, camp gear, chairs, games, yoga mats, and seasonal outdoor supplies.

Come Alive Outside Gear Library

Visit WebsiteCome Alive Outside Gear Library

Breweries and Distilleries

Local Spirits and Beer Worth the Stop

Killington Distillery

Spirits and Dinner in Town

Killington Distillery

Visit WebsiteKillington Distillery
Long Trail Brewery

About 15 Minutes Away on the River

Long Trail Brewery

Visit WebsiteLong Trail Brewery

Unwind After a Big Day

Wind Down After a Big Day

The Spa at The Woods

Full-Service Spa at The Woods Resort

The Spa at The Woods

Visit WebsiteThe Spa at The Woods
Killington Grand Spa

Spa Services at the Killington Grand Resort Hotel

Killington Grand Spa

Visit WebsiteKillington Grand Spa

Guided Tours

Let Someone Else Lead for a Day

Appalachian Trail Adventures

Sightseeing, Hiking, Kayaking

Appalachian Trail Adventures

Visit WebsiteAppalachian Trail Adventures
We Be Fishing

Guided Bass Fishing

We Be Fishing

Visit WebsiteWe Be Fishing

Events and Culture

Summer Events to Check

River Road Concert Series

Killington Library Lawn

River Road Concert Series

Visit WebsiteRiver Road Concert Series
Cooler in the Mountains

Saturday Concerts at Killington

Cooler in the Mountains

Visit WebsiteCooler in the Mountains
Pond Hill Ranch Rodeo

Saturday Nights in Castleton

Pond Hill Ranch Rodeo

Visit WebsitePond Hill Ranch Rodeo

Rainy Days and Culture

Rainy-Day Culture Stops

Worth the Drive Out

A Few Longer Loops

Woodstock and Quechee

About 2 hours driving A good first-time Vermont loop: Woodstock village, covered bridges, Billings Farm, Quechee Gorge, and lunch or dinner at Simon Pearce if you can get a reservation.

Woodstock and Quechee

Visit WebsiteWoodstock and Quechee
Lake Dunmore and Middlebury

Summer lake day Drive through Brandon Gap to Branbury State Park for a swim or picnic, then continue to walkable Middlebury for shops, Otter Creek views, and dinner.

Lake Dunmore and Middlebury

Visit WebsiteLake Dunmore and Middlebury
Route 100 Scenic Drive

Good wandering route Start with breakfast in Killington, then wander north through Pittsfield, Rochester, Hancock, and Texas Falls. Stop when something looks interesting.

Route 100 Scenic Drive

Visit WebsiteRoute 100 Scenic Drive
Manchester, VT

Outlet shopping and an easy downtown walk

Manchester, VT

Visit WebsiteManchester, VT

Swimming

Pools, lakes, swimming holes, and easy backup plans for hot afternoons. The town pool and state parks are the straightforward call for families. Save the rivers and swimming holes for a looser afternoon when you don't mind a bit of a wander.

Where to Swim

Pools, Lakes, and Swimming Holes

Killington Town Pool

2782 River Road (~5 min). Local pool that is often quiet. $4 adults, $2 children. Soccer fields, tennis courts, basketball, picnic area, and playground nearby.

Killington Town Pool

Visit WebsiteKillington Town Pool
Camp Plymouth State Park

~20 minutes away. Echo Lake beach with bathrooms, a playground, boat rentals, picnic areas, and trails. A strong kid-friendly pick.

Camp Plymouth State Park

Visit WebsiteCamp Plymouth State Park
Silver Lake State Park

~30 minutes away. Lake swimming, a playground, boat rentals, picnic areas, and trails. This is our pick.

Silver Lake State Park

Visit WebsiteSilver Lake State Park
Lake Dunmore / Branbury State Park

~55 minutes away. Sandy beach, clear lake water, grassy picnic areas, and a pretty drive through Brandon Gap.

Lake Dunmore / Branbury State Park

Visit WebsiteLake Dunmore / Branbury State Park
Dorset Marble Quarry

Dorset. Sign the waiver and get the QR code before you go.

Dorset Marble Quarry

Visit WebsiteDorset Marble Quarry
Buttermilk Falls

Ludlow. A reliable swimming-hole stop.

Buttermilk Falls

Visit WebsiteButtermilk Falls
Clarendon Gorge

Clarendon. AT swinging bridge and rocky pools. Scenic, but scout carefully with kids.

Clarendon Gorge

Visit WebsiteClarendon Gorge
Twenty Foot Hole

Reading. Three pools along the Black River.

Twenty Foot Hole

Visit WebsiteTwenty Foot Hole
Vermont River Tubing

Stockbridge, VT.

Vermont River Tubing

Visit WebsiteVermont River Tubing

Dining

Good food is close. Killington Road covers most nights, with breakfast spots, casual dinners, and a few places worth booking ahead. A couple of the better options are a short drive away. Summer hours shift around, so check before you go.

Start the Morning Right

Morning Spots

Sunup Bakery

Easy coffee, pastries, and breakfast sandwiches before a hike, bike day, or checkout.

Sunup Bakery

Visit WebsiteSunup Bakery
Back Country Café

Classic sit-down breakfast when the group wants eggs, pancakes, and a slower start.

Back Country Café

Visit WebsiteBack Country Café

A Slower Morning Out

Brunch Options

Choices

Good Killington brunch option when you want a real meal without driving off the mountain.

Choices

Visit WebsiteChoices
The Foundry

Pond-side setting on Killington Road. Good for a relaxed brunch with the group.

The Foundry

Visit WebsiteThe Foundry
The Mill at Simon Pearce

A scenic Quechee brunch to pair with Woodstock, Quechee Gorge, or a slower drive day.

The Mill at Simon Pearce

Visit WebsiteThe Mill at Simon Pearce

Make a Reservation

Worth a Reservation

Killington Distillery

Cocktails, spirits, and a more polished dinner without leaving Killington Road.

Killington Distillery

Visit WebsiteKillington Distillery
The Foundry

Reliable special-occasion dinner with a pond-side setting. Reserve for busy weekends.

The Foundry

Visit WebsiteThe Foundry
Choices

Comfortable sit-down dinner for groups that want broad menu options.

Choices

Visit WebsiteChoices

No Fuss, No Reservation

Easy Nights Out

The Lookout

A good default for groups: burgers, salads, drinks, and a lively Killington Road feel.

The Lookout

Visit WebsiteThe Lookout
Charity's

Classic Killington tavern for pub food, drinks, and an easy no-fuss dinner.

Charity's

Visit WebsiteCharity's
Casey's Caboose

Train-themed local standby that works well with kids and casual groups.

Casey's Caboose

Visit WebsiteCasey's Caboose
JAX Food & Games

Food, drinks, and games when the group needs an easy, flexible night out.

JAX Food & Games

Visit WebsiteJAX Food & Games

Change It Up Tonight

A Bit Further from the Usual

The Garlic

Cozy Italian dinner for pasta, wine, and a slower date-night feel.

The Garlic

Visit WebsiteThe Garlic
Sushi Yoshi

Hibachi and sushi, especially useful for families or bigger groups.

Sushi Yoshi

Visit WebsiteSushi Yoshi
Liquid Art

Coffeehouse and gallery energy by day, lighter fusion dinner by night.

Liquid Art

Visit WebsiteLiquid Art
Yama Ramen

Ramen and Japanese comfort food for a casual, warming meal.

Yama Ramen

Visit WebsiteYama Ramen

Grab and Go

Fast and Easy

Waterwheel Trading Post

Breakfast sandwiches, smash burgers, and rotating lunch specials. Often the cheapest lunch around.

Waterwheel Trading Post

Visit WebsiteWaterwheel Trading Post
iPie

Fast pizza close to the Access Road after biking, swimming, or a late arrival.

iPie

Visit WebsiteiPie
Mountain High Bowls

Acai bowls and a lighter breakfast or snack. Check Instagram for current hours.

Mountain High Bowls

Visit InstagramMountain High Bowls
Killington Market

Sandwiches and quick provisions when you are already grabbing groceries.

Killington Market

Visit WebsiteKillington Market

Snack Bars & Creemees

Seasonal hours can be quirky, so check before making a special drive.

Green Mountain Sugar House

Maple creemees and Vermont gifts on the Ludlow side.

Green Mountain Sugar House

Visit WebsiteGreen Mountain Sugar House
White Cottage Snack Bar

Classic counter-service stop near Woodstock for burgers, fries, and ice cream.

White Cottage Snack Bar

Visit WebsiteWhite Cottage Snack Bar
Mountain Creamery

Woodstock breakfast, lunch, and ice cream in one easy stop.

Mountain Creamery

Visit WebsiteMountain Creamery

Worth the Drive

A Bit Further, Worth It

Sugar and Spice

Maple-sugarhouse breakfast near Mendon. Best for pancakes, families, and a slower start toward Rutland.

Sugar and Spice

Visit WebsiteSugar and Spice
Worthy Kitchen

Casual Woodstock stop for burgers, comfort food, and craft beer after Billings Farm, Quechee, or village wandering.

Worthy Kitchen

Visit WebsiteWorthy Kitchen
Roots

Polished Rutland dinner with a local-food feel, especially useful when you are already in town.

Roots

Visit WebsiteRoots
Treviso Vermont

Rutland Italian for pasta, wine, and a calmer dinner than the Access Road scene.

Treviso Vermont

Visit WebsiteTreviso Vermont
Vermont Tap House

Easy Rutland group choice for brick-oven pizza, beer, and kids who need something simple.

Vermont Tap House

Visit WebsiteVermont Tap House
Mountain Top Inn

Make the drive for the setting: mountain views, a quieter meal, and a more resort-style feel.

Mountain Top Inn

Visit WebsiteMountain Top Inn
Clear River Tavern

Casual Pittsfield tavern for burgers, beer, and a scenic Route 100 drive north of Killington.

Clear River Tavern

Visit WebsiteClear River Tavern
The Wild Fern

Stockbridge cafe and arts/music stop with a local, off-the-beaten-path feel. Check hours and events first.

The Wild Fern

Visit WebsiteThe Wild Fern

After Dinner

Most summer nightlife is along Killington Road and the Access Road. Wobbly Barn and Pickle Barrel are winter staples but are not open in summer.

The Gondoughla

Casual drinks and a mellow summer stop near the mountain.

The Gondoughla

Visit WebsiteThe Gondoughla
Jax

Best when you want games, drinks, and an easy group hang.

Jax

Visit WebsiteJax
Liquid Art

Art-forward, lower-key evening option when the group wants something different.

Liquid Art

Visit WebsiteLiquid Art
The Lookout

Lively Killington Road choice for drinks, sports, and a casual crowd.

The Lookout

Visit WebsiteThe Lookout

Safe Ride and Getting Around

Plan the ride before the last drink. Uber and Lyft are limited here, and taxis can book up on busy weekends.

Tri State Transportation: (802) 855-3130

Good for pre-booked rides, airport trips, and groups.

Green Mountain High Taxi: (802) 345-7554

Killington Taxi: (802) 422-9718

Timberline Transportation: (802) 345-6917

The Bus: Rutland-Killington Commuter

Public route between Rutland, Mendon, Killington Road, and Snowshed. Check the schedule before relying on it for dinner or an activity.

Kids and Family

Killington works well with kids. There are playgrounds, calm lake beaches, farm museums, and enough to fill a few days without anyone melting down. Pair one bigger outing with something close and low-key. Naps, weather, and dinner timing have a way of deciding the afternoon anyway.

Good with Kids

Playgrounds, Camps, Museums, and Easy Outings

Killington Recreation Area

River Road, playground area

Killington Recreation Area

Killington Elementary School

End of Schoolhouse Road, large playground

Killington Elementary School

Killington Adventure Center

New playground near the resort activities. Good add-on for younger kids.

Killington Adventure Center

Visit WebsiteKillington Adventure Center
Killington Resort Daycare

Ages 12 weeks–12 years

Killington Resort Daycare

Visit WebsiteKillington Resort Daycare
Summer Camp Program

Ages 4–14 · Daily/weekly drop-off

Summer Camp Program

Visit WebsiteSummer Camp Program
Youth Bike Camp

At Killington Resort

Youth Bike Camp

Visit WebsiteYouth Bike Camp
Billings Farm

Working dairy farm

Billings Farm

Visit WebsiteBillings Farm
VINS Nature Center

Vermont birds and wildlife

VINS Nature Center

Visit WebsiteVINS Nature Center
The Montshire Museum of Science

Strong pick for kids. Indoor and outdoor activities. Bring bathing suits in summer.

The Montshire Museum of Science

Visit WebsiteThe Montshire Museum of Science
Wonderfeet Kids' Museum

Smaller, closer, and good for indoor time

Wonderfeet Kids' Museum

Visit WebsiteWonderfeet Kids' Museum
Killington Town Library

Kids section with books, games, and toys. Thursday night concerts for families in summer.

Killington Town Library

Visit WebsiteKillington Town Library
White's Pool

Rutland pool with family swim areas and a slide.

White's Pool

Visit WebsiteWhite's Pool
Pittsford Village Farm

Farm Flicks, Tuesday concerts, and family-friendly community events.

Pittsford Village Farm

Visit WebsitePittsford Village Farm
Mountain Top Inn Horseback Riding

Guided trail rides in Chittenden for horse-loving kids and adults.

Mountain Top Inn Horseback Riding

Visit WebsiteMountain Top Inn Horseback Riding
Mad Hatters Ice Cream

Killington Road

Mad Hatters Ice Cream

Visit WebsiteMad Hatters Ice Cream
The White Cottage Snack Bar

Woodstock. Good for ice cream and hanging out by the river. Bring towels.

The White Cottage Snack Bar

Visit WebsiteThe White Cottage Snack Bar

Essentials and Local Info

Groceries, supplies, local services, and the small things you'll likely need after check-in. Shop before you head up the mountain if you can. Killington Road has a few options for anything you forgot or run out of mid-stay.

Groceries

Stock Up Before You Head Up

Simple Sundries

Open 24/7 inside Mountain Green. Fresh-ground coffee, pharmacy basics, Vermont snacks, and the small things you realize you need late.

Simple Sundries

Get DirectionsSimple Sundries
Hannaford

Rutland (from NY). Stock up before you head up, mountain prices run higher.

Hannaford

Get DirectionsHannaford
Shaw's

West Lebanon, NH (from Boston). Good stop on the way in.

Shaw's

Get DirectionsShaw's
Killington Market

Only full supermarket in town.

Killington Market

Visit WebsiteKillington Market
Deli at Killington Corners

Small selection of basics.

Deli at Killington Corners

Mountain Market & Deli

Convenience store basics.

Mountain Market & Deli

Hannaford To Go

Pre-order pickup from Hannaford.

Hannaford To Go

Visit WebsiteHannaford To Go
Instacart

Availability varies by address.

Instacart

Visit WebsiteInstacart

Beer, Wine, and Liquor

What's Available and Where to Find It

Beer and Wine

Available at every grocery store and market.

Beer and Wine

Deli at Killington Corners

2088 U.S. Route 4. The only state liquor store in Killington.

Deli at Killington Corners

Hannaford in Rutland

Has liquor store inside.

Hannaford in Rutland

Get DirectionsHannaford in Rutland
Base Camp Outfitters

Usually has the best craft beer prices in town.

Base Camp Outfitters

Visit WebsiteBase Camp Outfitters

Catering and Private Chefs

Food Brought to You

The Soul Chef, Holly Pierce

Healthy meals with local ingredients. Good for small or large groups, easy to work with on dietary preferences.

The Soul Chef, Holly Pierce

Visit WebsiteThe Soul Chef, Holly Pierce
Mountain Merchant

Market, deli, and event food inquiries.

Mountain Merchant

Visit WebsiteMountain Merchant

Cannabis Dispensary

For Adult Guests (21+)

Killington Mountain Dispensary

Local cannabis dispensary for adult guests (21+).

Killington Mountain Dispensary

Visit WebsiteKillington Mountain Dispensary

Visitor Resources

Town Info and Local Community

Killington Welcome Center

Maps, guides, and current town info.

Killington Welcome Center

Visit WebsiteKillington Welcome Center
Killington Locals+ Facebook Group

Local community info.

Killington Locals+ Facebook Group

Visit GroupKillington Locals+ Facebook Group

Useful Contacts

Emergency

Police, fire, or EMS: 911

Medical

Rutland Regional Medical Center: (802) 775-7111
160 Allen St, Rutland. 24/7 emergency room.

Rutland Walk-In Urgent Care: (802) 747-1223

Local Help

Killington Police, non-emergency: (802) 773-9101

Poison Control: (800) 222-1222

Pharmacy & Other

Walgreens Rutland: (802) 773-6644

CVS Pharmacy: (802) 775-2937

AAA roadside: (800) 222-4357

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