If you’re looking for a place in Vermont that’s focused almost entirely on outdoor fun and adventure, Killington is likely perfect for you. Packed with outdoor activities in every season, you’ll find everything here from skiing and snow tubing in the winter, to summer hikes, fall foliage, ziplining, and more.
While it’s known for having the largest ski resort in New England, there are so many fun things to do in Killington, VT beyond the slopes. I’ve visited the area in all four seasons, and can confidently say you’ll never be short on outdoor activities to enjoy.
This post is all about my favorite things to do in Killington and nearby to help you craft the perfect itinerary for your getaway. Let’s get started!
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Best Things To Do In Killington, VT: Summer & Fall
1. The K-1 Gondola
This is one activity that I think is a must-do, especially if you don’t plan to hike to any overlooks. The scenic gondola rides are open to everyone, including non-skiers (even in the winter), so it’s a very easy and fun way to take in the views at the highest peak in Killington – aptly named Killington Peak.
The rides up the mountain in the gondola only take about 8 minutes, and once you arrive, you’ll enjoy panoramic views of the region at the top, including stunning mountain vista views. Peak Lodge at the top of the mountain is also usually open when the scenic gondola rides are running, and this is where you can order food and drinks if you want to linger a bit longer.
To reach the official summit of Killington Peak, it’s just a short additional hike (mostly just a walk), which is worth the minimal effort because it’s a better photo spot. However, if you don’t want to take the short hike, the views from the lodge (which is the photo above) are also amazing.
There’s also the short boardwalk trail that you can find by walking under the gondolas when you arrive, and then taking a left – it’s easy to spot. The boardwalk connects to the Catwalk slope, so it doesn’t really end anywhere exciting if you’re not looking to ski, but the views along the boardwalk are really pretty.
You also have the option of getting a one-way ticket, if you wanted to hike up, and take the gondola down.
2. Killington Adventure Center
When the mountains aren’t covered in snow, the Adventure Center is where it’s at in Killington. Located at Snowshed Base Lodge, it’s home to quite a few activities for spring, summer, and fall fun.
Some of the more popular activities are ziplining, the Beast Coaster, the Soaring Eagle, and mountain biking. A few of the lifts run in the warmer seasons for mountain bikers.
I’ve done the Beast Coaster in the winter and it’s a lot of fun! You can control how fast or slow your car moves, and while it goes by fast, it’s a fun little ride through the forest.
The Soaring Eagle is a great option if you’re looking for something exciting, but not up for committing to ziplining. It’s kind of like an easy seated zipline that soars down just one line – much like a swing. It’s quick and easy, too.
There are other activities, too, including a ropes course and such. If you’re visiting with kids who are ready to take on some of the activities, there’s a little bar area on the pond where you can sit and have a drink while they do all their activities.
3. Walk Snowshed Pond
If you’re traveling to Killington with a group that wants to be super adventurous, but you’re … not 😂 – no worries! At the Adventure Center, there’s a super easy .7 mile trail you can walk around at Snowshed pond. It starts in the same area as all the activities, and is just a simple walk around the pond. It’s actually quite lovely if you’re looking for something to do that doesn’t require any effort.
I usually start on the Killington Grand Hotel side. Just park in the Adventure Center main lot, walk toward the resort, and follow the pond. You’ll eventually see a path through a small field that follows the lake, and takes you through the woods, over wooden bridges, and ends at the Adventure Center.
It doesn’t take long, but it’s honestly a really sweet little trail. I do it every time I visit.
4. Hiking
Killington is home to a variety of hiking trails, and most of them are in the moderate to challenging range. You’ll have everything here from hiking parts of the Appalacian Trail, including the Long Trail, to easier options that don’t take up your whole day.
One of my favorites for a quick hike is Deer Leap. This one begins at the Inn at Long Trail, and takes you to a scenic mountain overlook. It’s an out-and-back trail through that woods that’s just over 2 miles round trip, and only has about 500 feet of elevation gain. It’s often rated as moderate just because the terrain is very rocky and uneven. The uphill climb is generally pretty gradual, and there are even some parts that are flat, or go downhill, before you reach the overlook.
Parking For Deer Leap: There’s a small parking area to the right of the inn (when facing the inn) just off Route 4. It only holds a few cars, though, and the rest of the inn’s lot is reserved for overnight guests. I’ve read a few reviews online that say if the inn isn’t busy (like on a weekday), you can go in and ask if you can park in their guest lot to do the Deer Leap trail, and they may allow it, but I can’t personally attest to that. The overflow lot is located across the street, and honestly, it’s really dangerous to cross it because there’s a blind hill where cars fly by at 50MPH. Please use extra caution if you have to park there. The trailhead starts at the small parking area at the inn, and is very obvious.
Some other great hikes in Killington are:
→ Killington Peak
→ Canty Trail/Blue Ridge Mountain
→ Pico Peak via Sherburne Pass
5. Killington Distillery
When you need a break from adventuring, Killington Distillery is waiting for you!
Located just minutes from the Adventure Center at the Mountain Inn, they’ve been making their own spirits since 2020. When you visit, you have the option of ordering a cocktail, or doing a tasting flight to sample more of their offerings. They also have a nice outdoor seating area, and serve really yummy food, making it a great spot for dinner.
Pro Tip: The distillery is usually only open certain days of the week, so you’ll want to plan accordingly.
6. Gifford Woods State Park & Kent Pond
Just 10 minutes from the ski resort area is Gifford Woods State Park. If you’re looking for easier nature trails and ways to spend outside without tackling a challenging hike, this is where I’d recommend you go.
Gifford Woods spans about 285 acres, and sits adjacent to Kent Pond, which is why I grouped them together. Home to a few easy scenic walks, you’ll have a few options for how to spend your time here.
I usually recommend the South Kent Pond walk, via the Appalachian Trail. It’s about 1.3 miles out and back, and pretty flat, making this an easy and relaxing trail. It goes through the woods, over a wooden bridge, and even passes by a small waterfall before getting to the beautiful Kent Pond.
Kent Pond itself is mostly used for kayaking, and you can rent kayaks at Appalachian Trail Adventures, which also offers an option to have your kayak rentals delivered to Kent Pond for you.
7. Green Briar Gift Shop
I passed by this gift shop so many times while exploring Killington, and finally decided to go in on my most recent trip to the area. And oh my gosh, it’s such a great shop!
First, it’s huge. There are multiple floors, and the shop seems to go on forever. It’s so beautifully curated, selling a lot of New England-themed housewares, but also lots of great gifts and such.
One thing I’d recommend keeping an eye out for when you shop here is the artwork on the walls. They have a lot of really great artwork here that I thought was reasonably priced, compared to places like antique shops and such. But plan to spend about 30 minutes here just making your way through the shop, taking time to look at everything.
8. Mendon Mountain Orchards
Technically located in the neighboring town of Mendon, this is a great place to visit in the fall season when their orchards are open for apple picking. It’s one of the very few places in the Killington area that actually offers apple picking.
However, they have a quaint country store that’s open year-round. Inside, they have a small selection of baked goods (I like their apple turnovers), local maple syrups, and more Vermont staples. You’ll also find some apparel and souvenirs. It’s a very small shop, so I wouldn’t necessarily make a special trip out here unless you want to go apple picking, but it’s definitely worth a stop if you’re passing by.
9. Thundering Brook Falls
One of the more popular things to do in Killington, VT is Thundering Brook Falls. This is actually a pretty cool waterfall that’s about 140 feet tall, and only requires a short walk over a boardwalk to get there.
Because of the boardwalk, the trail to the waterfall is pretty accessible for most people, too, making this a really nice inclusive activity for folks of all skill levels. The boardwalk goes over the Ottauquechee River, and ends just before getting to the waterfall.
The entire trail is about .5 miles out and back, so it really doesn’t take a lot of time. It’s also prettiest after a rainfall, or in the spring when all the snow is melting. The photos I took here were taken in the early spring.
10. Visit A Local Spa
If your body is sore from hiking or skiing, or you’re just looking for a bit of pampering during your trip, I’d recommend making a spa appointment.
There are two spas in Killington you can choose between:
→ Spa at the Woods
→ Spa at the Killington Grand Resort
It’s worth noting that neither of these spas are super luxurious or high-end. I would say they’re more in the moderate category: they’ll get the job done, and have some basic facilities, while offering a wide-range of services. However, you won’t get that 5-star feel here.
That said, it’s still a great option to rest and recover from being active on your trip!
11. Depalo Coffee
Also located in nearby Mendon, but only minutes from Killington is Depalo Coffee. This is where you want to go if you’re a serious coffee drinker. This husband and wife-owned coffee roastery also serves drinks, including lattes and such. They’re both very knowledgeable about coffee beans, and source theirs from Nicaragua before roasting in-house.
They’ll be able to make excellent suggestions for you based on your coffee preferences, so if you’re a coffee enthusiast, this is a place you’ll want to make time for. It’s a great little hidden gem in the area.
Summer & Fall Activities Near Killington
Just a short drive away, here are some places near Killington that are worth checking out, including places to go swimming in the summer, and fun day trip options.
12. Camp Plymouth State Park For Lake Swimming
There aren’t any good options for swimming right in Killington, but there are some awesome options a short drive away!
30 minutes from Killington is Camp Plymouth State Park, which has a nice sandy beach on a lake, and also offers picnic tables and boat rentals. The downside here is that there is some road noise, but overall, I find it to be pretty relaxing nonetheless.
They also have modern bathrooms with changing rooms, and a snack shack for food.
13. Green Mountain Sugar House
About 5 minutes from Camp Plymouth Park is the Green Mountain Sugar House. This cute little Vermont gift shop sits overlooking a serene pond with Adirondack chairs, where you can enjoy a maple creemee from inside the Sugar House.
In addition to creemees, they have have a candy section, Vermont and other local gifts like maple syrups, and souvenirs. It’s a great little gem that’s absolutely worth stopping for.
14. Buttermilk Falls For Swimming Holes
A bit further away in Ludlow is Buttermilk Falls, which offers a few swimming holes that are perfect for cooling off in the summer. It’s about a 40-minute drive from Killington, but one of the more fun and unique spots in the state for swimming.
The falls have different levels you can access, and require a short hike to get to each of them. But the swimming is really refreshing (read: cold, but perfect on a hot day) and the waterfalls themselves are really pretty.
15. Woodstock
One of the best day trips from Killington is Woodstock, which is only about 30 minutes away. Woodstock is known as Vermont’s prettiest town, and most of the locals will even agree with you on that.
Woodstock’s village is home to some really great shops, covered bridges, and the now-famous Farmhouse Pottery. You can also visit Billings Farm while there, as well as take a drive out to Sugarbush Farms for mountain views while sampling maple syrups and cheeses.
Psst! I have an entire post on things to do in Woodstock, VT, if you need more ideas 😉
16. Coolidge Historic Site
In Plymouth, the Coolidge Historic Site is a great spot if you’re into history. This preserved tiny village and birthplace/childhood home of the 30th U.S. president, Calvin Coolidge, is where you can also step inside the family parlor where he was sworn into office by his father in 1923.
You’ll find multiple historic buildings here in a bucolic setting near Plymouth Notch, including Coolidge Homestead, a church, a one-room schoolhouse, historic barns, general store, working cheese factory, and museum.
The grounds are free to walk around, but an admission fee applies to visit the inside of the buildings and museum.
17. Plymouth Cheese
Right next to the Coolidge Historic Site is the Plymouth Cheese Co. shop, which is housed inside a historic white house that’s especially beautiful in the fall season.
Here, you can sample and buy their cheeses, including America’s oldest cheddar, which is made from the original 1890 Vermont recipe.
Be sure to walk across the street to visit their sheep, too!
18. Quechee
Quechee is a great little town that sits just east of Woodstock, and you can easily do both in a day trip from Killington.
While it doesn’t have a cute walkable downtown area like Woodstock does, it’s home to some wonderful places to check out, including the Quechee Gorge Village Shops (which also has a large antiques shop), Quechee Gorge, the VINS science center and treetop nature walk, the Simon Pearce flagship store, and a covered bridge.
It’s all a bit more spread out, so you’ll definitely be driving around from place to place. That said, I really think Quechee is such a great little gem that’s worth tacking onto your day trip to Woodstock.
19. Stowe
Last for day trips from Killington is Stowe, which is one of the most famous towns in Vermont. Home to Stowe Ski Resort, it’s a fantastic destination year-round, too.
Stowe has beautiful mountain scenery, a small Main Street with great country stores, shops, and eateries, and also has Mount Mansfield, the highest peak in Vermont. You can take the Stowe SkyRide Gondola to the top, or hike, visit waterfalls, and see covered bridges. It’s got a great variety of things to do.
Psst! I have an entire post on things to do in Stowe, VT, if you need more ideas 😉
Best Things To Do In Killington, VT: Winter
20. Skiing
I mean, it’s not called the Beast of the East for nothing, so let’s just get this one knocked out right off the bat 😂
Killington is the largest ski resort on the East Coast, so of course, skiing is one of the best things to do in the winter season. The ski season here generally runs from early to mid November, and goes through end of May, sometimes even into early June. It’s home to both Killington and Pico ski resorts, so there are honestly so many options for runs and terrain.
Killington is known for having more diverse beginner and moderate trails, whereas Pico is where to go if you want to skip beginner and go straight for intermediate to advanced. But, this is just a more general way to distinguish between the two. Both have a wide variety of trails to pick from, so it’s hard to go wrong.
21. Snow Tubing
If you’re looking for something besides skiing, Killington Resort has a great snow tubing park. They offer both day time and night tubing, and their tubing area has a lift so you’re not walking back uphill each time with your tube, which makes it a lot more enjoyable.
Tubing at Killington is offered in one-hour sessions, so you can get plenty of runs in when visiting.
22. More Snow Activities: Snowshoeing, Snowmobiling & More
Since Killington is basically a winter playground, there’s no shortage of outdoor winter activities.
Plenty of places rent out snowshoes in town, so it’s very easy to hit the trails when visiting. Gifford State Park is a nice spot for snowshoeing in the winter, and also has those lovely views of Kent Pond.
You can also book a snowmobiling tour that goes from Killington heading south to Okemo, which makes for the ultimate snow day adventure. If you’ve ever wanted to try snowmobiling through beautiful Vermont scenery, this is a great option.
Some of the Adventure Center activities are also open in the winter, including the Beast Coaster, and winter fat biking down the mountain.
23. Scenic K-1 Gondola Winter Rides To Peak Lodge
I know I mentioned the gondola already for spring, summer, and fall visits but they also allow visitors to ride the gondola just for sightseeing in the winter, despite the fact that it’s used primarily for skiers.
The scenic gondola rides in the winter are best on clear, sunny days so you get an awesome view at the top. And while up at the Killington Peak summit, you can head inside Peak Lodge to warm up with drinks and food to make the most of your experience.
24. Ski To Ledgewood Yurt
Last on my list for winter activities, I recommend checking out the Ledgewood Yurt experience. Tucked away on the mountain, this yurt offers a unique dining experience surrounded by winter scenery, and can only be accessed from the trails on the mountain.
Inside the yurt, you’ll enjoy a memorable lunch with lots of different drink and cocktail options (including bottles of wine), and a large food menu to choose from.
The yurt holds about 30 people, and is designed to be communal style. Reservations are necessary.
Killington, VT In The Spring – What To Expect
Having been to Killington in the spring, I can say it’s probably the worst time to visit, but it’s not horrible. This is true for most of New England. The weather this time of the year is just more unpredictable, especially being up in the mountains, and winter lingers just a bit longer up this way. I mean, ski season runs through May, so that alone tells you something!
That said, this very much depends on when in the spring you visit, as April is pretty different from June. Spring is also mud season in Vermont, and throughout most of New England – the time of year when all the snow melts, and there’s more rain, creating lots of mud everywhere. This can make hiking trails especially difficult to navigate.
But, things really start to feel nice again in mid-May, so visiting after then can be really pleasant. However, for Killington, unless you’re planning a spring ski trip, I would say the best time to visit in the spring is June for the best chance at nice weather.
Where To Stay In Killington
Staying along Mountain Road near the ski resorts and restaurants is really the best way to go. And honestly, this is where most of the hotels are anyway. Here are my picks for best hotels in the area.
Killington Grand Hotel: Top Pick
The best hotel in town, for sure. It’s also located right by the ski resort, and it’s a great ski-in, ski-out hotel. But, keep in mind that it does require a short walk over a bridge to get to the lifts. Even for warm-weather stays, you’ll be steps from the Adventure Center, and 5 minutes or less from quite a few restaurants in town.
→ Click here to check rates & availability for the Killington Grand Hotel
The Mountain Inn
A great mid-level hotel choice, and it’s actually just under a half mile from the Grand Hotel. It’s very close to the mountains and lifts, and is home to the Killington Distillery – so you’ll always know you have some great drinks and food to come back to during your stay.
→ Click here to check rates & availability at The Mountain Inn
Après Inn
A great budget-friendly motel that’s also a 5-minute drive to the mountains and lifts, and very close to restaurants in town. The motel was recently renovated, and while simple, is very clean with modern updates (including smart TVs).
→ Click here to check rates & availability at the Après Inn
Where To Eat In Killington
Liquid Art For Coffee & Breakfast
This is my favorite place for coffee in Killington. They have a full espresso bar, great breakfast foods, and a cool vibe. You can either do a sit-down meal inside, or go to their takeout window outside.
Sunup Bakery For Pastries & Treats
I love Sunup bakery! Everything I’ve ever gotten here has been excellent, including muffins, scones, cookies, etc. They also have espresso-based drinks and regular drip coffee, so you can really stop here for for a full take-out breakfast.
Lookout Tavern
I think this place has some of the best food in town, and a great view of the mountains from their upper deck. It’s largely pub food, but it’s all done very well, and I’m never disappointed when I come here.
Garlic
The best spot for Italian food in Killington. The food here is very good, and they also have outdoor seating when the weather is nice.
Killington Distillery
I know I mentioned them already, but the distillery serves really great food, so it’s a fun spot for dinner.
Visiting Killington: Answering Your Questions
Is Killington Worth Visiting?
It definitely is, with one caveat: If you’re not an outdoorsy person, or looking for outdoor activities, you probably won’t think Killington is worth visiting. It’s really a destination entirely centered around outdoor adventures, so if that’s not you, you could be disappointed.
There’s not really a lot to do unless you’re into hiking, mountain biking, skiing, etc. Even in the winter, while there’s snow tubing and such, the culture in town is very much centered around skiing and hitting the slopes in the winter.
Is Killington Walkable?
Not really – you’ll need a car to get around. There are some places that are ski-in/ski-out in the winter season, but to get to the restaurants, you’ll need a car. If you’re visiting in the warmer months, you’ll need a car to get to the hiking trails, too.
Does Killington, VT Have A Downtown With Shops?
Technically yes, but mostly – not really 😂 Killington Road is the main road that runs through the upper village where the mountain resorts are, plus most of the hotels and restaurants. However, it’s not the quaint and walkable downtown area that you’re probably picturing. Everything is more or less spread out, and the vast majority of the shops are all gear-related (like ski gear, etc), so general shopping is not that exciting. Everything else is either a hotel or food, so think restaurants, bakeries, ice cream, etc.
What Is The Best Time Of Year To Visit Killington?
Summer, fall, and winter are the best seasons to visit Killington, and it really just depends on what you’re looking to get out of your trip.
Summer and fall provide the best months for hiking and sightseeing. And the fall foliage is stunning in this area, typically peaking around the second week of October or so. Winter is, of course, best for skiing and activities involving snow. Winter is also the most crowded and expensive time to visit Killington, so you’ll want to keep that in mind.
That’s A Wrap On The Best Things To Do In Killington, VT
And there you have it – all my tips and suggestions on the best things to do in Killington, VT. Hopefully you’re now feeling ready to make the most of your time in the area, and have been able to craft the perfect itinerary by picking your favorites from this list. Whether you’re planning a ski vacation, are visiting in the summer to go hiking, or are coming to admire the foliage, you’ll have a great trip. Happy planning!
