If you’re looking for a break in a place with a small-town feel and a mountain environment that’s beautiful and refreshing no matter when you plan a visit, you’ll find what you desire in Killington. The town and surrounding area offer a variety of things to do and see on your trip full of the ultimate relaxation that will free you from all your worries and stresses. Pack your summer and fall with the many activities and experiences of Killington and the surrounding area for a trip that will keep you busy and having fun all throughout your stay. Make sure to ask about bringing along your furry family members so no one is left out of the fun!
Killington Wine Festival
If you’re in the area on July 16, make sure the Killington Wine Festival is a part of your itinerary. The festival includes a month-long celebration of wine. Select wine retailers will offer sale prices on wines from Farrell Distributors, with a portion of the proceeds going to the Killington Pico Area Association (KPAA). There will be wine tasting options at participating restaurants, as well as a fully comprehensive “Wine Trail” sponsored by Farrell and Baker Distributors. Golfers can join in the Wine & Nine golf tournament hosted at the Killington Golf Course on July 18. There’s also a planned silent auction of gifts and donations from participating members, and 350 gift bags from Killington Road wine retailers with purchase of a supporting wine. This year’s theme for the event is Vineyard, Vintners, & Vintage, and guests are encouraged to wear their best vintage outfit.
Rock Climbing
While hiking the many winding trails is fun and potentially easy for most of the members of your group, those looking for a thrill may want to strap in and go vertical. Rock climbing is one of the many Killington activities, and this town is one of the most areas in all of Vermont for this activity. There are private, guided experiences that take you through the mountains whether you’re a beginner or expert. If you take a guided experience, safety gear including climbing shoes, harness, ropes, helmet, and other technical equipment are often provided.
Hiking
Lace up your hiking shoes and head out to enjoy the breathtaking mountain scenery that surrounds you. Killington has several winding hiking trails that take you through its natural beauty to destinations like Killington Peak and more. There are hiking trails that start and loop around to the adventure center, and others for the more adventurous that will take you through the surrounding area and offer opportunities to spot wildlife in their natural habitat. Don’t forget a camera, as well as plenty of water and sun protection. For a wheelchair-accessible trail, try the 0.4-mile boardwalk of Thundering Falls Trail, which leads to the sixth-tallest waterfall in Vermont.
Golf
The golfers of the group will want to pack their clubs. Killington and the surrounding area have some great golf courses. There are two that are right in Killington, the Killington Golf Course and Green Mountain National Course, rated the best course near Killington. Choose from any one of the eight public, one municipal, or three private courses. Courses range from as short as nine holes and 1,107 yards (par 27) to as long as 18 holes and 6,765 yards (par 72). Make tee times in advance.
Kayaking
Snowshed Pond is a great place to get out on the water and enjoy a day on the water in the sun. Float or paddle along the pond and take in the stunning view of Killington Peak. Boats are single-rider, and you must be 14 or older to paddle.
Ben & Jerry’s
The ice cream company is headquartered in Waterbury, just an hour from Killington. The factory offers 30-minute guided tours where you can have a glimpse of the manufacturing process, as well as learn about the company’s history and enjoy free samples of many delicious flavors. Cherry Garcia, Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough, and more adventurous flavors like Berry Sweet Mascarpone and Pumpkin Cheesecake and others, as well as light ice cream, frozen yogurt, and dairy-free options are available for sample.
ATV Adventure
Take a scenic ride where your rental car can’t take you. Guided ATV and UTV experiences take you to areas of Killington and the surrounding area that aren’t accessible by mountain bike, hiking, or car. Bring your camera for capturing the breathtaking scenery and local wildlife in their natural habitat. Tours are available in one-hour and two-hour blocks seven days a week from ATV Vermont. The season lasts until the end of October.
The Spa at the Woods
For the ultimate day of rest and relaxation during your mountain vacation, make sure to add some time at The Spa of the Woods. Pamper yourself with a variety of treatments including massage, facial, manicure, pedicure, and whole-day packages. There are even treatments especially for men, as well as maternity massage and more. There’s a fitness center where you can swim in the lap pool, use the workout equipment, or relax in the hot tub.
Rockefeller National Park
If you have a national park bucket list, you can cross one off on your trip to Killington. Just 30 minutes from town is Rockefeller National Park. The breathtaking landscape is filled with sugar maples, ancient hemlocks, and more for an enchanted forest feel. There are hiking trails that wind along woodland carriage roads, and more. Benefit from the wealth of information provided by park rangers during a tour, which includes information about conservation and other efforts to protect the park and its natural glory. Seasonally special programs are offered and include information about locations associated with the Underground Railroad, abolition meetings, and the town’s free African American community. Hiking trails are open dawn to dusk year-round.
President Calvin Coolidge Historic Site
Take just a 30-minute drive from Killington and you can experience history. In nearby Plymouth, Vermont you can visit the birthplace and childhood home of 30th U.S. president Calvin Coolidge. The state historic site in Plymouth Notch is where Coolidge was born, raised, and took the presidential oath of office there on August 3, 1923, in the parlor of the home. You’ll want to plan for a morning or afternoon at the site, as it encompasses many acres. Points of interest include the homes of Coolidge’s family, their friends and relatives, as well as an 1840 church, 1890 school house and cheese factory, pre-1835 combination store/post office/dance hall, and agricultural structures. Enter the 1924 Summer White House and the nearby tourists’ cabins constructed in 1927 for those who came to explore the area around the president’s home. There’s a museum and education center where you can see the archives of the president’s private and public lives. Wander walking trails or spend time in the museum stores. If your stomach rumbles, there’s a restaurant serving breakfast and lunch daily, as well as a sheltered picnic area. Finish the trip with a somber visit to the hillside cemetery where Coolidge rests with seven generations of family.
Killington Brewfest
If you like craft beer made from local ingredients, you’ll love Killington Brewfest in the fall. Every September 30th, Killington kicks off the fall with this special event. You might find brews from Killington Beer Company, Long Trail Brewing Company, Foley Brothers Brewing, and River Roost Brewing, all breweries located in or near Killington. There’s also VIP and general tasting sessions on September 28. Designated drivers are available for $10.
Bike Park
For visitors who get their adrenaline rush on two wheels, there’s the Killington Bike Park. In its 30th season, the park is considered New England’s fasted-growing downhill mountain bike park. It features three high-speed lifts that serve over 30 miles of trails rated beginner to expert, and New England to Gravity Logic’s signature flow trails. The park is divided into three unique areas. Beginner and intermediate riders will want to negotiate Snowshed, an area with plenty of trails designed for them to build confidence. Intermediate and advanced riders should check out Ramshead, full of signature freeride trails with terrain designed for “graduates” of Snowshed. Those at the head of the pack will negotiate Killington Peak, which features trails with plenty of rock, roots, and other obstacles. Hours vary depending on the season, which starts May 29 and ends October 31. Make sure you follow equipment guidelines and be aware the park may be closed for construction or special events.
Adventure Center
Enjoy thrills and adventure without leaving Killington. The adventure center has many activities to keep you busy and your adrenaline up. Negotiate your way through “Woodward Wrecktangle,” a course with ten unique, challenging obstacles, you’ll enjoy challenging your friends and family to see who can complete it in the shortest time. Hop on the Beast Mountain Coaster, a thrilling 4,800-foot-long alpine coaster track that twists and turns and banks through the woods of Killington and even includes some 360-degree corkscrews!
If flying high is how you get your thrills, check out the dual zip lines spanning across Snowshed Slope and Snowshed Pond, or ride The Soaring Eagle – a 600-foot-long, 100-foot-high ride that glides along at 30-miles-per-hour. The ride seats two for a breathtaking view. Strap in and try your hand at the Skye Ropes Course. It takes you as high as four stories into the air as you negotiate 42 separate obstacles, or strap in a little lower to the ground at the Trampoline Jump. The trampoline and bungee system give you the airtime you crave while staying closer to the ground. Bounce sessions are five minutes each, and the harness fits riders 30-240 pounds safely. Park hours vary depending on the season, which runs July 1 to October 11. There are day and single-attraction tickets as well as season passes.
Wellness Walking Path & Mountain Gym
Get some exercise that includes a hike as well as an outdoor gym. Start from the adventure center around Snowshed Pond for a 0.7-mile, moderately easy hiking loop most can negotiate. While the distance may be short, you’ll want to stop and try the outdoor mountain gym, which includes ten wooden features stationed between the Killington Grand Hotel and Snowshed Base Lodge. The gondola operates from July 1 to October 11 with a spectator-only (no hiking or biking of your own) period of September 10-12 for the Spartan Race.
Scenic Gondola Ride
Head up the 1.25-mile track on the K-1 Express Gondola. It takes you to the top of the 4,241-foot-tall Killington Peak, which is Vermont’s second tallest and highest lift-serviced peak. Enjoy breathtaking views and access to 15 miles of designated hiking trails, as well as the Appalachian and Long Trails. Stop in for some local eats at Peak Lodge before heading back down. The gondola operates from July 1 to October 11, with a ban on hiking and biking during the Spartan Race September 10-12.
Unforgettable Summer and Fall in Killington
When you stay in a vacation home provided by GetAway Vacations, you’ll have easy access to many Killington activities along with amazing shops, dining, and other attractions throughout the summer and fall. From single-family homes to condos and townhomes, you’ll find something that fits the vacation style and needs of your group. Prepare a delicious home-cooked meal in your rental’s fully equipped kitchen, then relax in an open living area, private bedroom, or private outdoor space. We also have rentals that bring you close to the mountains and welcome your pet for some R&R too. Pamper yourself with a premium unit for perks like stainless steel appliances, flat screen TVs, a private hot tub, game area, and more. We honor the health and safety of our guests and provide professional cleaning staff who wear masks and gloves while they clean, disinfect, and sanitize each rental property between guests so you can relax and be at ease knowing everything is safe and clean for your arrival and throughout your stay.
Contact us today to plan your getaway and breathe the fresh mountain air of Vermont while you make unforgettable memories this summer or fall!
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Enjoy the cooler temperatures before the snow arrives in Killington with a fall vacation getaway. fall in Killington The fall season tends to be a bit quieter than the summer and winter months, but do not let that make you think it’s a bad time to visit. This later season in the year is one of our favorites thanks to some exciting activities that are best enjoyed at this time. Here are our favorite ways to spend the fall in Killington:
Play Your Perfect Game
The crowds and warmer temperatures of summer will be long gone during the fall, so hit up the local golf courses for your best game. Nearby courses such as the Killington Golf Course are best enjoyed during the cooler temperatures of the fall. There are several changes in elevation around Killington, so be prepared for some vertical play at Killington golf courses.
Find the Thundering Falls
Grab a light jacket and enjoy the incredible hiking trails surrounding Killington. One of our favorite hikes is the trail to the Thundering Falls, a local cascading river found nearby. There are three paths that will lead you to your destination with each path being easy enough for inexperienced hikers to enjoy. Your kids will have a blast too, so make sure to bring a camera and document your family’s travels!
Take a Ride on the Gondola
The gondola at the Killington K-1 Base not only operates in the winter for skiing but also for scenic rides during the summer and fall in Killington. Book a ride to the second highest peak in Vermont for unbelievable views. The gondola rides are typically available until mid-October each year for visitors to enjoy.
Find Excitement at the Adventure Center
Find all the thrills you could ever want by spending a day at Adventure Center in Killington. This local activity center features incredible fun for all ages to enjoy. Attractions at the Adventure Center include an outdoor roller coaster, zip line racecourse, a sky rope course, bungie jumping tower, and much more. You can easily spend a day or more at the Adventure Center this fall season.
Your Fall GetAway to Killington
Come see for yourself why the fall season is one of our favorite times of the year to experience Killington. Our vacation rentals will keep you comfortable throughout your stay and close to all of these exhilarating attractions. Let us host your next Killington adventure getaway this fall!
Many people talk about all of the fun things to do and see in Killington during the summer and winter months, but what about autumn—the gorgeous season in between? Killington has so much to offer for visitors year-round, and the fall season is no exception. Below, we’ve put together a list of just a handful of the reasons why we love fall and some of the best things to do near Killington VT this season!
Beautiful Fall Foliage
During autumn, the lush greenery of summer becomes kissed by fire, with golden yellows and vibrant reds and oranges dominating the landscape. The season for changing leaves begins in mid-September and lasts through early to mid-October, with transitions beginning in northern Vermont and running south. Higher elevations, such as Killington, are among the first to change colors. Visitors tend to flock to Killington during the foliage season, so plan ahead and book your stay early to see peak foliage!
Killington IDF World Cup
On September 8th through 10th, the International Downhill Federation World Cup Tour makes another appearance in Killington, bringing talented skateboarders from all over the world to our town in the final event of the series. During the first two days of the event, visitors can ride for free, though the last day of the event is for IDF racers only, as the final race takes place. Spectators can watch for free as the racers speed down at over sixty-five miles per hour.
Spartan Race
Killington has hosted three world championship events for the Spartan Race series, being the place where the Spartan Race first began. Tackle one of the world’s most intense obstacle courses on September 16th and 17th, with over twelve miles of mud running, twenty-one miles of obstacles, and even half-mile and one-mile Spartan Kids races.
Killington Brewfest
The craft beer craze is no passing trend, and Killington has fully embraced high-quality brews for all to enjoy since as early as 1995. Sample delicious food and some of the best locally-brewed beer around, with over one hundred breweries participating in the Killington Brewfest. Live music is also played during the festival, with that fall foliage we mentioned before serving as a picturesque backdrop for the festivities. The brewfest kicks off with a golf tournament on September 29th, then culminates in tasting sessions on September 30th.
Killington Witchcraft
Killington kicks off the spookiest season of the year with a fun-filled weeklong festival in early October where visitors can enjoy craft beer, pumpkin launching, hay rides, and a haunted house. The festivities begin on October 6th with the opening of the haunted house and the haunted hike at 5:00pm, with live music at 6:00pm. From October 6th until October 15th, there are daily activities beginning at 10:00am and lasting until 9:00pm, including apple launching, pumpkin painting, bounce houses, trick-or-treating, costume competitions, face painting, and more.
Let the Vacation Experts at GetAway Vacations Help You Plan Your Stay!
Contact our reservations team to learn more about the activities and attractions that are waiting for you in Killington not only during the fall but all year long when you book your accommodations in one of our lovely vacation rentals today!