Looking for the top spots to hit while you’re staying in Killington? We’ve made it easy for you and selected a few outdoor spots as well as a couple of indoor spots for you to try while you’re here. Below are our five favorite Vermont tourist hotspots in Killington!
The Pickle Barrel
The Pickle Barrel started out as a 1960s rustic dance hall and has become Killington’s largest entertainment venue. This historic building has been ranked one of the Top Five Favorite Bars in North America by Snow Country Magazine. Past entertainers to stomp on the Pickle stage include the Barenaked Ladies, the Gin Blossoms, Phish, Blues Traveler, Snoop Dog, and Bret Michaels. If you love to dance, or just like to watch, this is the place. The music never stops, with live bands playing a wide variety of music and the DJ spinning hot tunes. Enjoy craft brews, pizza, wings, and more as you dance and party all night! Don’t worry about driving; The Pickle Barrel has a designated driver service.
The Pickle Barrel
1741 Killington Road, Killington VT
802-422-3035
Gifford Woods State Park
Gifford Woods State Park’s location, close to the Appalachian and Long Trails and nestled at the base of Killington Peak and Pico Peak, makes it a hiker’s dream and one of the best Vermont tourist places to visit. You can access the Appalachian Trail from the park, or hike the Kent Brook Trail, a short loop trail through the hardwood forest. The park is one of the few old-growth hardwood forests left in the state, in its protected Gifford Woods Natural Area. In the spring, wildflowers explode throughout the trees, and when the weather turns cooler, it becomes a popular viewing spot for the gorgeous fall color.
Gifford Woods State Park
34 Gifford Woods Road, Killington VT
802-775-5354
Quechee State Park
During warm summer days, a hike down into the gorge at Quechee State Park to the river for a cool swim is just the ticket. Take the trail leading down into the gorge or hike in the opposite direction, up the mountain a bit, where the trail offers views of the bridge, a waterfall, and Dewey’s Mill Pond. Either way, the view of the Quechee Gorge is breathtaking. After the hike, you can fish for trout in the Ottauquechee River, play horseshoes or volleyball, or stay for one of the park’s nature programs.
Quechee State Park
5800 Woodstock Road, Hartford VT
802-295-2990
Thundering Falls
The hike to Thundering Falls is one of many scenic hikes along the Appalachian Trail in the Killington section. A multi-use, out-and-back trail, it’s less than half a mile long and is used year-round by bird watchers as well as hikers, bikers, and joggers. The trail is the first and only fully accessible part of the Appalachian Trail, making it a great choice for older hikers, families with small kids and dogs, as well as anyone who may be mobility challenged. Along the hike, you’ll enjoy the lovely views of the surrounding mountains and green valley before you hit the peak. And the falls are spectacular with 140 feet of water cascading over the rocks.
Thundering Brook Falls Trail
2295 River Rd., Killington VT
Killington Resort
The Killington Resort is so big and has so much to offer, it deserves more than just the top spot! Besides the usual outdoor mountain activities in Killington like hiking, snowboarding, and skiing, there are restaurants, bars, spas, and more. Killington Peak Loop Trail is just one of the many trails on the mountain. Part of the Long and Appalachian Trails, this moderate loop trail is used for hiking, walking, trail running, birding, and wildlife viewing. Once you reach the top of the mountain, high above the tree line, the views are stunning, with amazing panoramic views of the Green Mountains and the Adirondack Mountains. Killington Bike Park has been a mountain bike riding staple in the area for over 30 seasons now. This downhill bike park features several high-speed lifts and over 30 miles of trails of varying degrees of difficulty. The Resort’s golf course uses its rocky terrain, woodlands, seasonal water hazards, and that amazing view of the surrounding Green Mountains to provide a great golfing experience. There’s a 12,000-square-foot putting green and a full practice bunker, too.
Snowshed Adventure Center offers something for everyone. Hiking trails, wellness walking paths, and a mountain gym are free to enjoy, while you’ll need a ticket for the chairlift, bocce ball, Skye Rope Course & Amaze’n Maze, the zipline, Beast Mountain Coaster, Trampoline Jump, and the Woodward Wrecktangle. There’s a children’s playground and daycare too! Take the Express Gondola to the summit of Killington Mountain for amazing views of the surrounding area and those lovely Green Mountains. The view from Killington Peak is amazing, especially when the leaves are turning.
The Resort has a food court and several dining establishments too. Two of our favorites are The Wobbly Barn Steakhouse and Nightclub and The Ledgewood Yurt. The Wobbly Barn is a steakhouse and nightclub in a barn built from pieces of barns from all over New England, and it has been on USA Today’s top five for après ski bars. The Ledgewood Yurt is tucked up high on the mountain, nestled in the forest. You can ski in and out or take a snowshoe tour. This cool restaurant is not accessible by car, but if you make a reservation for their 5-course dinner (on weekends), you’ll start your adventure with a snowcat-drawn sleigh ride to the Yurt.
The Killington Resort
4763 Killington Road, Killington VT
800-734-9435
