Hiking Trail Conditions Report |
| Peaks |
Killington Peak, VT |
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| Trails: |
Bucklin Trail, Long Trail, Killington Spur |
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| Date of Hike: |
Friday, December 14, 2018 |
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| Parking/Access Road Notes: |
Parking lot is plowed. Wheelerville Road is plowed and sanded, in good condition from both directions. We were the only car in the lot all day. |
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| Surface Conditions: |
Snow - Packed Powder/Loose Granular, Snow - Unpacked Powder, Snow - Drifts, Snow/Ice - Postholes |
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| Recommended Equipment: |
Snowshoes, Light Traction |
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| Water Crossing Notes: |
All crossings have bridges or are easily rock-hoppable |
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| Trail Maintenance Notes: |
Numerous blowdowns and bent-over small trees blocking the trail |
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| Dog-Related Notes: |
Ella and Eva had a grand time, perfect conditions for pups with mild temps in the 30's and a packed trail. Signs warning of porcupine danger have been there for a few years. I have seen dogs quilled near the Cooper Lodge in the past, so I am cautious and leash my pups in that particular area each time I go there. We saw no porcupines today or in Oct. when we were there. |
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| Bugs: |
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| Lost and Found: |
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| Comments: |
Bucklin Trail is generally a well-used route for skiers and hikers. Right now the bottom half is firm and spikes suffice. Upper half is much softer and I found snowshoes ideal, especially the televators for the steep climbs. A hiker from yesterday wore spikes from bottom to top and postholed a bit in the upper half of trail. The last extremely steep 0.1 mile is completely snow-covered, no rocks or ledge showing. It was a smooth, hard-packed butt-sliding luge track this morning, but I climbed it easily with snowshoes & televators. Wind was howling at the summit so we didn't stay long there, but a beautiful hike otherwise with the pups.
Disappointed to see 2 piles of dog poop right at the trailhead, which I removed.
Cooper Lodge is a favorite stopping place for Killington Resort skiers who ski over from the Killington groomed trails, sometimes for a beer they've brought along. |
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| Name: |
Donna D |
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| E-Mail: |
winnie@vermontel.net |
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| Date Submitted: |
2018-12-14 |
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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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