Here in Killington, we love our outdoor sports. From tubing the river in the summer to skiing in the winter, our beautiful mountains and exceptional surroundings make it hard to stay inside. During the late summer and fall, one of the most popular outdoor activities is mountain biking. Before the snow covers the slopes, locals and visitors take to the trails for hours of fun, making hairpin banked turns and daring jumps as they race to the base.
Whether you’re a total beginner to the sport or a seasoned rider, we’re covering everything you need to know about mountain biking in Killington, VT, to make sure you can make the most of your rides this fall. Check it out in our new article, and we’ll see you on the trails!
In This Article:
- Best Mountain Biking in Killington, VT
- Mountain Bike Trail-Rating System
- Killington Bike Park Trails
- Sherburne Trails
- Rental Gear
Best Mountain Biking in Killington, VT
With more than 30 miles of trails ranging in difficulty from beginner to pro, the Killington Mountain Bike Park offers some of the best mountain biking in New England. At Snowshed, riders can enjoy easy terrain and intermediate trails perfect for gradual progression. Ramshead, with its signature freeride trails, is great for intermediate to advanced riders. Lastly, Killington Peak challenges your skills with roots and rocks perfect for jumps and high-speed thrills.
At Sherburne Trails, located in the Green Mountain National Forest, you’ll find 4.5 miles of beginner and intermediate multi-use trails maintained by Killington Mountain Bike Club. These easy trails feature ride-a-rounds, which are perfect for riders of all skill levels. Though Sherburne Trails is managed by the bike club, you do not have to be a member to ride.
Mountain Bike Trail-Rating System
The mountain bike trail rating system is a way to classify trails based on their difficulty, helping riders choose the right trail for their skill level. Similarly to how ski slopes are rated, you’ll find trails that range from easy to difficult and from minimal technicality to intense maneuverability.
Know Before You Go:
- Green Circle – These beginner trails are wide, smooth, and have gentle slopes. You won’t find any big obstacles or steep inclines. If you’re looking to try this sport for the first time during your Killington vacation, these are the perfect trails for you.
- Blue Square – A step up from green, these trails have more twists, turns, and steeper sections. There may be a few obstacles like rocks or roots, but they’re still manageable for riders with some experience.
- Black Diamond – These trails should be reserved for advanced riders. They feature steep, narrow terrain full of tricky obstacles like large rocks, roots, drops, and jumps. Riders need good technical skills, confidence, and agility to navigate them.
- Double Black Diamond—These extremely difficult trails should only be ridden by experts. With high drop-offs, steep descents that build up speed, and challenging obstacles, they’ll test every technical skill you’ve got.
- Orange – These freeride areas are typically found in bike parks. While they vary in difficulty, the common thread is the man-made features like wooden ramps and paths.
Check out the Killington Mountain Bike Park trail map to route your rides before you arrive. You can even access the trailheads via the ski lifts!
Killington Mountain Bike Park Trails
Easy (Green)
Easy Street
- Distance: 1.8 miles
- Climb: 2 ft.
- Elevation: 2,762.5 ft.
- Downhill: 557 ft.
- Getting There: Snowshed Express Quad Drop Off
- Description: A dirt trail, great for beginners, featuring a mix of wide and narrow pathways, fun turns, and gentle jumps.
Roller (Upper)
- Distance: 2,795 ft.
- Climb: 84 ft.
- Elevation: 2,728 ft.
- Downhill: 188 ft.
- Getting There: Take Easy Street from the Snowshed Express Quad Drop Off, and make a left bank turn onto Roller Upper.
- Description: Dirt trail with smooth flow and easy riding. Rebuilt in 2018, the route is now suitable for beginners.
Roller (Lower)
- Distance: 2,795 ft.
- Climb: None
- Elevation: 2,590 ft.
- Downhill: 175 ft.
- Getting There: Follow signs along Easy Street or Roller (Upper)
- Description: Slightly more technical than the upper portion, the trail narrows and has a series of switchbacks before meeting up with Easy Street again for a final descent.
Medium (Blue)
Sideshow Bob
- Distance: 2.3 miles
- Climb: 3 ft.
- Elevation: 3,347 ft.
- Downhill: 1,095 ft.
- Getting There: Ramshead Express Quad
- Description: This downhill-only, singletrack trail is full of fast and entertaining fun as you fly through the trees down the packed dirt path
Step It Up
- Distance: 1.3 miles
- Climb: 145 ft.
- Elevation: 2,727 ft.
- Downhill: 655 ft.
- Getting There: Snowshed Express Quad Drop Off
- Description: Wide trail with fast pace. Expect big berms and exciting jump options, especially toward the end, where it merges with Jump Start.
Jump Start (Lower)
- Distance: 624 ft.
- Climb: 40 ft.
- Elevation: 2,236 ft.
- Downhill: 92 ft.
- Getting There: Head down the Step It Up trail and then follow signs to the right toward the end of the run.
- Description: A well-maintained dirt trail featuring big berms through the mountain trees.
Other Trails:
- Coaster
- Blue Magic
- Off the Top
- Solitude
- The Light
- Bear Run
- Shreddie
- Rabbit Hole (Upper and Lower)
Difficult (Black Diamond)
Cable Trail
- Distance: 1,684 ft.
- Climb: 13 ft.
- Elevation: 3,745 ft.
- Downhill: 257 ft.
- Getting There: Take the K1 Express Gondola, then follow the Off the Top access trail to Funny Bone. Follow signs for The Light Trail until you reach the start of Cable Trail.
- Description: Expert-level features with options to skip. Expect jumps and fast berms with medium-embedded rocks and a small rock drop after crossing the road.
Black Magic
- Distance: 2 miles
- Climb: 96 ft.
- Elevation: 3,315 ft
- Downhill: 1,150 ft.
- Getting There: Ramshead Express Quad
- Description: This trail is a Freeride Jump Trail, meaning there are tons of opportunities for skilled riders to perform tricks and catch big air. The jumps get progressively larger as the trail descends.
Other Trails:
- Steel Panther
- Funny Bone
- Snake Bite
Expert (Double Black Diamond)
Scarecrow Expert
- Distance: 946 ft
- Climb: None
- Elevation: 3,748 ft.
- Downhill: 192 ft.
- Getting There: K1 Express Gondola, then follow the Off the Top access trail.
- Description: A slower ride, this rock-ridden trail is narrow and occasionally overgrown, letting riders focus more on their technical skills than speed.
Low Rider
- Distance: 4,271 ft.
- Climb: 8 ft.
- Elevation: 3,310 ft.
- Downhill: 799 ft.
- Getting There: Ramshead Express Quad Drop Off to Sideshow Bob. Follow signs for Steel Panther then merge onto Low Rider.
- Description: While not incredibly steep, this technical trail is full of roots and rocks, as well as strategically placed obstacles aimed to create big jumps. The top is slower due to the difficulty, but speed picks up toward the bottom as you get into a flow. Watch for huge rocks at the bottom.
Other Trails:
- The Beast
- Yo Vinny
- Off the Top
Sherburne Trails Routes
Built by Sinuosity: Flowing Trails, Sherburne Trails in Killington has grown to include a variety of trail types ranging from easy to pro. Here are a couple of our top picks for easy riding during your Killington vacation. View details on all Sherburne trails and add some of these to the mix during your late summer and fall getaway.
Mind Eraser
- Distance: 3,406 ft.
- Climb: 43 ft.
- Elevation: 1,467 ft.
- Downhill: 55 ft.
- Getting There: Convenient entry via the Sherburne Trails parking lot.
- Description: This introductory loop trail is geared toward new riders and features a smooth path with a couple of fun cutback turns.
Paca’s Path
- Distance: 3,652 ft.
- Climb: 77 ft.
- Elevation: 1,467 ft.
- Downhill: 79 ft.
- Getting There: Convenient entry via the Sherburne Trails parking lot.
- Description: A nice mix of multiple terrain types and opportunities to gain speed once you cross the midpoint.
Other Trails:
- Sherburner
- Pesky Carin Loop
- Kent Pond Trail
- Base Camp Climb
Rent Mountain Biking Gear in Killington, VT
Whether you’re flying to Killington and don’t want to check your bike, or you’re a newbie to the sport and just want to give it a try, there are plenty of spots in town where you can rent equipment. From bikes to helmets and pads, our vendors can fully outfit you for a day of trail riding.
Killington Mountain Bike Rentals – Browse the largest collection of mountain bikes in the east when you visit this Snowshed Base Lodge shop. Remember to reserve your bike online at least 24 hours in advance. One-day pricing starts at $108 for youth under 18 and $134 for adults 19 and over. Pricing is dynamic, so booking on slower days and well in advance can save you money.
Alpine Bike Works—The fleet consists of GT, Giant, and Ibis mountain bikes. All bikes come with a half-shell helmet, but full-face helmets and pads are available for an additional fee. You can book your rental online or by calling them directly for same-day rides.
Basecamp Vermont – Featuring full-suspension mountain bikes as well as gear for all seasonal sports, Basecamp Vermont is a must-visit shop whether you're renting a bike or just looking for some local deals. They also service bikes, ensuring you’re ready to hit the trails if you’re riding your own rig. In addition to rentals, they also offer guided mountain biking and e-biking tours!
Browse additional summer gear rental shops in Killington and find everything you need to enjoy the outdoors during your vacation.
Book Your Mountain Biking Adventure Today!
After a full day of racing down the trails, come home to your Killington Rental Associates vacation rental and relax in your hot tub or cozy up on your balcony as you soak in the gorgeous mountain scenery.
Our Killington vacation rentals are perfect for family or group getaways and feature properties near all the top attractions, from the best bars in Killington to delicious restaurants. Browse our full list of properties and book your stay directly with us today for the best rate on your rental!