Hiking and Camping

In addition to the hiking trails at Killington, a popular short trek is the one up to the scenic overlook on Deer Leap Mountain, located in Gifford Woods State Park (34 Gifford Woods, Killington, 802/775-5354, www.vtstateparks.com/htm/gifford.cfm). The trail starts behind the Inn at Long Trail on Route 4 and is two miles round-trip to fantastic views of Pico Peak and Killington Mountain.

Alternatively, you can hike the four-mile round trip from the state park campground, which also has 4 cabins, 22 tent sites, and 20 lean-tos for overnights. The northern tent loop is much more secluded than the southern.

Several “prime” lean-tos are especially secluded in a hardwood old-growth forest of giant sugar maple, white ash, and beech trees. The best old-growth stand, however is across the street from the campground. Between the entrance and the northern tent loop, a short interpretive trail leads hikers among the giants and explains the natural and human history of the area.

Rock Climbing

An 8,000-square-foot gym with dozens of rope stations on 25-foot climbing walls is just the beginning at the Green Mountain Rock Climbing Center (223 Woodstock Ave., Rutland, 802/773-3343, www.vermontclimbing.com). Owner Steve Lulek, who once served as head instructor at the military’s Mountaineering School, also leads a full range of mountaineering classes and guided tours of Deer’s Leap and other nearby cliff faces through his companion outfit, Vermont Adventure Tours (www.vermontadventuretours.com).

© Michael Blanding and Alexandra Hall from Moon New England, 2nd Edition