The Sherburne Pass Trail extends north and south from US-4 and is the former, historic route of the Long Trail. It connects with the Appalachian Trail on both sides of the pass, providing an alternate hiking route across US-4. The section of the trail heading south of Sherburne Pass/US-4 is described here.
Heading south from the highway, the trail follows an old road from the back of the parking lot. The trail ascends steadily through the woods to Sink Hole Brook at 1.1 miles, a permanent stream that disappears into a sink hole. The trail continues uphill to a ski trail, with a wide view of the Green Mountains to the north, and follows the ski trail for 300 feet before reentering the woods at Pico Junction, at 2.1 miles, where ski trails lead uphill to Pico Peak. Past the junction, the trail proceeds at a relatively level grade along the rugged route, reaching Pico Camp and Pico Link, which leads to the summit of Pico Peak, at 2.5 miles. The Sherburne Pass Trail meets the Long Trail at Jungle Junction, 3.1 miles from the trailhead on US-4.
Pico Link leads 0.4 miles to the summit of Pico Peak from the Sherburne Pass Trail. From the north side of Pico Camp, the trail climbs steeply to a pipeline clearing, then continues uphill to the open summit of Pico Peak. Note your route carefully after entering the summit ski trails, the blazes may be hard to see upon return.
Killington Spur climbs 0.2 miles up Killington Peak from the Long Trail. The spur begins 100 feet south of Cooper Lodge and heads east up to the summit. Killington Peak (4235 feet) is the second-highest mountain in Vermont; only Mt. Mansfield is higher. It is part of the Coolidge Range, which also includes Pico Peak, Mendon Peak, Little Killington, and Shrewsbury Peak.
For additional information, visit the Green Mountain Club website, or contact:
SHERBURNE PASS TRAILHEAD
From the west, go 9.3 miles east on US-4 from US-7 in Rutland. From the east, go 1.4 miles west on US-4 from VT-100 (near the Killington Access Road). There is a large, unpaved parking lot at Sherburne Pass on the south side of US-4, across from the Inn at Long Trail. Traffic moves at high speeds on US-4; use caution when crossing.
The Green Mountain Club is closing Pico Camp until unauthorized occupancy of the shelter can be resolved by local authorities. This is a matter of public safety and hikers should find an alternate overnight site or accommodation. We appreciate the concern and patience of the hiking community as we work to resolve this matter.
Alternative Overnight Suggestions:
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