Using the ski trail would shorten the trip a little. According to the Green Mountain Club [GMC], mud season is over and hiking is fine. However, the folks at GMC indicate the Killington ski trails are too muddy to responsibly hike, but weren't really sure. Killington's summer season opens late June. If hiking Killington there's no reason not to take an arbitrary route up the ski trails. They have 10 marked & signed hiking routes which will get you there by either following designated ski trails, work roads, or going up through the woods. Note that route "C" is the gravel work road. Unless route "C" is closed due to construction equipment for the new peak lodge (note: there is currently no summit lodge) that's going to be fine for feet. If anything, my personal feeling is that if it's muddy or soft they'll be holding off on construction equipment, so get in there and get 'er done. I can't imagine the work road not being firm enough for feet.

 >>Killington Peak Hiking Map

One thing to note about Killington ski trails in the summer [if not using route 'C'] is that there is lots of trash from winter skiing, and eroded out ditches or steep gravel paths with loose stone. However there are good views along the way.

The Bucklin trail is closed due to Tropical Storm Irene damage. The GMC website states "Bucklin Trail is now a river until a field crew fixes it in Summer '12". However there is a well-established bushwhack around the washed out section. It’s quite used from the looks of it. It starts not terribly far into the trail and pretty much goes around the "river" just before the Bucklin trail heads up. It’s flagged quite a bit.

The other option is going in via the Long Trail/AT and Pico and do an out and back. The Long Trail/AT relocation that avoids Pico, is not all that great and it’s a PUD.

You might also consider the Shelburne trail that starts from across the "Inn at Long trail". You can certainly do Pico and Killington. It would be a long approach but doable and pretty. The walk out and back via Sherburne Trail and the old AT from Pico and Killington and back is a pleasant walk through the woods on the ridge with occasional view spots down the slopes. Very reminiscent of the Mts. Abraham/Ellen hike but shorter. Plus having the Inn at the Long Trail as a goal at the end of the hike is a big plus. The Pico cabin is still there and is quite a testament to building a shelter with local materials. The same can not be said for the one by Killington that was pretty trashed and full of broken glass and litter (probably a drinking spot for the skiers). The Pico shelter on the other hand is very clean and in good shape.

Mike Boisvert