The Sherburner, Gifford Woods State Park in Killington: Go here, ride this

By Jason Mikula

The Sherburner is a trail not to miss when coming to this area. It’s a new trail, debuting in 2023, and was built by L&D Trail Works. It’s a perfect adventure that takes under an hour (depending on your skill level and choice of route). The trailhead is about a 3 minute drive from the bottom of Killington Road to the parking lot of Gifford Woods where you can access the trailhead. (It’s a $5 fee for non-KMBC members for day access as Gifford Woods is a state park).

From the main parking lot you’ll jump on your bike and ride on through the campground a short distance. A couple hundred yards up on the right you’ll notice a bike stand, water, bike tools and pump to make sure you are dialed in before hitting the trails. Pesky Cairn (the trail that leads you to the Sherburner) begins through that field; the single track trail is fairly obvious on the left side of the field.

Pesky Cairn is a great up and down warmup trail. It’s rocky and rooty but super fun for all skill levels. Enjoy the beautiful stream and occasional waterfalls that meander along the trail, too. In the right light, it’s quite magical and worth stopping to snap a pic. Another fun part of this trail is that you actually get to ride through the stream at a couple points along the way. An added unique feature to this trail.

From Pesky Cairn you’ll reach the exit of the Sherburner first. Keep riding as the Sherburner is meant to be a one way ride. (If you want some extra mileage, keep on Pesky Cairn to the lollipop part of the trail and ride that back to the trailhead of the Sherburnber.)

This is where the work begins. Hopefully you’re warmed up and ready for a fun 3 mile adventure with a 610-foot climb. To start, there are 4-5 berms that are relatively easy and well spaced out. This is a good warmup and gives you false hope that the accent won’t be so hard. But the next 6-8 berms are steep and back-to-back — sure to get your heart rate going. You’ll know you’re past this section when you get to a large cairn (pile of rocks). The trail flattens out a bit after that and you’re well on your way. After that, enjoy a magical part of the forest in the mid-section of this trail. On the right hand side you’ll see a beautiful ridge of cliffs and through the canopy the “Bat Cave.”

For those who are not racing up, this is a good stopping point to grab some water and catch your breath. Some think the second half is easier than the first. There are a couple “false summits” and there are a couple sections that will test your rock navigating skills. Although a little technical, with the right line it’s relatively easy to navigate your way and really fun.

Just before the top, there are two trees that you’ll pass through that sort of feel like the “finish line” and you’ll see the rock bench and an overlook (depending on the season). High five your riding partners, catch your breath, snap a pic and fuel up.

You’ll want all your wits about you for the ride down! Some say it’s one of the best rides down in the area. This trail pretty much guarantees a smile all the way down to the end. Choose your own adventure! Keep your tires on the ground or launch off the rock features on the sides of the trail and test your skills. It’s flowy, bermy and super fun.

It’s a long descent making the climb well worth it. L&D Trail Works (who constructed the trail) utilized the natural features with rock jumps and rock bridges creating unique features. The trail holds up great through the summer.

For intermediate to expert riders, this trail has a lot to offer. It’s simply a great combo of fitness and fun.