Americas oldest mountain range stretches all the way from Georgia to Maine.
And in between those states lies theAppalachian Trail, a journey over 2,000 miles that crosses through 14 states.
So, we sorted through over 250 trail shelters to find you two shelters from each state.
Thats 28 shelters to choose from.
Lumpkin, Georgia Blood Mountain Shelter
The shelter at Blood Mountain has an elevation of 4450.
The Civilian Conservation Corps(CCC) constructed the stone shelter in 1937.
After close to a century, not much has changed with the Blood Mountain Shelter.
Blood Mountain has incredible views, but can get windy at night.
So, taking advantage of the shelter is a good idea.
Plus theres something special about staying in a place so many Appalachian Trail hikers have stayed in before you.
Stover Creek Shelter also has bear bags and places to secure your food.
North Carolinas Appalachian Trail Shelters
3.
Swain, North Carolina Icewater Spring Shelter
The Icewater Spring Shelter in Swain, North Carolina has incredible architecture.
Youll find that incredible architecture is a common feature amongst the Appalachian Trail Shelters.
The main structure is a lean-to with large columns out front, and a windowed loft.
Simply dubbed the Fontana Dam Shelter, the structure is anything but simple.
There are several luxuries to partake in while you spend the night at Fontana Dam.
you’re able to enjoy access to drinking water, cell service, and a shower.
Theres a porch overlooking a picnic area with a firepit.
Plus the view of the lake is pretty amazing.
Tennessees Appalachian Trail Shelters
5.
Carter, Tennessee Laurel Fork Shelter
Laurel Fork Shelter in Tennessees elevation is 2,450.
There is a nearby waterfall so you’ve got the option to enjoy ample drinkable water.
The three-sided shelter was built in 1960 by the US Forest Service.
It features native stone and a wooden sleeping platform.
Sevier, Tennessee Mount LeConte Shelter
Mount LeConte sits at an elevation of 6,440.
Youll have access to a privy, a bear line, and gorgeous mountain views.
The Mount LeConte Lodgehas been in service to campers for almost a century.
you might enjoy hot coffee, meals, and actual beds.
Virginias Appalachian Trail Shelters
7.
The shelter is located close to a parking area.
So, its easily accessible for those who arent thru-hiking.
There is ample drinkable water from the creek and lovely views.
The shelter faces the creek itself so you might enjoy the sounds of running water from your bunk.
There is a parking area in Grayson Highlands State Park that is not far from the Thomas Knob Shelter.
The shelter also has access to water, and a privy.
it’s possible for you to also enjoy extra room within the shelter because it features a loft.
West Virginias Appalachian Trail Shelters
9.
Sleepy Creek, West Virginia Shockeys Knob Shelter
Shockeys Knob is found on the High Rock Overlook Trail.
Its located a short distance from the overlook itself, which is an elevation gain of 1,010.
Shockeys Knob is a three-sided structure with an upper bunk, a fire pit, and a picnic table.
Theres also a water source close.
Gore, West Virginia Barclay Run Shelter
Barclay Run is a shelter along the Tuscarora.
The shelter is standard for Appalachian Trail Shelters, but it does have a few stand out features.
You have a covered porch and large stumps to sit on.
Except, on second look you see they are painted as game boards!
A very creative addition to the excitement of the Appalachian Trail.
Marylands Appalachian Trail Shelters
11.
The trail is maintained by the Potomac Appalachian Trail Club.
Rocky Run is actually the name of two shelters.
The first you see has a loft, a picnic, table, privy, and porch.
The second you come to is older than the first but it is very well made.
The log cabin style shelter has a small awning and seems to be minimalistic.
But the unassuming shelter features a covered swing.
Washington, Maryland Raven Rock Shelter
The Raven Rock Shelter is a newer shelter along the Appalachian Trail.
It was built by the PATC in 2010.
Raven Rock is meant to replace the Devils Racecourse Shelter, which was built in the 1930s.
The new shelter is large with a green roof.
It has a picnic table, porch, and drinkable water.
Pennsylvanias Appalachian Trail Shelters
13.
Youll find it next to a caretakers cottage so it stays in fairly good condition.
Theres a privy, and the structure has doors.
The Eckville Shelter is located near a road.
The elevation here is only 600, so its an easy hike for beginners.
Cumberland, Pennsylvania Birch Run Shelter
Birch Run is another updated replacement shelter.
Originally, Birch Run consisted of pairs of smaller shelters.
These smaller shelters were built in 1934 by the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC).
Its a solid log structure and will help protect you from the elements if youre near Cumberland, Pennsylvania.
New Jerseys Appalachian Trail Shelters
15.
Sussex, New Jersey Pochuck Mountain Shelter
The Pochuck Mountain Shelter has an elevation of 840.
The shelter is a large lean-to that can fit several people at once.
Its likely youll run into other hikers.
Take a chance to get to know some of the hikers along the way.
Its a great way to make connections and share your experiences.
Sussex, New Jersey Mashipacong Shelter
The Mashipacong Shelter is almost a century old and was built in 1936.
Its a simple stone structure with an aluminium roof.
The elevation is 1,425 and the shelter is located within High Point State Park.
The simple structure can offer a unique experience and can definitely tell some stories.
Its hardly larger than a lean-to, but a lot sturdier.
New Yorks Appalachian Trail Shelters
17.
Dutchess, New York Wiley Shelter
The Wiley Shelter in New York is the northernmost shelter within the state.
It has an elevation of 740, which makes for an easy hike.
The Wiley Shelter is a standard lean-to structure with a privy and even a free library.
Orange, New York Fingerboard Shelter
The Fingerboard Shelter sits at 1,300 elevation.
Its a unique lean-to thats built of stone and wood.
The shelter features two fireplaces, and has fantastic views.
Not far from the Fingerboard Shelter is whats known as the Lemon Squeezer.
The rock feature known for its tight squeeze is necessary to continue the hike on this trail.
Connecticuts Appalachian Trail Shelters
19.
It has a reinforced bear box, and is fairly large.
The hike is nice and located fairly close to civilization.
Litchfield, Connecticut Brassie Brook Shelter
Brassie Brook Shelter has an elevation of 1,705, and breathtaking views.
When hiking during Autumn, the leaves are vibrant red, orange, and yellow in color.
Truly one of the best experiences along the Appalachian Trail is hiking after the leaves change color.
Brassie Brook is a lean-to with a picnic table, phone service, a privy, and allows fires.
Massachusettss Appalachian Trail Shelters
21.
Berkshire, Massachusetts Mark Noepel Shelter
On your way to Mt.
Greylock youll come across the Mark Noepel Shelter.
It sits at an elevation of 2,750, and is large enough for around six people.
The Upper Goose Pond Shelter is unlike other Appalachian Trail Shelters.
And its hard to miss.
The shelter is a large two story red structure.
Vermonts Appalachian Trail Shelters
23.
The views are amazing!
Theres plenty of creeks, a bridge to walk, and the beautiful Porcupine Ridge Overlook.
The views are so great that you could even see a beacon from the top of Mt.
Rutland, Vermont Clarendon Shelter
The Clarendon Shelter was constructed in 1952.
It was formerly an enclosed shelter but is now a lean-to style hut.
The elevation is 1,190, and it can accommodate roughly 12 people.
There is a nearby privy, and a camping area if the shelter is full.
New Hampshires Appalachian Trail Shelters
25.
Youll find water nearby where you might fish, prepare drinking water, and swim.
Theres a picnic area, campfires, a privy, and pets are allowed.
All in all a great shelter.
Its at an elevation of 5,012, which is above the tree line.
When the clouds roll in, the shelter seems to float among them.
Its rightfully one of the most popular Appalachian Trail Shelters out there.
you might enjoy the amazing views, running water, enclosed bunks, along with breakfast, and dinner.
Maines Appalachian Trail Shelters
27.
Oxford, Maine Speck Pond Shelter
Theres a simple lean-to shelter near Speck Pond in Oxford, Maine.
Situated at an elevation of 3,500, you end up having beautiful views and brisk mountain air.
With the shelter being fairly close to the pond, you get to have access to drinking water.
The hike isnt treacherous but it can get damp.
Youll be able to stay fairly high up on the Mahoosuc Arm Mountain.
It sits on Mt.
Katahdin, which is the end of the road for thru-hikers.
If youve made it this far you know your expedition is almost over.
Why Stay at the Appalachian Trail Shelters?
Youve been training for months and you have all the essential gear.
You boughtan awesome hammockthat can fit in your backpack.
Well, all of that might be the case but it doesnt mean youre indestructible.
Or that you shouldnt enjoy all parts of the Appalachian Trail experience.
Part of experiencing the Appalachian Trail is staying in the shelters that are all along the mountain range.
With there being over 250 shelters, youll certainly pass them and should take time to utilize their purposes.
You will find trail journals at most of the shelters.
These journals allow hikers to sign-in like a guestbook.
Just dont vandalize the shelters.
Other hikers are often at the shelters as well.
This is a great chance to meet some of the other people on the trail as you.
During peak seasons there will be some shelters that are more popular than others.
The Appalachian Trail Shelters: Final Thoughts!
Are you planning to go all out for your Appalachian Trail hike?
Or are you just looking for some cool spots for a day trip?
Leave us a comment and let us know where your adventurous spirit takes you!
