Battell Shelter
Open for the hiking season on a first-come, first-served basis. No reservations or fees; donations accepted. A GMC caretaker is stationed here during hiking season. Groups are prohibited from staying overnight. Maximum stay is two consecutive nights. Water must be filtered or treated from nearby stream sources.
Special Weather Statement issued May 23 at 12:35PM EDT by NWS Burlington VT
...Please check with state and local authorities regarding guidelines for allowed activities... * The warm air temperatures today in the upper 60s to lower 70s may cause people to underestimate the dangers of the cold water temperatures which are currently only in the 40s and 50s across Lake Champlain and in the regions smaller lakes and rivers. * The cold water temperatures can quickly cause hypothermia to anyone immersed in the water. According to the US Coast Guard, when the water temperatures are below 50 degrees, the chance of immediate incapacitation due to cold shock is extremely high. Anyone on small boats, canoes or kayaks should plan accordingly if recreating this weekend and use extreme caution to avoid this threat. Paddle smart from the start and always wear your life jacket!
About
Battell Shelter sits at 3,300 feet on the Long Trail, positioned on the south side of Mount Abraham in Vermont's Green Mountain National Forest. Built in 1967 by work parties from Farm and Wilderness Camp in Plymouth, this three-sided Adirondack-style lean-to is one of the highest shelters on the Long Trail System. The shelter sleeps eight and is accompanied by tent platforms for overflow camping. Access is via the blue-blazed Battell Trail, a 2-mile hike from the trailhead at the end of USFS Road 350 off Lincoln Gap Road. The route gains significant elevation through hardwood and spruce-fir forest before reaching the Long Trail junction, then continues a short distance to the shelter. Water is available from a stream 1/8 mile south on the trail but must be filtered or treated. The Green Mountain Club maintains a backcountry caretaker at this site during hiking season to manage use and protect the surrounding high-elevation vegetation. Groups are prohibited from staying overnight due to the shelter's popularity and environmental sensitivity. The GMC has announced plans to build a new shelter adjacent to the existing structure to increase capacity while preserving the historic 1967 lean-to.
Directions
From Lincoln, Vermont, take Quaker Street to Elder Hill Road (USFS Road 350). Bear right at Ball Diamond Road, then bear left to stay on FR 350. Continue to the Battell Trail trailhead parking at the road's end. Hike 2 miles on the blue-blazed Battell Trail to the Long Trail junction, then continue uphill to the shelter.
Amenities
| Water | No |
| Fires Allowed | — |
| Toilets | Yes |
| Dump Station | No |
| Wifi | No |
| Pets Allowed | — |
| Showers | No |
| Electric Hookups | — |
| Water Hookups | — |
| Sewer Hookups | — |
| Camp Store | No |
| Price | $0 |
Vehicle
| Max RV Length | — |
| Max Trailer Length | — |
| Big Rig Friendly | No |
| Pull Through Sites | No |
Cell Service
| AT&T | None |
| Verizon | Yes |
| T-Mobile | None |
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