Big Branch Shelter
Open year-round on a first-come, first-served basis with no reservations. Forest Road 10 is closed to vehicles in winter but the shelter remains accessible by foot. Two-night maximum stay.
Special Weather Statement issued May 23 at 2:33AM EDT by NWS Burlington VT
* The warm air temperatures today in the upper 60s to lower 70s may cause people to underestimate the dangers of the cold water temperatures. Lake and river temperatures are only in the upper 40s to mid 50s. * 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 60 degrees, the average submerged person could lose dexterity within minutes and be unable to accomplish simple tasks. Anyone on small boats, canoes or kayaks should plan accordingly if recreating today and use extreme caution to avoid this threat. Paddle smart from the start and always wear your life jacket!
About
Big Branch Shelter is a rustic overnight shelter situated along the Appalachian Trail and Long Trail as they pass through the Big Branch Wilderness in southern Vermont. Named after Big Branch Stream, the surrounding wilderness provides habitat for moose, black bears, white-tailed deer, wild turkeys, and beavers. The landscape is dominated by northern hardwoods including maple, beech, and birch, with red spruce, balsam fir, and hemlock at higher elevations. The shelter is a traditional three-sided wooden structure typical of Long Trail accommodations, sleeping 6-10 hikers. Facilities are primitive: a composting privy is available, but there is no potable water on site. Hikers must treat or filter water from nearby streams. Small campfires are permitted in fire rings following Leave No Trace principles. Access is via a one-mile hike south on the Appalachian Trail from the Long Trail parking area on Forest Road 10 in Mount Tabor. The access road is closed to vehicles in winter but the shelter remains accessible to hikers year-round. Stays are limited to two consecutive nights.
Directions
From US-7 in Mount Tabor, turn onto Brooklyn Road just past the Mount Tabor Country Store. Follow Brooklyn Road uphill as it becomes Forest Road 10 upon entering Green Mountain National Forest. Park at the Long Trail parking lot. The trailhead is across the road, about 200 feet west of the parking entrance. Hike south on the Appalachian Trail for approximately one mile to reach the shelter.
Amenities
| Water | No |
| Fires Allowed | Yes |
| Toilets | Yes |
| Dump Station | No |
| Wifi | No |
| Pets Allowed | Yes |
| 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 | None |
| T-Mobile | None |
Community Posts
No posts yet. Be the first to share your experience!