Boyce Shelter

Open — Open year-round, first-come, first-served. No reservations or fees. Forest Road 59 is not maintained in winter; high-clearance or 4WD vehicles with snow tires recommended for winter access.

About

Boyce Shelter is a classic three-sided lean-to built in 1963, located along Vermont's Long Trail in the heart of the Breadloaf Wilderness. Reaching the shelter requires a 2.7-mile hike: the Burnt Hill Trail climbs gradually for the first mile along an old logging road before entering the Breadloaf Wilderness and ascending more steeply to meet the Long Trail at 2.1 miles. From there, it's an additional 0.6 miles north on the Long Trail to reach Boyce Shelter, for a total elevation gain of 1,280 feet. As a wilderness shelter, amenities are minimal by design. A composting toilet is available, and water can be filtered or treated from nearby streams, though water sources may be unreliable during dry periods. The shelter provides basic protection from the elements but hikers should be prepared for backcountry conditions. Trail blazing, maintenance, and signage are minimal in accordance with Wilderness Area management. Access is via Forest Road 59 off Route 125, with parking in a grassy lot on private property 1.1 miles from the highway. Winter access requires appropriate vehicles and tires as Forest Service roads are not maintained during snow season. The shelter operates year-round on a first-come, first-served basis with no fees or advance reservations required.

Directions

From Middlebury, travel south on Route 7 to Route 125. Travel east on Route 125 for 6.6 miles and turn left onto Forest Road 59. Parking is at 1.1 miles in a grassy lot (private property). From Rochester, travel north on Route 100 for 4.0 miles to Route 125. Travel west on Route 125 for 9.1 miles and turn right onto Forest Road 59. Hike Burnt Hill Trail 2.1 miles to Long Trail junction, then 0.6 miles north on Long Trail to shelter.

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