Congdon Shelter

About

Congdon Shelter is a historic backcountry shelter situated where the Appalachian Trail and Long Trail run together through Vermont's Green Mountain National Forest. Built by the Long Trail Patrol in 1967, the shelter honors Herbert Wheaton Congdon, a pioneer trail builder and mapmaker who contributed significantly to early Long Trail development. Originally constructed as a four-walled cabin with a wood stove, it was converted to an open-front lean-to after 1985. The shelter offers wooden bunks sleeping 8 hikers and serves as a popular first-night destination for thru-hikers beginning the Long Trail from Massachusetts. A small brook east of the shelter provides water that must be filtered or treated before drinking. A privy is located nearby, and overflow tent sites are available on the ridge west of the Long Trail above the outhouse. As with all Long Trail shelters on National Forest land, use is first-come, first-served with no reservations. There are no fees. Hikers should follow Leave No Trace principles and pack out all trash. The shelter is accessed by hiking approximately 2 miles south on the Appalachian Trail from Route 9 near Woodford, Vermont.

Directions

Hike south on the Appalachian Trail from Route 9 (near Woodford, Vermont) for approximately 2 miles.