Flat Mtn Pond Shelter
Open year-round on a first-come, first-served basis. No reservations. This is a backcountry wilderness shelter requiring a 4.8-5.3 mile hike to access. Campers must be self-sufficient with no potable water or restroom facilities on site.
Discovery Trail Emergency Closure
This Order closes the Forest Discover Trail for public health and safety while the trail is repaired. You are prohibited from being on any part of the 1.5 mile Forest Discovery Trail. See Exhibit A - Map below for the location of the trail.
Rattlesnake Fire – Pemigewasset Ranger District
Rattlesnake Fire Final Update: Crews continue fire line rehab in the area. Buffalo Pit and Rattlesnake parking areas, along with Rattlesnake Trail off Buffalo Road, will be reopened by end today (Aug 26).
Town Hall Road Camping and Fire Restrictions
Camping and campfires are restricted along Slippery Brook Road (Forest Road 17) and East Branch Road (Forest Road 38), which together form a 7‑mile road system collectively known as Town Hall Road. Camping within ¼ mile of these roads is only allowed at designated campsites marked with a tent…
About
Flat Mountain Pond Shelter is a backcountry lean-to situated at the southwest edge of Flat Mountain Pond within the Sandwich Range Wilderness of White Mountain National Forest. The shelter provides a rustic overnight option for hikers exploring this 35,800-acre wilderness area, with views looking into the heart of the Sandwich Range toward peaks including the Tripyramids, Mt. Whiteface, and Mt. Passaconaway. The shelter sleeps 6-8 people and includes one designated overflow tentsite with room for two tents. Access requires a substantial hike of approximately 4.8 miles from the Bennett Street Trailhead or 5.3 miles from the Whiteface Intervale Trailhead via the Flat Mountain Pond Trail. The shelter is managed by the Saco Ranger District. As a wilderness backcountry shelter, amenities are minimal. There are no restrooms and no potable water available. Campers must bring all water and supplies and pack out all trash. Standard wilderness regulations apply, including a group size limit of 10 people and prohibitions on mechanized equipment. Bear canisters are recommended for proper food storage.
Directions
From the Bennett Street Trailhead: Follow the Flat Mountain Pond Trail approximately 4.8 miles to the shelter. From Whiteface Intervale Trailhead: Follow the Flat Mountain Pond Trail approximately 5.3 miles to the shelter. Both trailheads are accessed via Whiteface Intervale Road in Waterville Valley.
Amenities
| Water | No |
| Fires Allowed | — |
| Toilets | No |
| 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 |
Contact
| Phone | +1 (603) 536-6100 |
Cell Service
| AT&T | Yes |
| Verizon | Yes |
| T-Mobile | None |
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