GENTIAN POND SHELTER

Open — Open year-round for backcountry camping on a first-come, first-served basis. Winter access requires snow travel equipment and experience with winter mountain conditions.

About

Gentian Pond Shelter is a backcountry camping destination along the Appalachian Trail in the northern White Mountain National Forest. This three-sided shelter sits dramatically on a cliff edge overlooking Gentian Pond at an elevation of 2,165 feet in the rugged Mahoosuc Range. The shelter sleeps up to 12 people and is complemented by four tent platforms nearby, though the platforms lack the shelter's notable pond views. The location marks the last AT shelter in New Hampshire for northbound hikers and serves as a popular destination for both thru-hikers and backpackers. Named after the small, deep blue Bottle Gentian wildflower, the pond is a scenic mountain tarn that freezes solid in winter. The primary access route is the Austin Brook Trail from North Road, which follows an old logging road for 2.5 miles before a steep final half-mile climb with switchbacks across rocky ledges. This is a primitive backcountry site with no facilities. Water is available from the inlet brook south of the shelter on the AT. The area offers opportunities for hiking to nearby destinations including Dream Lake and challenging sections of the Mahoosuc Range. Winter access is possible but requires proper preparation for snow, ice, and exposed conditions along the ridgeline.

Directions

Located approximately 3.5 miles north of North Road near the intersection of Austin Brook and Mahoosuc Trails. Primary access is via Austin Brook Trail from North Road, which follows a logging road for 2.5 miles before a steep half-mile climb to the shelter.

Nearby Campgrounds