GENTIAN POND SHELTER
Open year-round, first-come first-served. No reservations or fees. Group size limited to 10 people. Camping prohibited within 1/4 mile of the shelter. Bear canisters required for food storage.
Special Weather Statement issued May 24 at 2:21AM EDT by NWS Gray ME
* The warm air temperatures later this Holiday weekend in the mid 60s may cause people to underestimate the dangers of the cold water temperatures which are currently only in the mid 50s across Sebago Lake and Lake Winnipesaukee, and in the mid 50s in the regions smaller lakes and rivers. * The cold water temperatures can quickly cause hypothermia to anyone immersed in the water. When the water temperature is below 60 degrees, the average submerged person could loose dexterity within minutes and be unable to accomplish simple tasks. Anyone on small boats, canoes, or kayaks should plan accordingly if recreating this weekend and use extreme caution to avoid this threat. Paddle smart from the start and always wear your life jacket! * Winds will be breezy this afternoon with some gusts up to 25 mph across parts of the area. If boating on large bodies of water, these strong winds can increase the likelihood of overturning your boat, canoe, or kayak due to increased wave heights.
About
Gentian Pond Shelter offers backcountry camping in one of the more remote sections of the White Mountain National Forest. The three-sided wooden lean-to with adjacent tent platforms provides basic overnight accommodation for hikers traversing the Appalachian Trail through the rugged Mahoosuc Range. The shelter is located near scenic Gentian Pond, offering access to both day hiking and extended backpacking opportunities. Reaching the shelter requires a 3.5-mile hike from North Road, starting near the intersection of the Austin Brook and Mahoosuc Trails. The terrain is typical of the Mahoosucs: challenging and rocky. This is a primitive site with no developed amenities. There is no potable water, no restrooms, and no established fire rings or picnic tables. Campers must bring all water, food (in a bear-proof canister as required by WMNF regulations), and pack out all trash. The shelter operates on a first-come, first-served basis with no reservations or fees. Group size is limited to 10 people per WMNF backcountry regulations. Camping is prohibited within 1/4 mile of the shelter, so overflow campers must disperse farther into the backcountry.
Directions
From North Road in Shelburne, NH, hike approximately 3.5 miles north via the Austin Brook Trail to its intersection with the Mahoosuc Trail. The shelter is located at this junction along the Appalachian Trail.
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 | None |
| Verizon | None |
| T-Mobile | None |
Useful Links
| USFS Gentian Pond Shelter | |
| WMNF Camping & Cabins |
Community Posts
No posts yet. Be the first to share your experience!