Minerva Hinchey Shelter
Open year-round, first-come, first-served. No fees or reservations. Maximum stay of two consecutive nights. Water from the nearby spring requires treatment before drinking.
Special Weather Statement issued May 23 at 2:33AM EDT by NWS Burlington VT
* The warm air temperatures today in the upper 60s to lower 70s may cause people to underestimate the dangers of the cold water temperatures. Lake and river temperatures are only in the upper 40s to mid 50s. * The cold water temperatures can quickly cause hypothermia to anyone immersed in the water. According to the US Coast Guard, when the water temperatures are below 60 degrees, the average submerged person could lose dexterity within minutes and be unable to accomplish simple tasks. Anyone on small boats, canoes or kayaks should plan accordingly if recreating today and use extreme caution to avoid this threat. Paddle smart from the start and always wear your life jacket!
About
Minerva Hinchey Shelter is a classic three-sided backcountry lean-to situated along the Long Trail and Appalachian Trail corridor in Vermont's Green Mountain National Forest. Originally built in 1969 by Louis "Sandy" Stare and Killington Section volunteers as Sunnyside Camp, it was renamed in 1979 to honor Minerva Hinchey, a 22-year member of the Killington Section who served as Business Director for Long Trail News and Recording Secretary for the Green Mountain Club from 1955 to 1977. The shelter sits approximately 200 feet off the main trail on a grassy wood road and can accommodate up to 8 hikers on wooden bunks. A privy is located nearby, and a reliable spring provides water, though all backcountry water sources should be treated before drinking. The site includes a permanent fireplace for cooking, and small wood fires are permitted on Green Mountain National Forest land following Leave No Trace principles. Access is hike-in only via the Long Trail/Appalachian Trail. From VT Route 140, the shelter is 3.6 miles north on the trail; from VT Route 103, it is 2.7 miles south. The shelter operates year-round on a first-come, first-served basis with no advance reservations. Stays are limited to two consecutive nights, and hikers should carry a tent as shelters fill quickly during peak season.
Directions
From VT Route 140, hike 3.6 miles north on the Long Trail/Appalachian Trail. Alternatively, from VT Route 103, hike 2.7 miles south on the same trail.
Amenities
| Water | No |
| Fires Allowed | Yes |
| Toilets | Yes |
| 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 (802) 747-6700 |
Cell Service
| AT&T | Yes |
| Verizon | Yes |
| T-Mobile | None |
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