Rattle River Shelter
Open year-round on a first-come, first-served basis. No reservations accepted. No potable water available; campers must filter or treat water from nearby sources. Fires prohibited.
Special Weather Statement issued May 23 at 12:09PM EDT by NWS Gray ME
* The warm air temperatures this 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! * Generally light and variable winds shift to southerly today. Winds will be breezy this afternoon with some gusts up to 25 mph. 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
Rattle River Shelter is a backcountry shelter situated along the Appalachian Trail corridor in the White Mountain National Forest. The shelter is reached by hiking 1.7 miles up the gradual grade of the Rattle River Trail, starting from a large gravel trailhead parking lot on Route 2, about 3.5 miles east of Gorham, NH. In addition to the shelter structure, three designated tent sites provide overflow camping capacity. A composting toilet serves the area, but there is no potable water on site. Campers must filter or treat water from nearby streams. Per White Mountain National Forest regulations, fires are prohibited within a quarter mile of backcountry shelters. The shelter operates on a first-come, first-served basis with no reservation system. It is a popular basecamp for backpackers looking to access the Carter-Moriah Range and the 4,000-foot peaks via the Kenduskeag Trail.
Directions
From Gorham, NH, drive east on US Route 2 for 3.5 miles to the Rattle River Trailhead, a large gravel parking lot where the Appalachian Trail crosses the highway. Hike 1.7 miles south on the Rattle River Trail to reach the shelter.
Amenities
| Water | No |
| Fires Allowed | No |
| Toilets | Yes |
| Dump Station | No |
| Wifi | No |
| Pets Allowed | Yes |
| 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 |
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