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Open

Open year-round on a first-come, first-served basis with no reservations. Two-night consecutive stay limit. During mud season through Memorial Day, hikers should expect wet trail conditions on the approach from Route 11/30.

Green Mountain National Forest

Grout Pond Drinking Water Unavailable

There is no drinking water available at Grout Pond Recreation Area at this time. Please plan ahead and come prepared.

Green Mountain National Forest

Forest Road 264 Closed Beginning July 8

Forest Road 264 will be closed from July 8 through September 30, 2026.Work will begin at the 2nd bridge, located 0.22 miles from the intersection of Mill Road and Forest Road 264, progressing toward the 5th bridge, 1.95 miles from the intersection. These improvements are necessary to ensure the…

Green Mountain National Forest

Caywood Point Dock Closed

The dock at Caywood Point on the Finger Lakes National Forest is closed until further notice due to weather related damage.

About

Spruce Peak Shelter stands as one of the few fully-enclosed cabin-style shelters on the Appalachian Trail and coincident Long Trail in Vermont. Unlike typical three-sided Adirondack lean-tos, this rustic log structure features a sliding door, four large sleeping bunks for up to 16 hikers, an interior table, and a woodstove for heating. It's one of only two Long Trail shelters with a woodstove, making it a popular winter camping destination. The shelter is located 0.4 miles south of Spruce Peak summit at approximately 2,200 feet elevation, reached via a 2.9-mile hike from the Route 11/30 trailhead in Winhall. A composting privy is located near the shelter, and a spring approximately 100 feet south provides water that must be filtered or treated before drinking. The site operates on a first-come, first-served basis with a two-night consecutive stay limit. No fees are required. Leave No Trace principles apply, meaning all trash must be packed out. The shelter sits on Green Mountain National Forest land within the Manchester Ranger District.

Directions

From Route 11/30 in Winhall, locate the Appalachian Trail/Long Trail trailhead parking area. Hike south on the AT/LT for 2.9 miles to reach the shelter, which is 0.4 miles south of Spruce Peak summit.

Amenities

Water No
Fires Allowed Yes
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

Cell Service

AT&T Yes
Verizon Yes
T-Mobile None

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