Sucker Brook Shelter

Open — Open year-round on a first-come, first-served basis. No reservations or fees required. Water must be treated or filtered from Sucker Brook.

About

Sucker Brook Shelter is a traditional three-sided lean-to located in the Joseph Battell Wilderness within Green Mountain National Forest. The shelter sits along both the Long Trail and the North Country National Scenic Trail, making it a popular stop for long-distance hikers. Access to the shelter requires a moderate hike via the Sucker Brook Trail, which ascends from Forest Road 67 following the brook upstream on an old logging road before reaching the shelter and its junction with the Long Trail. The shelter provides basic backcountry camping amenities including a composting privy and access to water from Sucker Brook, which should be treated or filtered before use. A small fire ring is available at the site. This is a first-come, first-served facility with no fees or advance reservations required. The Green Mountain National Forest requires proper food storage throughout the forest to minimize bear encounters, and campers must use bear canisters, bear hangs, or approved containers like Ursacks. The shelter is maintained by the Green Mountain Club in partnership with the U.S. Forest Service. Hikers should be prepared for backcountry conditions and follow Leave No Trace principles. The location offers access to continued hiking on the Long Trail, including north to Worth Mountain where several vistas can be found.

Directions

From Rochester, travel north on Route 100 to its junction with Route 125. Follow Route 125 west for 8.3 miles. Turn left onto Forest Road 67 and follow it 3.7 miles to its end at the Sucker Brook trailhead. From Middlebury, travel south on Route 7 to its junction with Route 125. Follow Route 125 east for 7.2 miles. Turn right onto Forest Road 67 and follow it 3.7 miles to its end. Hike the Sucker Brook Trail to reach the shelter.

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