Trapper John Shelter
Open year-round on a first-come, first-served basis. No reservations accepted. No fee required.
Extreme Heat Warning issued July 2 at 6:40AM EDT until July 3 at 8:00PM EDT by NWS Gray ME
* WHAT...Dangerously hot conditions with heat index values up to 110. * WHERE...Portions of southwest and western Maine and central, northern, and southern New Hampshire. * WHEN...Until 8 PM EDT Friday. * IMPACTS...Heat related illnesses increase significantly during extreme heat and high humidity events. * ADDITIONAL DETAILS...Overnight low temperatures will only fall into the 70s, resulting in accumulated heat stress.
About
Trapper John Shelter is a classic Appalachian Trail lean-to located in the White Mountain National Forest near Lyme, New Hampshire. Built and maintained by the Dartmouth Outing Club, this three-walled wooden shelter can accommodate up to 8 hikers on a first-come, first-served basis. The shelter sits along the AT corridor, accessed via a 1.1-mile hike from Dorchester Road on the Holts Ledge Trail and a short spur trail. Facilities are minimal but functional for backcountry camping. A moldering privy provides sanitation, and a fire ring is available for campfires. A stream serves as the water source, though hikers must boil, filter, or chemically treat all water before consumption. There are no fees to stay at the shelter. As with all AT shelters in this section, Trapper John operates on a thru-hiker-friendly ethic where long-distance hikers traditionally have priority, though the shelter is open to all. Campers should pack out all trash and practice Leave No Trace principles. Bear-proof food storage (canister or proper hang) is recommended throughout the White Mountain backcountry.
Directions
From Dorchester Road in Lyme, NH, hike 1.1 miles via the Holts Ledge Trail (Appalachian Trail) and follow the spur trail to the shelter.
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 |
Cell Service
| AT&T | Yes |
| Verizon | None |
| T-Mobile | None |
Useful Links
| USFS Trapper John Shelter |
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