Velvet Rocks Shelter
Open year-round. No fee required. Water along the loop trail is unreliable during dry months; bring your own or be prepared to treat water.
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
Velvet Rocks Shelter is a backcountry three-sided shelter on the Appalachian Trail within the White Mountain National Forest, positioned 1.2 miles from the trail's western terminus near NH Route 120 and the Chase Field House in Hanover. The shelter is accessed via a 0.2-mile blue-blazed side loop that diverges from the main A.T. at approximately 0.8 miles from the Dartmouth sports fields. The shelter sits at the base of the Velvet Rocks ledges, a series of granite outcrops that offer scenic views. From the shelter, a trail continues 0.3 miles up the ledges before descending steeply to rejoin the A.T. Hikers can loop back to Hanover (2.6 miles) or continue north toward the top of Velvet Rocks. Amenities are minimal: a privy is located nearby, but there is no potable water on site. Water can be found along the loop trail but is unreliable during dry periods and must be treated before use. As a backcountry shelter, this is a pack-it-out facility with no trash service.
Directions
From the Mobil Station by the Hanover Co-Op, follow the gravel road along the south edge of the Dartmouth sports fields, following the white A.T. blazes. At 0.8 miles, take the blue-blazed side loop trail (left fork) for 0.2 mile to reach the shelter.
Amenities
| Water | No |
| Fires Allowed | — |
| 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 (603) 536-6100 |
Cell Service
| AT&T | Yes |
| Verizon | Yes |
| T-Mobile | Yes |
Useful Links
| USFS Velvet Rocks Shelter | |
| ATC Velvet Rocks Hike |
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