Colin Snow
Appalachian Trail Shelters are simple wooden structures built along the 2,190-mile trail for hikers to sleep in. They are open to the public and do not require a reservation, although there are a few small sections that require some planning. The shelters come in many different styles and sizes, but most are built in a lean-to style with one wall open to the elements. They can also look like log cabins, small barns or primitive custom-houses.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Reservation | Not needed, but a permit is required for the Smokys and a reservation and payment is required for the Whites in NH |
| Style | Most are built in a lean-to style with one wall open to the elements, but there are many different designs. Some have covered porches, bunk beds, or a second story loft. |
| Amenities | Usually other hikers, outhouses, boxes or cables to hang food, and a water source |
| Privacy | Shelters are a shared space, so be aware of the people around you |
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What You'll Learn
- Appalachian Trail shelters are simple wooden structures with three walls and a slanted roof
- You don't need a reservation to sleep in the shelters, but you may need a permit for some sections
- Shelters are a shared space, so be considerate of other hikers
- Shelters often have bunk beds or a loft, and there's usually a water source nearby
- You can also sleep in a tent or hammock if you prefer more privacy
Appalachian Trail shelters are simple wooden structures with three walls and a slanted roof
There are about 260 shelters along the entire 2,190-mile trail, so on average, there is a shelter every 8.5 miles. They come in different styles and sizes, but you can normally expect a roof and a wood floor to sleep on. Some have covered porches where hikers can hang out, and many have bunk beds or even a second-story loft. There are usually water sources located near a shelter, such as a spring, a stream, or a river, but not always, so it's a good idea to check your guide or maps beforehand.
Shelters are a shared space, so it's important to be considerate of other hikers. There are usually outhouses, and boxes or cables to hang food. If you want more privacy, you can always sleep in a tent or a hammock, but make sure to hang your food bag to keep unwanted wildlife away.
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You don't need a reservation to sleep in the shelters, but you may need a permit for some sections
You don't need a reservation to sleep in the shelters along the Appalachian Trail. These are public facilities that are open to everyone. However, you may need a permit for some sections, such as The Great Smoky Mountains in TN/NC and The Whites in NH. In these areas, you must get a permit for the Smokys and, unless you are a thruhiker, you must reserve and pay for a 'hut' in the Whites.
The shelters come in many different styles and sizes, but most are built in a lean-to style with one wall open to the elements. Some have covered porches where hikers can hang out, many have bunk beds, or even a second-story loft. You can normally expect a roof and a wood floor to sleep on. There are about 260 shelters scattered along the entire length of the 2,190-mile trail, so on average, there is a shelter located every 8.5 miles. Sometimes they might be closer together (maybe 5 miles), while other times they might be farther apart (maybe 15 miles).
Shelters are a shared space, so it's important to be mindful of your manners and the people around you. There are usually other hikers around, and there are often outhouses and boxes or cables to hang food. There’s also always a water source, although it's a good idea to check your guide or maps beforehand. If you'd prefer more privacy, you can always curl up in a hammock or a tent.
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Shelters are a shared space, so be considerate of other hikers
Shelters are public facilities that are open to everyone without a reservation or payment. However, there are a few small sections, such as The Great Smoky Mountains in TN/NC and The Whites in NH, that require some planning. You must get a permit for the Smokys and, unless you are a thruhiker, you must reserve and pay for a 'hut' in the Whites.
There are about 260 shelters scattered along the entire length of the 2,190-mile trail. Therefore, on average, there is a shelter located every 8.5 miles. Sometimes they might be closer together (maybe 5 miles), while other times they might be farther apart (maybe 15 miles). You are likely to pass by several in a day.
There are usually other hikers around, outhouses, boxes or cables to hang food, and a water source. If you are sleeping in a shelter, be aware of the people around you and mind your manners.
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Shelters often have bunk beds or a loft, and there's usually a water source nearby
Shelters along the Appalachian Trail come in many different styles and sizes. Most are built in a lean-to style with one wall open to the elements, but there are many different shelter designs in use up and down the trail. Some have covered porches where hikers can hang out, and many have bunk beds or a second-story loft. Normally, you can expect a roof and a wooden floor to sleep on.
In addition, there are usually water sources located near a shelter, such as a spring, a stream, or a river, but not always. Make sure to check your guide or maps beforehand. Shelters are a shared space, so it's important to be aware of the people around you and to mind your manners. They are also simple wooden structures, often with three wooden walls (the fourth wall being exposed) and are elevated a couple of feet off the ground. They can also look like log cabins, small barns, or primitive custom houses.
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You can also sleep in a tent or hammock if you prefer more privacy
Appalachian Trail Shelters come in many different styles and sizes. Most are built in a lean-to style with one wall open to the elements, but there are many different shelter designs in use up and down the trail. Some have covered porches where hikers can hang out, many have bunk beds, or even a second-story loft. Normally, you can expect a roof and a wood floor to sleep on.
There are about 260 shelters scattered along the entire length of the 2,190-mile trail. Therefore, on average, there is a shelter located every 8.5 miles. Sometimes they might be closer together (maybe 5 miles), while other times they might be farther apart (maybe 15 miles). The benefits of staying at these shelters are plentiful: there's usually other hikers around, there are outhouses, there are often boxes or cables to hang food, and there's always a water source. Plus, you can sleep in the shelters if you want to avoid bad weather or setting up your tent.
You don't need a reservation to sleep in the shelters. These are public facilities that are open to the public. That being said, there are a few small sections (notably The Great Smoky Mountains in TN/NC and The Whites in NH) that require some planning. You must get a permit for the Smokys and, unless you are a thruhiker, you must reserve and pay for a 'hut' in the Whites.
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Frequently asked questions
No, you do not need a reservation to sleep in the shelters. They are public facilities that are open to the public. However, there are a few small sections that require some planning. You must get a permit for the Great Smoky Mountains in TN/NC and, unless you are a thruhiker, you must reserve and pay for a 'hut' in The Whites in NH.
Appalachian Trail Shelters come in many different styles and sizes. Most are built in a lean-to style with one wall open to the elements, but there are many different shelter designs in use up and down the trail. Some have covered porches where hikers can hang out, many have bunk beds, or even a second-story loft. Normally, you can expect a roof and a wood floor to sleep on. They often have a slanted roof and are tall enough to stand up inside. They can also look like log cabins, small barns or primitive custom-houses.
There are about 260 shelters scattered along the entire length of the 2,190-mile trail. Therefore, on average, there is a shelter located every 8.5 miles. Sometimes they might be closer together (maybe 5 miles), while other times they might be farther apart (maybe 15 miles). You are likely to pass by several in a day.
There are usually other hikers around, there are outhouses, there are often boxes or cables to hang food, and there’s always a water source. Plus, you can sleep in the shelters if you want to avoid bad weather or setting up your tent.
Shelters are a shared space and it would be prudent to mind your manners and be aware of the people around you. Make sure to keep your food bag properly hung to avoid attracting unwanted wildlife.
