Eliza Brook Shelter

For dedicated hikers and lovers of the New Hampshire backcountry, the **Eliza Brook Shelter** represents a vital and rustic stopping point deep within the **White Mountain National Forest**. Located near the town of Lincoln, this site is not accessible by car but is a fundamental piece of infrastructure on the legendary Appalachian Trail (AT). Positioned along the Kinsman Ridge Trail between Mount Wolf and South Kinsman, the shelter and its surrounding tent pads offer a genuine wilderness camping experience—a place where the focus is solely on the trail, the mountain peaks, and the flow of nature.

Eliza Brook Shelter is primarily utilized by thru-hikers on the AT, as well as local New Hampshire backpackers tackling challenging multi-day loops in the region. It is situated in the rugged terrain near the western boundary of the Pemigewasset Wilderness. The location is famous among hikers for its natural surroundings and its traditional status as one of the few backcountry sites in the White Mountains that does not consistently require a fee or reservation, offering a significant advantage for those on a tight budget or an impromptu adventure. It is managed by the U.S. Forest Service and the Appalachian Mountain Club (AMC), ensuring it adheres to strict wilderness protection standards. Visitors here are treated to the sounds of the nearby Eliza Brook and the characteristic dense, spruce-fir forest of the high-elevation New England mountains. This is a place for those who prefer the quiet challenge of mountain trekking over the comforts of a developed campground.

The campsite is deep in the wilderness, yet officially associated with the town of **Lincoln, NH 03580, USA**. However, local users should note that the physical location requires a significant hike in.

**Accessibility:** The Eliza Brook Shelter is a hike-in only facility. The primary access route for day hikers or those starting a backpacking trip is typically from trailheads along Route 112 (Kancamagus Highway) or the Interstate 93 corridor in Franconia Notch.

• **Main Access Trail:** The shelter is located directly on the **Kinsman Ridge Trail**, which is also the path of the Appalachian Trail (AT) in this section.
• **Hike-In Distance:** The shelter is situated approximately **7.5 miles** from the western end of the Kinsman Ridge Trail at Route 112 (Kinsman Notch) near North Woodstock/Lincoln. It is about a 4.0-mile hike south to the next major stop, South Kinsman Mountain, and a 9.0-mile hike north to the Lonesome Lake Hut, highlighting its secluded location.
• **Terrain:** The trail leading to the shelter is known to be rugged and challenging, typical of the New Hampshire White Mountains, featuring steep, rocky ascents and descents that require hikers to be well-prepared and properly equipped. The elevation of the shelter is around 2,400 feet.

As a true backcountry site, services at Eliza Brook Shelter are intentionally minimal, designed to meet the basic needs of hikers while adhering to "Leave No Trace" principles and protecting the sensitive forest environment.

• **Adirondack Shelter:** The site features a communal, three-sided lean-to shelter—a modern reconstruction—with a typical capacity for about six to eight people on a first-come, first-served basis.
• **Tent Pads/Platforms:** There are several hardened tent pads or platforms available for overflow and tent users. These are critical for minimizing the impact of tents on the surrounding forest floor.
• **Water Source:** The adjacent **Eliza Brook** serves as the campsite's primary water source. **Crucial Safety Note:** All water gathered from the brook or any natural source must be filtered, purified, or boiled before consumption.
• **Privy:** A composting outhouse (or privy) is provided to ensure hygienic and responsible human waste disposal, which is essential for protecting the water quality in this fragile watershed.
• **Bear Storage:** Metal food storage containers, commonly known as bear boxes, are provided for securely storing all food, cooking supplies, and scented items to deter bears and other curious wildlife, protecting both the campers and the animals.
• **Fees (Historical Context):** Historically, Eliza Brook was known as one of the last free camping/shelter sites in the AMC-managed section of the White Mountains. While the official status may be subject to change and roving caretakers may visit, it has traditionally operated without a mandatory nightly fee, making it a favorite for long-distance hikers. Hikers should check current AMC and Forest Service guides for the most recent fee status.

The unique draw of the Eliza Brook Campsite is its location and the unparalleled access it provides to the heart of the White Mountains hiking experience.

• **True Appalachian Trail Immersion:** The site is directly on the AT, offering thru-hikers and section hikers a genuine connection to one of the world's most famous long-distance trails.
• **Kinsman Ridge Challenge:** It serves as a base for tackling the challenging Kinsman Ridge, which features peaks like North Kinsman and South Kinsman, offering panoramic views across Franconia Notch and the Pemigewasset Wilderness.
• **Proximity to Franconia Notch:** While deep in the woods, the site is relatively close to the dramatic landscape of Franconia Notch State Park, which hosts popular attractions like the Flume Gorge and the Cannon Mountain Aerial Tramway, making it a potential final leg destination for a multi-day trip.
• **Wilderness Solitude:** Due to the required hike-in distance, Eliza Brook offers a far greater degree of solitude and wildness compared to roadside campgrounds, appealing to those who truly want to disconnect and sleep beneath the stars away from motor vehicles.
• **Historical Significance:** Having been a stop on the AT for decades, the shelter itself has a history and significance to the hiking community, representing a key refuge on one of the trail’s most notoriously rugged sections.

As a designated backcountry facility, the shelter does not have a dedicated site manager phone number. All inquiries should be directed to the administering organizations.

**Address (Associated Town):** Lincoln, NH 03580, USA

**Managing Authority Contact (General Inquiries):**

For the most reliable information on trail conditions, closures, and the current fee status of the shelter, users should contact the local management authorities.

**White Mountain National Forest - Pemigewasset Ranger District Phone:** (603) 536-6100 (General Forest Information)

**Appalachian Mountain Club (AMC) Contact:** Check the AMC's website or call their main information line for specific backcountry site details and regulations.

**What is worth choosing** Eliza Brook Shelter for your next outing?

Choosing Eliza Brook Shelter means committing to a rewarding, strenuous, and authentic **New Hampshire wilderness backpacking experience**. It is the ideal choice for experienced hikers who appreciate the simple necessities—a dry shelter, a reliable water source (after treatment), and protection from bears—and who prioritize the challenging beauty of the Kinsman Ridge over modern comforts. You should choose this site if your goal is to immerse yourself in the journey of the Appalachian Trail, or to use a secluded base for exploring the challenging peaks near Franconia Notch. For the local backpacker looking for minimal-impact, rugged camping in a highly scenic and challenging part of the White Mountain National Forest, Eliza Brook Shelter is an essential, highly valuable, and memorable stop.

Eliza Brook Shelter

Lincoln, NH 03580, USA