Kirkridge Shelter

For residents of Pennsylvania, especially those in the eastern and Lehigh Valley regions, the **Kirkridge Shelter** represents more than just a place to sleep; it’s an iconic landmark along the legendary Appalachian National Scenic Trail (AT). Positioned high on the beautiful Kittatinny Mountain ridge near Bangor, this location offers a truly authentic backcountry camping experience, catering primarily to hikers traversing the great trail. It holds a significant place in the narrative of the AT, serving as the last major shelter for northbound (NOBO) hikers completing their journey through Pennsylvania and the first for those heading southbound (SOBO) out of the Delaware Water Gap.

The surrounding land is part of the expansive, natural landscape of the Pocono Mountains foothills, offering spectacular, panoramic views that stretch across the Delaware River valley and into New Jersey. While it is a simple, rustic structure—a functional and essential stop for those undertaking multi-day treks—it is celebrated for its cleanliness and well-maintained grounds. Visitors describe the stone-walled shelter as a welcome respite, providing a solid roof and a communal space in a relatively clean condition, which is highly valued in the backcountry. It is an ideal spot for hiking enthusiasts, and its accessibility makes it a wonderful destination for families introducing children to the wonders of trail hiking and camping.

It is important for local users planning a visit to understand that the Kirkridge Shelter is a **primitive campground** designed for self-sufficient hikers. It provides the basics needed to break a journey and enjoy the scenery but relies on the user’s preparedness and commitment to Leave No Trace principles. This setting allows Pennsylvania users to connect directly with the rugged, preserved nature that defines the state's majestic mountain ridges.

Kirkridge Shelter is officially located in the vicinity of **Bangor, PA 18013, USA**. The shelter itself sits on the Kittatinny Mountain ridge, right along the route of the Appalachian Trail. Its accessibility is defined by its connection to this famous hiking route and the nearby retreat center.

For day visitors or those accessing the trail for shorter sections, the shelter is often reached via side trails that connect to local roads, specifically off of Pennsylvania Route 191 near the Fox Gap area. This puts it conveniently close to major travel corridors, allowing hikers from the Lehigh Valley, Philadelphia, or Harrisburg to reach the trailhead and access the AT quickly. From the nearest road access points, hikers will need to trek a dedicated distance along a blue-blazed side trail to reach the shelter itself. This ensures the shelter maintains a quiet, secluded atmosphere, removed from the immediate sounds of vehicle traffic.

The location provides a strategic staging point for hiking the rugged final miles of the AT in Pennsylvania before it crosses the Delaware Water Gap into New Jersey. Its elevation on the ridge is what allows for the stunning scenic vistas, a reward for the effort required to reach this secluded mountain perch.

As a typical Appalachian Trail shelter, Kirkridge is a primitive camping location. The services offered are minimal, focusing entirely on the core needs of hikers in the wilderness. It is crucial for Pennsylvania users to understand these limited services and plan their provisions accordingly.

• **The Shelter Structure:** A permanent, three-sided, lean-to style structure, typically built of stone and wood, offering sleeping space for approximately eight hikers. It provides solid overhead protection from rain and snow.
• **Tent Sites:** The area surrounding the shelter includes several designated, relatively flat tent sites for overflow camping, allowing more hikers to find a suitable place to sleep near the primary structure.
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**Sanitation:** A Privy (an outdoor latrine) is available a short distance from the shelter, following standard AT protocol for sanitary waste disposal.

• **Fire Rings:** Designated fire rings or pits are available at the shelter and some of the tent sites for cooking and warmth, though hikers must be mindful of fire safety and any local fire restrictions.
• **Water Source:** A water source, such as a spigot or a natural spring, is generally available nearby, often requiring a short walk down a dedicated side trail. However, **water reliability is variable**, and hikers should be prepared to filter, treat, or boil all water obtained from the source, or pack in sufficient supply, especially during dry spells.
• **Hiker Registry:** A shelter log or registry is typically provided, allowing hikers to leave notes, share information about trail conditions, or simply mark their passage.

Kirkridge Shelter’s features and highlights are directly tied to its exceptional position on the Appalachian Trail, offering hikers and campers some of the best views and most fulfilling hiking experiences in Eastern Pennsylvania.

• **Spectacular Vistas:** The shelter is located near several prominent viewpoints, including one just a short distance north (or east) of the shelter that offers expansive, breathtaking views of the Delaware Water Gap, the Delaware River, and the surrounding lowlands. These views are often cited as being superior to many other locations on the southern end of the Kittatinny Ridge.
• **Appalachian Trail Experience:** It provides a genuine opportunity to engage with the Appalachian Trail culture. As the last shelter in PA for NOBO hikers, it's a place where trail stories and camaraderie thrive.
• **Natural Rock Walls:** The shelter itself is noted for its clean, rustic construction, often featuring unique rock walls that blend seamlessly with the rocky terrain of the Kittatinny Mountain.
• **Good for Children:** The surrounding area, while offering rugged hiking, is manageable enough for children and serves as a fantastic introductory experience to backcountry ethics and shelter camping.
• **Excellent Tent Camping Spots:** Beyond the shelter itself, the area offers good, flat tent sites and suitable tree coverage for hammocks, providing a variety of comfortable overnight options for the dispersed camping experience.
• **Proximity to Kirkridge Retreat Center:** The shelter is adjacent to the Kirkridge Retreat and Study Center property, a historic facility dedicated to providing rest and reflection, which offers a broader context to the land’s peaceful and contemplative history.

The Kirkridge Shelter is a managed facility within the Appalachian Trail corridor. While the shelter itself does not have a dedicated phone line, it is closely associated with the nearby Kirkridge Retreat and Study Center, which is a key contact point for the general area.

**Address:** Located off the Appalachian Trail near Bangor, PA 18013, USA

**Associated Contact (Kirkridge Retreat & Study Center):** (610) 588-1793

**Email (Kirkridge Retreat & Study Center):** KIRKRIDGE@kirkridge.org

**Note:** For specific, up-to-the-minute trail conditions, water reports, or maintenance issues related to the shelter, hikers are advised to consult official Appalachian Trail Conservancy (ATC) resources or current hiker reports, as the center’s staff primarily manage the retreat facilities, not the shelter itself.

**What is Worth Choosing Kirkridge Shelter**

For a Pennsylvania resident, choosing Kirkridge Shelter means opting for a unique blend of **challenging hiking and rewarding views** that define the state's AT section. This is not a drive-up family campground, but a destination for those who value the journey as much as the destination.

It is worth choosing because it provides a **critical, clean, and well-positioned sanctuary** for extended hiking trips. As the final shelter heading north in Pennsylvania, it is an emotionally significant stop for many hikers, offering a sense of accomplishment and a last comfortable stop before crossing the river. This sense of being part of the Appalachian Trail community is a powerful draw for local outdoor enthusiasts.

The most compelling reason to choose Kirkridge is the **unmatched scenic reward**. The spectacular views from the Kittatinny Mountain ridge over the Delaware Water Gap are arguably some of the best in Eastern Pennsylvania. For a day hiker, the trail provides a substantial, satisfying physical challenge, culminating in a panoramic lunch spot. For an overnight camper, the setting provides a quiet, authentic backcountry experience, complete with the basic facilities—the privy and a spigot—necessary to support multi-day self-sufficiency. It is the perfect spot for Pennsylvanians who seek quiet reflection, beautiful scenery, and the distinctive honor of standing on one of America’s most revered long-distance trails.

Kirkridge Shelter

Bangor, PA 18013, USA