Little Rock Pond Shelter

For residents of Vermont yearning for an authentic backcountry experience, Little Rock Pond Shelter, nestled in the serene landscapes near Danby, offers a unique opportunity to immerse oneself in the heart of the Green Mountains. This isn't your typical drive-up campground; instead, it's a vital part of the legendary Appalachian Trail (AT) and Long Trail (LT) system, providing essential shelter and designated camping areas for hikers and those seeking a more rugged connection with nature. Little Rock Pond is one of three picturesque mountain ponds along these iconic trails in southern Vermont, a true gem for anyone looking to escape the everyday and embrace the tranquility of the wilderness. It’s a place where the focus is on the journey, the natural beauty, and the quiet satisfaction of a true outdoor adventure, all within the accessible and stunning terrain of Vermont.

Many Vermont locals, from avid hikers to families looking for a unique overnight experience, will find Little Rock Pond Shelter to be a compelling destination. As one experienced visitor described, "Little Rock Pond is one of three mountain ponds along the AT/LT in southern Vermont. While there are no beaches, there are many access points to the pond, including a large boulder on the west side of the pond and the shelter and campsite on the east side. Camping is allowed only at the campsite and shelter." This perfectly frames the intentional, designated camping at this site. Another reviewer provided practical details, noting, "The shelter can fit about 12 people. It also includes a covered area with benches and a picnic table for cooking. Two tent platforms are located near the shelter, and overflow tenting is located north of the pond. A composting privy is located near the shelter." These firsthand accounts paint a clear picture of what to expect: a well-maintained, albeit rustic, setup designed for those who appreciate true backcountry principles and the natural beauty Vermont has to offer.

Little Rock Pond Shelter is located near Danby, VT 05742, USA, situated directly on the renowned Appalachian Trail (AT) and Long Trail (LT). This means it is a backcountry site, primarily accessible by hiking. The most common access point is typically via Forest Road 10 (Brooklyn Road) in Mount Tabor/Danby, where parking areas are available for hikers. From these trailheads, visitors will embark on a hike to reach the pond and shelter. For example, one common route is a 6.5-mile loop (Little Rock Pond/Green Mountain Loop) or a 4.0-mile round trip on the Little Rock Pond Trail itself, which gradually climbs through a mixed hardwood forest.

While this isn't a drive-up campground, its accessibility via well-marked trails makes it a popular destination for Vermont residents who enjoy hiking and backpacking. The trails leading to Little Rock Pond are often described as "entry level with little elevation change unless you want to hike up the Green Mtn," making it suitable for a range of hiking abilities. However, the "stony trail can be slippery even with hiking boots," so appropriate footwear is essential. The remoteness of the site ensures a truly immersive wilderness experience, yet it remains within a reasonable driving distance from many Vermont communities to its primary trailheads. This balance allows locals to experience genuine backcountry camping without needing to travel across the country, making it an ideal local adventure.

Little Rock Pond Shelter provides essential, minimalist services designed to support backcountry campers and hikers while preserving the natural environment. These services are managed in partnership by the Green Mountain Club (GMC) and the US Forest Service.

• Shelter Accommodation: A three-sided wooden shelter, capable of fitting approximately 12 people, offers protection from the elements. This is available on a first-come, first-served basis.
• Tent Platforms: For those preferring tents, two dedicated tent platforms are located near the shelter, providing level and dry spots for pitching tents. These are also first-come, first-served.
• Overflow Tenting Area: An additional area for overflow tenting is situated north of the pond, providing more space during busy periods.
• Composting Privy: A crucial amenity for hygiene in the backcountry, a composting privy (outhouse) is available near the shelter, helping to manage human waste responsibly. This type of privy often requires users to add wood shavings after use.
• Covered Cooking Area: The shelter includes a covered section equipped with benches and a picnic table, providing a designated space for meal preparation and dining, even in inclement weather.
• Caretaker On-Site: A caretaker, employed by the Green Mountain Club and US Forest Service, lives at the site during the managed season (typically summer/fall). They are responsible for maintaining the trail and campsite, monitoring impacts, and collecting fees.
• Camping Fee: A small fee of $5 per person per night is collected by the caretaker during the managed season. This fee helps support the maintenance of the shelter, privies, and trails. Camping is strictly limited to the designated shelter and tent sites within 0.5 miles of the pond.

Little Rock Pond Shelter and its surrounding natural area offer a unique set of features and highlights that make it a compelling destination for Vermont's outdoor enthusiasts. Its primary appeal lies in its authentic backcountry setting and its role along two iconic long-distance trails.

• Picturesque Mountain Pond: The centerpiece of the area is Little Rock Pond itself, a "clear little rock pond" surrounded by hills and large boulders. While there are "no beaches," there are numerous "access points to the pond," including a "large boulder on the west side," offering beautiful views and opportunities for contemplation. The pond is also stocked annually with brook trout, providing fishing opportunities (with a VT state fishing license).
• Appalachian Trail (AT) and Long Trail (LT) Access: The site is directly on the AT/LT, making it a popular overnight stop for thru-hikers and a fantastic destination for section hikers. This provides access to an extensive network of trails, including the Green Mountain Trail for loop hikes.
• Scenic Hiking Trails: The trails leading to and from Little Rock Pond are a major draw. They are described as "entry level with little elevation change unless you want to hike up the Green Mtn," making them accessible to many. However, the "stony trail can be slippery even with hiking boots," adding a touch of challenge. The "colorful leaves in autumn reflecting in the clear little rock pond is amazing," indicating stunning fall foliage views.
• Backcountry Shelter Experience: The three-sided shelter offers a communal and traditional backcountry lodging experience, accommodating approximately 12 people. Its covered cooking area with benches and a picnic table adds convenience.
• Designated Tent Platforms: For those preferring more privacy or tent camping, the two tent platforms near the shelter and the overflow tenting area provide designated, stable spots to set up camp, minimizing environmental impact.
• On-Site Caretaker: The presence of a caretaker, employed by the Green Mountain Club and US Forest Service, is a significant highlight. They help maintain the site, ensure adherence to Leave No Trace principles, and provide a sense of security and information for campers.
• Commitment to Leave No Trace: The managed site with designated camping, composting privy, and caretaker presence reflects a strong emphasis on environmental stewardship and Leave No Trace ethics, ensuring the preservation of this beautiful area.

Little Rock Pond Shelter operates as a designated backcountry camping site managed by the Green Mountain Club (GMC) and the US Forest Service. As such, it does not typically offer traditional "promotions" or "special offers" in the way a commercial campground might. The primary "offer" is access to a well-maintained backcountry camping facility on a first-come, first-served basis.

• Standard Camping Fee: A consistent fee of $5 per person per night is collected by the on-site caretaker during the managed season (typically summer and fall). This fee is a fixed contribution towards the maintenance and stewardship of the trails and facilities.
• First-Come, First-Served Basis: The shelter and tent platforms are available on a first-come, first-served basis, meaning there are no advance reservations for specific spots. This encourages spontaneity but requires planning, especially during peak hiking seasons.

It's important for locals considering a trip to Little Rock Pond Shelter to understand that the value comes from the unique backcountry experience itself, the well-maintained facilities in a remote setting, and the direct contribution to trail and site preservation through the modest camping fee. For the most up-to-date information on any changes to fees or operational guidelines, it is always best to consult the official websites of the Green Mountain Club or the USDA Forest Service (Green Mountain & Finger Lakes National Forests) or contact them directly.

As Little Rock Pond Shelter is a backcountry site managed by the Green Mountain Club and the US Forest Service, direct phone contact for the shelter itself is not available. However, you can find information and contact the managing organizations:

Address: Little Rock Pond Shelter, Danby, VT 05742, USA (This address serves as a general geographic marker for the area; the shelter is accessed via hiking trails.)

For general inquiries about the Long Trail and backcountry sites, or for information about the Green Mountain Club:

Green Mountain Club Headquarters:

Phone: (802) 244-7037

For information regarding the Green Mountain National Forest and its regulations:

Green Mountain & Finger Lakes National Forests (Supervisor's Office):

Phone: (802) 747-6700

It is highly recommended to consult the official websites of both the Green Mountain Club and the USDA Forest Service (specifically the Green Mountain National Forest section) for detailed trail maps, current conditions, regulations, and any alerts before planning your trip to Little Rock Pond Shelter.

Little Rock Pond Shelter offers a uniquely valuable experience for Vermont locals, particularly those who cherish the state's natural beauty and embrace the spirit of outdoor adventure. Unlike traditional drive-up campgrounds, this site provides an authentic backcountry camping experience, directly on the legendary Appalachian Trail and Long Trail. For Vermonters, this means unparalleled access to some of the state's most iconic long-distance hiking routes, offering a chance to explore stunning wilderness landscapes right in their backyard.

The accessibility of Little Rock Pond via hiking trails, described as "entry level with little elevation change," makes it a viable destination for a wide range of outdoor enthusiasts, from seasoned backpackers to families looking to introduce their children to primitive camping. The reward for the hike is a truly peaceful and quiet setting by a "clear little rock pond," offering a serene escape from daily life. The "colorful leaves in autumn reflecting in the clear little rock pond is amazing," making it a must-visit during Vermont's renowned fall foliage season.

Furthermore, the presence of a caretaker, jointly employed by the Green Mountain Club and US Forest Service, ensures that the site is well-maintained and that Leave No Trace principles are upheld. This commitment to conservation is something Vermonters deeply appreciate, knowing their wild spaces are being cared for. The basic but essential amenities—a shelter, tent platforms, a composting privy, and a covered cooking area—provide necessary comforts while maintaining the rustic feel of backcountry camping. The small fee collected directly supports the maintenance of these vital resources. For locals, Little Rock Pond Shelter isn't just a place to sleep; it's an opportunity to connect with Vermont's wilderness heritage, challenge themselves on its famous trails, and enjoy a profound sense of peace and natural beauty, making it an ideal local adventure for an authentic outdoor experience.

Little Rock Pond Shelter

Danby, VT 05742, USA