Stover Creek Shelter

Introduction / Overview

Tucked away in the serene, wooded landscape of the Appalachian National Scenic Trail near Blue Ridge, Georgia, Stover Creek Shelter stands as a vital and beautiful rest stop for backpackers and hikers. This isn't your typical roadside campground with RVs and full amenities, but rather a core part of the true backpacking experience. It provides a rustic yet well-equipped basecamp for those traversing the famous Appalachian Trail (AT). The shelter is a well-loved and frequently used spot, celebrated for its natural beauty and practical features that make a long journey a little more comfortable.

Stover Creek Shelter is a unique destination that caters specifically to the backpacking community. It's a place to find refuge, connect with other hikers, and recharge amidst the stunning natural scenery of the Georgia mountains. The shelter itself is a highlight, offering a covered, two-level structure for sleeping and a place to get out of the elements. It’s an ideal spot for an overnight stay after a long day of hiking, providing a sense of security and community in the wilderness. The entire area surrounding the shelter is a very nice camping area on the Appalachian Trail, providing a true outdoor experience for those seeking adventure in Georgia's beautiful backcountry.

Location and Accessibility

Stover Creek Shelter is located directly on the Appalachian National Scenic Trail, near Blue Ridge, GA 30513, USA. As a backcountry shelter, its primary access is on foot, making it a destination for dedicated hikers and backpackers. Its location is strategic for those on the AT, particularly for those coming off the Approach Trail. This makes it an ideal spot to stop and rest after the challenging climb from Amicalola Falls State Park.

While traditional accessibility features like car parks are not applicable here, the location is a part of the Appalachian Trail’s network of accessible points for hikers. The trail itself is the entry point, and the shelter is a key landmark along the route. For those planning a trip, knowing the location of the shelter and the nearby water source is crucial. The shelter is situated in a way that provides convenience to those who are on a multi-day journey, offering a natural and accessible stopping point on a long and winding trail.

Services Offered

The services at Stover Creek Shelter are tailored for the backpacking experience, focusing on essential needs for hikers on the trail.

• Tent Sites: In addition to the shelter, there are plenty of campsites available for those who prefer to pitch their own tents, providing ample space for a large number of hikers.
• Running Water: A solid creek, which serves as the water source, is located a short distance away from the shelter. This reliable water source is a critical and appreciated feature for hikers who need to filter water for drinking and cooking.
• Covered Picnic Table: The shelter includes a covered picnic table, which is a significant convenience for outdoor dining, especially in inclement weather. As one review noted, this makes it "fine outdoor dining when backpacking in bad weather."
• Bear Boxes: For the safety of both hikers and wildlife, bear boxes are provided for storing food and scented items, ensuring a secure and responsible camping environment.
• Privy: A privy (outhouse) is available, offering a basic but essential amenity for sanitation in the wilderness.

Features / Highlights

Stover Creek Shelter's highlights are its rustic charm and practical features that cater to the unique needs of the hiking community.

• Two-Level Shelter: The shelter itself is a notable feature, with a ground level that can sleep four comfortably and a "penthouse suite" that can accommodate six more. This provides a communal and protected space for sleeping.
• Scenic and Beautiful Location: The entire area is described as a "beautiful shelter on the AT" and a "very nice camping area." The natural surroundings contribute to a serene and aesthetically pleasing experience.
• Fire Pit with Grill: A fire pit with a grill is available for cooking and warmth, which is a welcome feature for backpackers.
• Food Cables: In addition to the bear boxes, food cables (also known as bear hangs) are available for securing food from animals, offering an alternative for hikers.
• Ideal Location on the Trail: The shelter’s location is ideal for hikers, especially those who have just completed the challenging Approach Trail, providing a perfect spot to rest and recuperate.

Contact Information

As a backcountry shelter, Stover Creek Shelter does not have a phone number. Its contact information is its location on the trail.

Address: Appalachian National Scenic Trail, Blue Ridge, GA 30513, USA

What is worth choosing

Choosing Stover Creek Shelter for an overnight stay on your backpacking trip is an excellent decision for several reasons. For starters, its location on the Appalachian Trail is strategic and highly beneficial, especially for those who are beginning their journey on the main trail after completing the approach trail. It offers a much-needed resting point at a crucial time. The shelter itself is a major highlight, with its unique two-level design providing a dry and relatively comfortable place to sleep. A reviewer found it to be a "dope spot" and appreciated the covered picnic table, which is a small but important convenience that makes a big difference in poor weather.

The amenities provided, though basic, are precisely what a backpacker needs. The reliable water source is a critical and highly-praised feature, and the presence of bear boxes and food cables shows a commitment to both hiker safety and wildlife protection. The ample number of tent sites ensures that even when the shelter is full, there is a space to set up camp. While a minor drawback mentioned was the gaps in the floor of the shelter, which can let in cold air, this is part of the rustic nature of backcountry camping and can be mitigated with the right gear. Overall, the combination of a well-maintained shelter, essential amenities, and a stunning natural location makes Stover Creek Shelter a top-tier choice for any hiker on the Appalachian Trail in Georgia. It's a place that provides both the necessary tools for a successful trip and a beautiful, welcoming atmosphere to truly experience the wilderness.

Stover Creek Shelter

Appalachian National Scenic Trail, Blue Ridge, GA 30513, USA