Kid Gore Shelter

Kid Gore Shelter is a legendary stopping point for hikers traversing the rugged spine of the Green Mountains in Vermont. This rustic backcountry campground serves as a vital refuge for those trekking along the overlapping sections of the Appalachian Trail and the Long Trail. Built in 1971 and named in honor of Harold M. "Kid" Gore, a dedicated friend of the Long Trail, the shelter carries a deep history of Vermont’s outdoor culture. It is managed by the Green Mountain Club and offers a authentic "lean-to" experience for backpackers looking to immerse themselves in the deep woods of Bennington County.

Unlike developed campgrounds with paved loops and utility hookups, Kid Gore Shelter is a primitive site designed for the self-sufficient traveler. It provides a shared space where the camaraderie of the trail comes to life. Residents of Vermont and visitors alike seek out this location specifically for its quietude and its connection to the natural landscape. The shelter is situated in a way that respects the environment, providing a low-impact way to enjoy the high-elevation forests of the Green Mountain National Forest. Whether you are an "end-to-ender" or a local looking for a strenuous weekend getaway, this site offers a peaceful retreat far from the modern world.

The location of Kid Gore Shelter is one of its most celebrated features, though it requires effort to reach. Nestled in the town of Shaftsbury, Vermont, the shelter sits at an elevation of approximately 2,795 feet. This high-altitude positioning rewards visitors with panoramic views that are rare for a wooded shelter site. Accessibility is strictly limited to foot traffic; there are no roads leading directly to the site, which helps preserve the area’s remote character. Most hikers access the shelter via the Long Trail/Appalachian Trail, typically coming from the south near Glastenbury Mountain or from the north near the Arlington-West Wardsboro Road (Kelley Stand Road).

For those navigating the Vermont backcountry, it is important to note that "accessibility" here refers to trail conditions rather than vehicle access. The hike to the shelter involves significant elevation gain and requires a moderate to advanced level of physical fitness. The terrain is characteristic of the Green Mountains—expect roots, rocks, and mud, particularly during the "mud season" of early spring. While the shelter itself features a wheelchair-accessible style of open-front construction, the surrounding wilderness trails are not currently rated for adaptive equipment. Hikers should be prepared for a true wilderness experience where the journey is as significant as the destination.

• Rustic log lean-to shelter with an 8-person capacity, featuring double-deck wooden bunks for overnight stays.
• Dedicated tenting area located to the north of the shelter for those who prefer more privacy or during high-occupancy periods.
• A classic backcountry pit privy located a short distance from the main shelter area for sanitary purposes.
• Natural spring water source (unreliable during dry seasons) located on the side trail leading to the shelter.
• Large picnic table situated in front of the shelter, serving as a communal hub for cooking and planning routes.
• Designated campfire area for low-impact cooking, provided local forest fire regulations permit use at the time.
• Direct trail connectivity to the Appalachian Trail and Vermont's historic Long Trail.

The highlights of Kid Gore Shelter are centered on its unparalleled views and historical significance. Because the shelter faces east through a strategic clearing, it is famous among Vermont hikers for its "fantastic sunrises." On clear mornings, the sun peeks over the horizon to illuminate the valley below, offering a partial view of the Somerset Reservoir and the distant peak of Mount Snow. This visual reward makes the steep climb worth every step. The structure itself, though simple, is a masterclass in traditional log construction, providing a dry and sturdy place to rest even during the notorious Vermont thunderstorms.

• Spectacular eastern-facing views that provide some of the best sunrise photography opportunities on the southern Long Trail.
• Proximity to the Glastenbury Wilderness, an area shrouded in local Vermont legends and pristine natural beauty.
• High-elevation atmosphere that offers cooler temperatures and a respite from the summer humidity of the valleys.
• A well-maintained privy and clean shelter environment, thanks to the dedicated volunteers of the Green Mountain Club.
• Convenient location for a multi-day trek, situated between the Goddard Shelter to the south and Story Spring Shelter to the north.
• Abundant wildlife viewing opportunities, including frequent sightings of moose, white-tailed deer, and various songbirds.
• A sense of historical continuity, as the shelter has served generations of Vermont hikers since its dedication in 1971.

To reach Kid Gore Shelter, visitors should prepare for a backcountry excursion. There is no office or phone number at the site itself, as it is a primitive wilderness shelter. For information regarding trail conditions or to support the maintenance of this public resource, you may contact the Green Mountain Club. The general address for the wilderness area is provided below, but hikers must use a topographical map or a trail guide to find the specific GPS coordinates.

Address: Long Trail / Appalachian Trail, Shaftsbury, VT 05262, USA

Kid Gore Shelter is worth choosing for anyone who values the "purity of the trail." It is not a place for those looking for luxury, but it is exactly the right place for those looking for perspective. Choosing this campground means choosing to trade a soft mattress for a wooden bunk in exchange for the sound of the wind through the pines and a front-row seat to the mountain's awakening. In a state that prides itself on its rugged independence and love for the outdoors, Kid Gore Shelter stands as a monument to that spirit.

Furthermore, it is a choice for the environmentally conscious traveler. By utilizing these established shelter sites, hikers help concentrate their impact, allowing the rest of the Vermont wilderness to remain undisturbed. The shelter offers a communal experience where you can share stories with through-hikers who have walked from Georgia or meeting local Vermonters who have known these woods for decades. If you are looking for a place where the air is thinner, the views are wider, and the morning light is truly magical, Kid Gore Shelter is an essential stop on your Vermont journey.

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