Brassie Brook Shelter

- Salisbury, CT 06068

For the avid hikers and devoted outdoor enthusiasts across Connecticut, the Brassie Brook Shelter represents a pure slice of backcountry life right in the northwest corner of the state. It is not your typical drive-up campground with electrical hookups and shower facilities; instead, this destination is a quintessential Appalachian National Scenic Trail (AT) lean-to, offering an authentic, primitive overnight experience. Nestled in the forested hills near the iconic Bear Mountain, the shelter provides a vital, first-come, first-served rest stop for both long-distance thru-hikers and Connecticut locals embarking on demanding section hikes.

The shelter is a simple, three-sided log structure, often referred to as a lean-to, designed to offer essential protection from the unpredictable New England weather. Its presence is thanks to the diligent, year-round efforts of volunteers from the Appalachian Mountain Club (AMC), specifically the Connecticut Chapter, who are dedicated to maintaining the integrity and accessibility of this section of the AT. The commitment to maintaining a rustic character—a newly constructed cedar log shelter was completed in June 2023—ensures that the focus remains on self-reliance, minimal environmental impact, and an intimate connection with nature.

The Brassie Brook Shelter is an essential part of the Connecticut hiking experience, offering a tangible connection to the state's rugged, mountainous borderlands. For residents of the Nutmeg State, it provides a unique opportunity to shed the comforts of daily life, test backpacking skills, and engage with the broader AT community. Whether you are aiming for the summit of Bear Mountain or simply seeking a quiet night under the stars in a designated, managed wilderness spot, the shelter offers a perfect base camp for exploring one of Connecticut’s most scenic and challenging trail sections.

The Brassie Brook Shelter is situated in the town of Salisbury, CT, deep within the state's northwest Litchfield County, a region renowned for its rolling hills and dramatic ascents. This is a true backcountry location, meaning accessibility is strictly on foot.

• Hiking Access Only: The shelter is located on a short, blue-blazed side trail, approximately 200 feet off the main white-blazed Appalachian Trail (AT).
• Proximity to Bear Mountain: The site lies just south of the summit of Bear Mountain, one of the highest and most popular hiking destinations in Connecticut, making it an ideal overnight stop for those tackling the mountain’s challenging trails.
• Nearest Trailhead Access: Hikers typically access the area from the Undermountain Trailhead off Route 41 in Salisbury. From this parking area, the journey involves a steep and rocky climb up the Undermountain Trail before joining the AT and continuing north toward the shelter.
• Remote Setting: Though geographically near the small town of Salisbury, the shelter is remote and requires a significant hike of several miles with considerable elevation gain, ensuring a secluded wilderness camping experience.

As a managed, primitive backcountry site on the Appalachian Trail, Brassie Brook Shelter provides only the most essential services required for safe, low-impact overnight stays. It operates on a shared, communal basis under the strict guidelines of Leave No Trace.

• Lean-to Accommodation: The primary service is the three-sided log shelter, or lean-to, which has a reported capacity for six hikers, offering dry, elevated sleeping space on a first-come, first-served basis.
• Designated Tenting: For overflow, and in line with AT etiquette that prioritizes the lean-to for individual hikers, the site includes several hardened tent sites/pads nearby, which accommodate those carrying their own personal tents.
• Waste Management: A moldering privy (a simple outhouse designed to decompose waste in place) is provided for human waste disposal, a crucial element in maintaining sanitation in the wilderness.
• Bear-Resistant Storage: A steel bear box or bear-resistant container is available for the secure storage of all food, garbage, and scented items. This is a mandatory safety measure to protect both hikers and the native bear population.
• Picnic Table: A communal picnic table is often provided outside the shelter for cooking, eating, or writing in the trail register, enhancing the social aspect of the site.
• Water Source: Water is available from nearby streams, primarily Brassie Brook or other streams just north on the AT. All water from these natural sources must be filtered, boiled, or chemically treated before drinking.

The draw of Brassie Brook Shelter for Connecticut hikers stems from its strategic location and the authentic wilderness features it provides.

• Gateway to Bear Mountain: The shelter is situated perfectly for a challenging overnight or multi-day loop hike that includes summiting the magnificent Bear Mountain, offering rewarding views of the surrounding Litchfield Hills and the Taconic Range.
• Authentic AT Experience: It delivers an unvarnished taste of long-distance hiking, allowing Connecticut locals to connect directly with the national AT corridor and share the site with hikers traversing the entire length of the trail.
• Volunteer-Maintained Quality: The high quality of the shelter structure, rebuilt in recent years with durable cedar logs by the Appalachian Mountain Club volunteers, showcases the dedication to preserving the trail’s resources.
• Forested Seclusion: The campsite is nestled in a dense, hilly, and highly forested area, providing deep seclusion and the quietude expected of a true wilderness retreat.
• Community and Trail Camaraderie: The shelter is a well-known gathering point, offering Connecticut hikers a chance to exchange stories, advice, and trail culture with fellow backpackers.

As a remote, primitive shelter on the Appalachian Trail, Brassie Brook Shelter does not have a traditional street address or a phone number for reservations; it operates on a strictly first-come, first-served basis. Information regarding trail conditions and maintenance is managed by volunteer organizations.

Address (Approximate Location): Salisbury, CT 06068, USA (Located in the wilderness area near Bear Mountain)

Maintaining Club: Appalachian Mountain Club (AMC), Connecticut Chapter. They are the best resource for local trail conditions, maintenance updates, and general information about the Connecticut section of the AT.

Reservations: Not applicable. Shelter space and tent sites are strictly first-come, first-served.

Brassie Brook Shelter is arguably one of the most suitable and rewarding destinations for Connecticut’s local population seeking a true backpacking adventure. For residents, it’s a readily accessible—yet intensely challenging—wilderness escape that requires only a weekend of commitment. The shelter’s location in the high-country of Salisbury places it amidst some of the most spectacular, rugged scenery in the state, offering a mental and physical reset far from the urban and suburban bustle.

Critically, this location teaches and enforces crucial backcountry skills: water treatment, proper food storage via the bear box, minimal impact camping, and sharing space with a diverse community of hikers. Utilizing the shelter is a civic act, supporting the work of the AMC volunteers whose efforts ensure this national treasure remains pristine. For Connecticut residents, the Brassie Brook Shelter is more than just a place to sleep; it’s an opportunity to embrace the core values of the Appalachian Trail, testing self-reliance and connecting deeply with the state’s wild, preserved natural beauty, all within a few hours' drive of most major population centers.

Brassie Brook Shelter

Salisbury, CT 06068, USA