Full Goose Shelter

- Oxford County, North Oxford, ME 04261

For Maine residents and visitors drawn to the state's rugged, remote wilderness, the

Full Goose Shelter

represents an authentic piece of backcountry life. It is not a conventional family campground but rather a vital, rustic resting point along the storied Appalachian Trail (A.T.), maintained by the Appalachian Mountain Club (AMC). Situated deep within the Mahoosuc Range in Oxford County, this shelter provides essential, no-frills accommodation for hikers tackling one of the most challenging sections of the entire A.T.

This destination is specifically tailored for experienced backpackers, section hikers, and thru-hikers who embrace the Leave No Trace principles and the ethos of wilderness travel. The Full Goose Shelter is a classic A.T.

"lean-to"

or

"hut,"

typically a three-sided wooden structure with a slanted roof, designed to offer protection from the elements. Its primary purpose is to concentrate the impact of camping, preserving the pristine environment of the surrounding Maine woods. For those seeking an accessible drive-up campground with amenities like electric hookups or recreational vehicle (RV) parking, this is not the place. Instead, it offers an immersive experience into the wild heart of Maine's western mountains.

Its location is strategic, as it sits near the infamous Mahoosuc Notch, often dubbed

“the toughest mile on the Appalachian Trail.”

Therefore, staying at Full Goose Shelter often serves as a staging area before or a recovery point after navigating the formidable maze of boulders that define the Notch. It embodies the true spirit of Maine's demanding but rewarding hiking trails.

The Full Goose Shelter is located in a remote section of the Appalachian Trail in

Oxford County, North Oxford, ME 04261, USA.

It is not accessible by road or vehicle, making its accessibility a matter of strenuous hiking—a key factor for locals planning their adventures.

To reach the shelter, hikers must be prepared for multi-day backpacking treks over extremely difficult terrain, primarily within the Mahoosuc Public Reserved Land and the Mahoosuc Range.

• Trail Access: The shelter is located directly on the Appalachian Trail (A.T.), between Goose Eye Mountain and Fulling Mill Mountain.
• Proximity to Mahoosuc Notch: It is situated a short distance—approximately 1.5 miles—south of the west end of the Mahoosuc Notch, which necessitates a high level of physical conditioning and preparedness.
• Nearby Trailheads: The closest vehicular access points are typically located at road crossings such as Grafton Notch State Park to the north or perhaps the Rattle River Trailhead to the south, both of which require significant mileage and elevation changes to reach the shelter.
• Remote Setting: The location is deep in the backcountry, with limited, if any, reliable cell service. Hikers must be fully self-sufficient with navigation skills, food, and gear.

Maine users considering a trip here should view the hike as a serious expedition, consulting detailed A.T. maps and trail guides for up-to-date mileage and terrain information.

The services offered at Full Goose Shelter are essential and purely utilitarian, designed to meet the basic needs of a high-elevation backcountry campsite while adhering to Leave No Trace principles.

• Backcountry Shelter (Lean-To): The primary service is the wooden, three-sided lean-to structure itself, which offers a communal, covered sleeping area, typically with a capacity for around 12 hikers. This space provides crucial protection from rain, snow, and wind.
• Designated Tent Sites: In addition to the main shelter, the area typically includes designated, hardened tent platforms or campsites nearby. This concentrates impact and prevents hikers from damaging surrounding vegetation by creating new unauthorized sites.
• Water Source: A reliable, natural water source (such as a stream or spring) is available near the shelter. However, all water must be treated (filtered, purified, or boiled) before consumption.
• Mouldering Privy: A simple, composting or vault toilet (privy) is provided to manage human waste, which is a mandatory service for all A.T. sites to protect water quality and soil health.
• Fire Ring/Pit: A designated fire ring or pit is usually available in the common area, where fires are permitted unless local fire bans are in effect. Use is governed by strict rules regarding dead and downed wood only.
• Shared Resources: Often, a log book is kept within the shelter for hikers to record their journey and leave notes for others, fostering a sense of community on the trail.

It is important to reiterate that there are no modern amenities like electricity, running water, showers, trash disposal (hikers must pack all trash out), or Wi-Fi.

The highlights of the Full Goose Shelter experience are inherently tied to its unique position within Maine's most formidable mountain range.

• Gateway to Mahoosuc Notch: As one of the closest designated campsites to the Mahoosuc Notch, it is the strategic starting point for hikers preparing to navigate this mile-long, boulder-choked chasm, a true bucket-list challenge on the A.T.
• High-Elevation Views: The shelter is situated at a high elevation (approximately 3,030 feet), and the immediate surrounding trail sections—particularly over the peaks of Goose Eye Mountain—offer spectacular, panoramic views of the rugged Oxford County wilderness, including the deep Maine valleys and neighboring mountains.
• Authentic Thru-Hiker Culture: Staying at the shelter provides an opportunity to meet and share stories with thru-hikers (both Northbound and Southbound) passing through Maine, offering a unique glimpse into the culture of long-distance backpacking.
• AMC Maintained: Being maintained by the Appalachian Mountain Club (AMC) ensures adherence to high environmental standards and proper backcountry infrastructure, contributing to the long-term sustainability of the trail.
• True Wilderness Immersion: The remote, non-roadside location guarantees a genuine wilderness experience, characterized by minimal noise, dark night skies perfect for stargazing, and an increased chance of observing local wildlife.

As a remote backcountry facility, the Full Goose Shelter does not have its own dedicated administrative staff or phone line. For most up-to-date information, maintenance inquiries, or to report issues, users should contact the local maintaining club, the Appalachian Mountain Club (AMC), or the Appalachian Trail Conservancy (ATC).

Address (General Location/Mapping):

Oxford County, North Oxford, ME 04261, USA

Phone:

There is no direct phone number for the shelter itself. For administrative or emergency information regarding the Appalachian Trail in Maine, please refer to the Appalachian Mountain Club (AMC) contact information, which can be easily found via a quick search for

"Appalachian Mountain Club Maine contact."

Full Goose Shelter is uniquely suitable for Maine locals because it offers a direct, powerful connection to the state’s celebrated identity as a haven for rugged outdoor enthusiasts. For Mainers, who appreciate true wilderness and the demanding nature of the White and Mahoosuc Mountains, this shelter is not just a place to sleep; it is an important landmark on the journey through their home state's most challenging landscape. It serves as a proving ground for experienced hikers and provides an affordable, essential node for multi-day expeditions.

By requiring self-sufficiency and deep respect for the environment, the Full Goose Shelter experience aligns perfectly with Maine’s strong culture of responsible stewardship and embracing the unbridled nature of the

"pine tree state."

For a local user seeking to conquer the legendary Mahoosuc Range or complete a section of the A.T. through Maine, this shelter provides the necessary infrastructure for a safe, authentic, and profoundly rewarding wilderness adventure right in their own backyard. It is a testament to the fact that Maine's greatest treasures often require the greatest effort to reach.

Full Goose Shelter

Oxford County, North Oxford, ME 04261, USA