Gentian Pond Shelter, Success, NH

Introduction / Overview

For residents of New Hampshire, the name

Gentian Pond Shelter

evokes the true spirit of high-country adventure. It is not a typical developed campground with manicured sites and RV hookups, but rather a classic backcountry facility situated at an elevation of approximately 2,165 feet in the rugged Mahoosuc Range—one of the most demanding and rewarding sections of the Appalachian Trail (A.T.). Located in Coos County, near the town of Success, this shelter is a vital and picturesque stop for hikers and backpackers immersing themselves in the White Mountain National Forest.

The shelter is named for the stunning

Gentian Pond

itself, a small, remote mountain lake (or tarn) that offers a tranquil setting after a challenging hike. It provides essential, protected accommodation in the form of a rustic lean-to (or three-sided structure), maintained by the Appalachian Mountain Club (AMC) under agreement with the U.S. Forest Service. Its primary purpose is to follow

Leave No Trace

ethics by concentrating camping impact in a durable area.

As a local user, choosing Gentian Pond Shelter means embracing a deep-wilderness experience, far removed from the sounds of traffic and modern life. It marks a significant transition point on the A.T., sitting near the New Hampshire-Maine border and serving as a strategic base camp before tackling the notorious terrain to the north. As one hiker noted, it is a

"Beautiful remote lake with a solid shelter,"

highlighting its key appeal: scenic solitude and dependable protection.

Location and Accessibility

Gentian Pond Shelter is situated in the remote, mountainous territory of

Coos County, Success, NH 03581, USA

, deep within the White Mountain National Forest. Accessibility to the shelter is exclusively by foot via well-marked, but strenuous, hiking trails. There is no vehicle access to the site itself.

The most common access route is the

Austin Brook Trail

which begins on North Road in Shelburne, NH, and ascends to the ridge where the shelter is located.

Trail Approach: The hike from the North Road trailhead via the Austin Brook Trail to the shelter is approximately 3.3 to 3.5 miles, involving a steady ascent of around 1,700 feet to reach the ridgeline plateau where Gentian Pond is situated.
Geographic Position: The shelter is located along the Appalachian Trail, near the intersection of the Austin Brook Trail and the Mahoosuc Trail. For those traveling northbound (NOBO), it is one of the last shelters in New Hampshire before entering the demanding Mahoosuc Range in Maine.
Parking: Parking is available at the trailhead on North Road in Shelburne, NH, which is a dedicated parking area for day and overnight hikers accessing the White Mountain National Forest.
Remote Conditions: Hikers must be prepared for changing weather conditions characteristic of high-elevation New England mountains, and should be fully equipped with appropriate navigational tools, safety gear, and supplies for backcountry travel.

New Hampshire locals often use this location for serious weekend backpacking trips or as a key overnight stop while section-hiking the A.T., capitalizing on its accessibility via the Austin Brook Trail from the Gorham/Shelburne area.

Services Offered

The services at Gentian Pond Shelter are focused on providing a safe, clean, and low-impact overnight stay in the wilderness. Hikers should not expect the conveniences of a developed campsite but rather the essentials for a true backcountry experience.

Backcountry Lean-To: The main feature is the three-sided shelter structure, which typically has two sleeping platforms and a capacity of up to 14 people, offering communal, weather-protected rest.
Designated Tent Sites/Platforms: To accommodate additional hikers and prevent resource damage, the campsite area usually features several designated, hardened tent platforms or pads nearby.
Reliable Water Source: A natural water source, such as a spring or pond run-off, is located near the shelter. It is imperative that all water gathered be treated (filtered, purified, or boiled) before drinking.
Composting Privy/Toilet: A vault or composting toilet (privy) is available to ensure proper human waste disposal and maintain sanitation in the delicate ecosystem.
Bear Box/Food Storage: The site typically includes a secure, designated storage system, such as a bear box or cable, for hikers to safely store food and scented items away from the shelter and tents, protecting both people and wildlife.
Caretaker (Seasonal): During peak hiking season (typically late spring through early fall), the site is occasionally monitored by a caretaker from the Appalachian Mountain Club (AMC) who provides site upkeep, manages waste systems, and offers educational information to hikers.

A small fee may be required for overnight use for non-thru-hikers, which directly supports the maintenance of the shelter and trail system. Hikers must adhere to a strict

Carry In, Carry Out

policy for all trash.

Features / Highlights

The allure of Gentian Pond Shelter lies in its natural beauty and its strategic position within the celebrated New Hampshire wilderness.

The Tranquil Gentian Pond: The defining feature is the beautiful, remote tarn that the shelter overlooks. This small mountain lake provides a peaceful focal point, and in the right conditions, offers reflections of the surrounding ridges, providing a stunning backdrop for rest and photography.
Views of the Northern Presidential Range: From the shelter area, visitors can often catch impressive views of the northern White Mountains, including the Presidential Range peaks to the west, particularly stunning at sunrise or sunset.
The Last NH Shelter on the A.T. (Northbound): For thru-hikers and section hikers heading north, Gentian Pond Shelter is famously recognized as the final, major campsite in New Hampshire before crossing into Maine, marking the beginning of the rugged Mahoosuc Range.
A Multi-Level Structure: The shelter itself has been noted for its multi-level design, often providing an aesthetically pleasing and slightly more complex structure than the most basic lean-tos, adding to its solid and welcoming feel.
Trail Network Access: The location serves as a hub, offering access not only to the Appalachian Trail but also to loop opportunities via connecting trails like the Dryad Fall Trail and the Austin Brook Trail, allowing for multi-day circuit hikes.

Contact Information

As a remote backcountry shelter within the White Mountain National Forest, Gentian Pond Shelter does not have a dedicated, direct phone number or mailing address. The facility is managed by the Appalachian Mountain Club (AMC).

Address (General Location/Mapping):

Coos County, Success, NH 03581, USA (located on the Appalachian Trail near Shelburne, NH)

Phone:

There is no direct phone number for the shelter. For current trail conditions, fees, or administrative information regarding this section of the Appalachian Trail, please contact the managing organizations. Users should search for the contact information for the

Appalachian Mountain Club (AMC)

or the local

U.S. Forest Service - White Mountain National Forest, Androscoggin Ranger District

Conclusion: Why this place is suitable for locals

For residents of New Hampshire, Gentian Pond Shelter is more than just a place to pitch a tent—it's an accessible icon of the state's fierce and celebrated hiking culture. It is perfectly suited for locals because it offers a truly remote, high-quality wilderness experience without the need for extensive travel outside of New England. It provides an ideal weekend escape for intermediate and advanced backpackers looking to test their skills on challenging A.T. terrain.

This shelter allows New Hampshire users to train for or experience the legendary northern A.T. environment, acting as an important and accessible launch point for trips into the Mahoosucs. The picturesque setting on the pond provides a uniquely serene environment for reflection and reconnection with nature, all while fostering a sense of community with fellow hikers. By visiting the Gentian Pond Shelter, locals are not just camping; they are actively engaging with and preserving the unique, rugged identity of New Hampshire's most beautiful wild spaces.