Jeffers Brook Shelter, Benton, NH

Jeffers Brook Shelter: An Essential White Mountain Haven for New Hampshire Hikers

For anyone who calls New Hampshire home, the White Mountain National Forest is more than just a place; it's a backbone of our identity, a challenging and rewarding escape into the rugged beauty of the Northeast. Deep within this beloved landscape, near the quiet town of Benton, lies the Jeffers Brook Shelter—a legendary and welcoming stop on the Appalachian Trail (A.T.).

This rustic, Adirondack-style shelter embodies the spirit of New Hampshire's backcountry hiking culture. It serves as a vital resting point for long-distance thru-hikers and an excellent, accessible overnight destination for local weekend backpackers. Located in the shadow of the mighty Mount Moosilauke, the shelter offers a true taste of New Hampshire's primitive camping experience: quiet, peaceful, and utterly surrounded by forest. Decades of service, dating back to its construction in 1981, have cemented its place as a super stopover where you can find rest, camaraderie, and an essential connection to the ancient rhythm of the trail.

Location and Accessibility

Jeffers Brook Shelter is situated in the town of Benton, NH 03785, placing it firmly within the boundaries of the White Mountain National Forest and on the main corridor of the Appalachian Trail. Its strategic location makes it easily identifiable for hikers navigating this section of the A.T.

The shelter is not a drive-up destination; it is a dedicated hike-in site accessible via a side trail from the main A.T. (known locally as the Town Line Trail).

The most common access point for day or overnight trips is via a side trail located 1.1 miles north of NH Route 25, in the village of Glencliff. This location is a popular entry point for hikers heading either north towards Mount Moosilauke or south along the trail.
Alternatively, the shelter can be accessed by taking the Town Line Trail (A.T.) south for 0.2 miles from where the A.T. crosses Long Pond Road (North South Road).
Hikers should note that the shelter sits at an approximate elevation of 1,350 feet, offering a crucial elevation break before the challenging ascent to Mount Moosilauke, a significant New Hampshire 4,000-footer.
The facility is entirely a backcountry camping resource, meaning access is reserved for hikers and backpackers.

The experience begins with the walk-in, rewarding New Hampshire locals with the peaceful immersion they seek, away from paved roads and car horns.

Services Offered

Jeffers Brook Shelter is a primitive, no-fee site, designed to provide basic protection from the elements. It operates on a strict self-sufficiency and Leave No Trace basis, which is standard for most A.T. backcountry shelters. This minimalist approach maintains the natural integrity of the White Mountain National Forest.

Key Available Amenities and Guidelines:

Adirondack-Style Shelter: The main feature is a three-sided, lean-to structure built primarily from logs, providing overhead cover and a bunk area that can typically accommodate up to 10 people.
Water Source: A nearby brook, Jeffers Brook, serves as the water source. All water must be filtered, boiled, or chemically treated before consumption. No potable water is provided.
Privy: A composting outhouse (privy) is available, offering a designated, low-impact solution for human waste disposal, often noted by hikers for its scenic view of the surrounding White Mountains.
Designated Fire Area: Campfires are allowed within the provided, designated fire ring or pit. Hikers are strongly encouraged to gather only downed and dead wood, adhering to responsible fire practices.
Picnic Tables: The site is equipped with at least one picnic table for food preparation and gathering.
Camping Space: In addition to the shelter space, most backcountry sites, including this one, allow for overflow tent camping nearby, which may require the use of designated tent pads.
First-Come, First-Served: The shelter is free and open to all A.T. users on a first-come, first-served basis. Reservations are not accepted.
Pet Policy: Pets are allowed at the site, but owners must adhere to A.T. etiquette, keeping them leashed and mindful of other hikers.
No Utilities: There are no showers, sewage hookups, or electric hookups available.

Features and Highlights

Jeffers Brook Shelter is more than just a place to sleep; it is a highlight of the central New Hampshire section of the A.T., offering unique connections to local stewardship and the state’s natural scenery.

Local New Hampshire Trail Stewardship:

Managed by Dartmouth Outing Club (DOC): This stretch of the Appalachian Trail and its shelters are typically maintained by the Dartmouth Outing Club, a historic and highly respected local volunteer organization. This local stewardship ensures the shelter remains clean, functional, and aligned with the values of the New Hampshire hiking community.
Gateway to Mount Moosilauke: The shelter is perfectly positioned at the foot of Mount Moosilauke. Heading northbound, hikers face the challenging climb up this iconic 4,802-foot peak, making Jeffers Brook the final, crucial rest spot before the intense elevation gain.
Classic Adirondack Design: The shelter’s three-sided "lean-to" architecture is a historic design for New England backcountry camping. Its open face is ideal for enjoying the sounds of the forest and the nearby brook, providing that "peaceful place" noted by past users.
Backcountry Solitude: Located deep in the White Mountain National Forest, the site offers a profound sense of solitude, allowing New Hampshire residents to unplug fully. It is a known place to rest and gather energy, often recalled fondly by hikers for its tranquility and setting.
Seasonal Views: The shelter’s location provides stunning natural views, with one reviewer highlighting the "view of the White Mountains" available even from the privy, a testament to the scenic beauty that surrounds the site.

Contact Information

Since Jeffers Brook Shelter is a remote, primitive facility, there is no direct phone number or staffed on-site office. For all inquiries related to the shelter’s maintenance, trail conditions, or general information, the best resources are the land and trail managing authorities.

Shelter Location: Appalachian Trail (Town Line Trail), Benton, NH 03785, USA

Managing Authority (General Inquiries):

White Mountain National Forest Supervisor's Office

Address: 71 White Mountain Drive, Campton, NH 03223

Phone: (603) 536-6100

Conclusion: Why This Place is Suitable for New Hampshire Locals

For New Hampshire residents, Jeffers Brook Shelter is more than just an A.T. structure—it is a low-barrier-to-entry access point to authentic backcountry adventure. The state's local culture embraces the challenge and independence of mountain life, and this shelter perfectly facilitates that.

It provides a safe, simple, and free overnight option for locals looking to tackle a significant segment of the Appalachian Trail, whether they are section hiking, preparing for the Moosilauke climb, or simply seeking a restorative night in the wilderness. The no-fee, first-come, first-served policy aligns with the welcoming, yet self-reliant, nature of New Hampshire's outdoor community. Furthermore, the commitment of the Dartmouth Outing Club to maintain this resource speaks directly to the strong local tradition of trail stewardship. By visiting Jeffers Brook, New Hampshire locals are participating in a statewide tradition, preserving the spirit of a place that is peaceful, essential, and a true testament to the Granite State's enduring wilderness. It is a local landmark that delivers an unforgettable and deeply rewarding experience—a "peaceful place for a day or night, preferably both."