Kid Gore Shelter, Shaftsbury, VT

The Green Mountain State is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts, and for those who seek the genuine, rugged experience of backcountry hiking and camping, the Appalachian Trail (AT) and Long Trail (LT) offer unparalleled opportunities. Deep within the Green Mountain National Forest, the Kid Gore Shelter serves as a crucial and beloved waypoint for hikers, providing a respite and a connection to Vermont’s wild heart. It is not a conventional drive-up campground, but rather a traditional, three-sided lean-to structure—a staple of long-distance hiking in the region—offering an authentic and memorable overnight experience for Vermonters and visitors alike.

This facility, named in honor of Harold M. “Kid” Gore, an old friend of the Long Trail and late owner of Camp Najerog, embodies the spirit of dedication to Vermont’s trails. Originally constructed in 1971 by volunteers and maintained by the Green Mountain Club (GMC), it is part of a storied tradition that ensures the longevity and accessibility of these vital footpaths. For locals looking to escape the hustle and bustle and immerse themselves in a peaceful, serene setting, the Kid Gore Shelter area provides that perfect, restorative peace of mind, even for solo overnight trips. Its position in the wilderness ensures a deep sense of solitude and connection with the natural environment that Vermont is famous for.

Introduction / Overview

The Kid Gore Shelter is a rustic log lean-to situated on a short loop trail just off the main path of the Appalachian Trail and Long Trail, which share a common tread through this section of the Green Mountain National Forest. Designed to accommodate hikers on multi-day treks, it is an open structure with bunks that offers protection from the elements. Unlike car-camping grounds, a shelter site like this promotes a 'leave no trace' philosophy and a deep respect for the surrounding wilderness, making it a truly authentic Vermont backcountry experience. The atmosphere is generally quiet and communal, fostering a sense of camaraderie among those tackling the demanding terrain of the AT/LT.

While its primary purpose is to serve long-distance hikers, local residents often utilize it as a destination for multi-day loop hikes or as a challenging overnight stop on a weekend backpacking trip. The shelter itself is a log structure with bunks, traditionally able to accommodate approximately eight people, though original reports suggest it was initially built with sleeping space for up to fifteen and included a large table. Recent maintenance efforts by the Green Mountain Club continue to preserve its structure and integrity for future generations of hikers. The simplicity of the structure forces a focus on the natural surroundings—the very reason people seek out Vermont's mountains.

Location and Accessibility

The Kid Gore Shelter is located in a remote, high-elevation area near Shaftsbury, Vermont, within the expanse of the Green Mountain National Forest. Its official geographical designation is near Shaftsbury, VT 05262, USA.

Accessibility to the shelter is strictly via established hiking trails; there is no road access directly to the site. It is a backcountry location situated on the shared segment of the Appalachian Trail and the Long Trail. Access points for a hike to the shelter would typically be from trailheads along major routes like Vermont Route 9 to the south (near Bennington) or the Arlington-West Wardsboro Road to the north. These points lead to demanding, multi-mile hikes with significant elevation gain. For instance, it is situated approximately 5.2 miles south of the Arlington-West Wardsboro Road or approximately 14.5 miles north of the Route 9 crossing near Bennington, making any trip a genuine wilderness trek. Hikers must be prepared for rough, rocky, and root-covered trails, characteristic of Vermont's Green Mountains, and the possibility of mud, especially in wet seasons. The remote nature ensures that those who arrive are seeking a true wilderness immersion.

Services Offered

As a backcountry lean-to on a national scenic trail, the services offered are deliberately primitive, in keeping with the 'Leave No Trace' principles and the mission to preserve the wilderness experience.

Overnight Accommodation: A three-sided log lean-to structure providing bunk-style sleeping space, typically for about eight people, on a wooden floor.
Water Source: Access to a natural spring. A spring is located on a side trail to the shelter, which can be unreliable in dry seasons. A more reliable spring is reportedly located near a tenting site to the north. All backcountry water must be treated (filtered, boiled, or chemically purified) before consumption.
Privy: A pit privy is located near the shelter for waste disposal, which helps maintain sanitation in the remote area.
Tenting Area: While the shelter offers covered space, designated tenting sites are often available nearby for overflow or for hikers who prefer to sleep in a tent.
Bear Safety Provisions: Given the location in bear country, the Green Mountain Club has historically installed bear boxes for secure food storage, and hikers are strongly encouraged to use them or employ proper bear-bag hanging techniques.

Features / Highlights

The appeal of the Kid Gore Shelter lies in its natural features and the quality of the wilderness experience it offers.

Spectacular Sunrise Views: The shelter faces east and is positioned with a partial clearing, affording fantastic sunrises. The view includes a partial vista of Mount Snow and Somerset Reservoir in the distance.
Appalachian and Long Trail Access: It is a direct part of two of America’s most famous long-distance hiking trails, allowing local hikers to easily tap into a world-class trail system.
Bennington Triangle Proximity: The shelter is situated near the famed Glastenbury Mountain, an area tied to local folklore and known as the “Bennington Triangle,” adding a layer of intriguing local history to the experience.
High-Elevation Wilderness: Located at an elevation of approximately 2,795 feet, the site provides a true mountain environment characterized by rugged terrain, dense forest, and clean, crisp air.
Maintenance by GMC: The shelter is proudly maintained by the Green Mountain Club, a Vermont organization dedicated to protecting and maintaining the Long Trail and the AT in the state, ensuring the facility remains in good condition for public use.

Contact Information

As a remote backcountry shelter, the Kid Gore Shelter does not have a dedicated on-site office or direct phone number. All inquiries and information related to trail conditions, maintenance, and backcountry regulations are handled by the managing organization.

Address: Shaftsbury, VT 05262, USA (General Area, Access by Trail Only)

For the most current information on trail conditions, maintenance, and regulations for this section of the trail, local users should contact the Green Mountain Club (GMC), which maintains the Long Trail and the AT in Vermont. The GMC is the authoritative source for trip planning in this area.

Conclusion: Why this place is suitable for locals

For Vermont residents, the Kid Gore Shelter and its surrounding trails represent the very essence of the Green Mountains—raw, beautiful, and accessible to those willing to put in the effort. It is far more than just a place to sleep; it is a point of pride, a connection to the state's storied hiking culture, and a deeply peaceful sanctuary. The relatively demanding hike required to reach it ensures that the crowds are minimal, preserving the tranquil "peace of mind" that previous visitors have noted. This shelter offers locals a convenient yet profound escape, allowing them to truly unplug from modern life and reconnect with the spectacular natural landscape of their home state. Whether you are seeking a challenging long-weekend backpacking trip, an authentic AT experience, or simply the chance to witness a spectacular Vermont sunrise over the mountains, the Kid Gore Shelter is an ideal, rugged destination for those who cherish the wild, untamed beauty of the Green Mountain State. Utilizing this shelter supports the work of the Green Mountain Club and preserves the tradition of backcountry shelter camping for the local hiking community.