Little Rock Pond Shelter, Danby, VT

Introduction / Overview

For Vermonters who cherish the state's deep connection to wilderness and world-class long-distance hiking, the Little Rock Pond Shelter and Tenting Area is a quintessential Green Mountain experience. Located deep within the Green Mountain National Forest near Danby, VT, this site is more than just a place to sleep; it’s a protected, treasured oasis situated directly on the iconic Long Trail (LT) and the Appalachian Trail (AT).

Little Rock Pond is one of the three major mountain ponds along this famous southern Vermont corridor, offering a truly pristine backcountry campground experience. The atmosphere is defined by complete quietness and immersion in nature. As one hiker noted, “While I enjoy the complete quietness of my site it lacks a view. Needing sky for solar and Star Link it works out quite nicely.” This speaks to the true secluded nature of the sites, focusing on the surrounding forest rather than sweeping vistas.

The pond itself is the main draw—a cool, clear, and refreshing body of water. Visitors describe swimming out to a large boulder, sitting in the sun, and observing the vibrant blue dragonflies and small fish—a truly peaceful scene. Camping is strictly managed by the Green Mountain Club (GMC) and the U.S. Forest Service to preserve the fragile ecosystem, ensuring that this cherished spot remains pristine for future generations of hikers and local visitors.

Location and Accessibility

Little Rock Pond Shelter is located in the backcountry near Danby, VT 05742, USA. It is not a drive-up campground; accessibility is achieved via a moderate hike along a maintained trail, making it a true backpacking destination.

Trailhead: The most common and direct access point is from the Long Trail/Appalachian Trail crossing on Forest Road 10 (Brooklyn Road) in Mount Tabor/Danby.
Hike Distance: The hike to the shelter is approximately 2 to 2.3 miles from the trailhead parking area on Forest Road 10. This makes the total round trip about 4 to 5 miles, categorizing it as an accessible day hike or an easy overnighter for most experienced hikers.
Regional Context: The area is located in Southern Vermont, providing a convenient escape for local users in the Rutland and Manchester regions. The trailhead is easily reachable from US Route 7.
Trail Network: The site lies exactly where the Long Trail and the Appalachian Trail coincide, making it a critical landmark and stopping point for thru-hikers and a popular destination for local section hikers.

The relative ease of the hike to the pond, combined with the rugged beauty of the location, makes it perfect for Vermonters introducing themselves or their families to backcountry camping.

Services Offered

As a high-use backcountry campsite, Little Rock Pond Shelter provides essential services to support low-impact camping and protect the resource, primarily overseen by the Green Mountain Club and the US Forest Service.

The Shelter: A classic three-sided, lean-to style shelter that can accommodate approximately 12 people on a first-come, first-served basis. It includes a covered area with benches and a picnic table for cooking and resting.
Designated Tenting: Camping is only permitted in the designated areas. This includes two wooden tent platforms located near the shelter, and overflow tenting sites situated north of the pond, all designed to minimize impact on the surrounding ground.
Waste Management: A composting privy is located near the shelter to ensure proper human waste disposal and uphold sanitation standards in the delicate natural environment.
Caretaker Presence: A trained Backcountry Caretaker, employed by the GMC and the US Forest Service, lives on-site during the main hiking season (typically June through October). The caretaker provides hiker education on Leave No Trace principles, maintains the facilities, and collects the required overnight camping fee.
Water Source: Primitive water sources, typically a nearby creek or spring, are available for filtering and purification for drinking and cooking purposes.
Camping Fee: There is a required fee to camp overnight at the shelter and tent sites, typically $5 per person per night (fee subject to change by GMC), which directly funds the maintenance of the trail, campsite, and the caretaker program.

Features / Highlights

Little Rock Pond’s highlights are centered on its ecological preservation and its classic, authentic Vermont wilderness experience.

Pristine Swimming Pond: The centerpiece is the pond itself, offering cool, refreshing water for swimming. A standout feature is the “large boulder on the west side of the pond” and the rock face that hikers use as a natural sunbathing or jumping spot.
Dual Trail Access: The unique position on the Long Trail (LT) and the Appalachian Trail (AT) gives visitors the chance to experience two of America’s premier long-distance routes simultaneously, connecting them to the larger hiking community.
Managed Preservation: The continuous presence of a GMC Caretaker ensures the site is maintained to high environmental standards, protecting the pond and surrounding vegetation, which is a major draw for environmentally conscious Vermonters.
Authentic Backcountry Atmosphere: Unlike crowded car-camping sites, Little Rock Pond offers a truly secluded and quiet experience, as noted by visitors seeking complete quietness and an escape from the noise of civilization.
Community Connection: It serves as a great place to meet and share stories with thru-hikers and fellow local backpackers in the covered shelter area.

Contact Information

Since this is a backcountry site, direct contact is generally routed through the managing organization, the Green Mountain Club (GMC). The campsite itself does not have a phone or mailing address.

Address (General Area): Danby, VT 05742, USA (Access via USFS Road 10/Brooklyn Road, Mount Tabor)

Phone: For information on the Long Trail system, fees, or caretaker schedules, contact the Green Mountain Club Headquarters.

Green Mountain Club: (802) 244-7037 (Headquarters)

Note: All inquiries regarding the site's status, conditions, or fees are best directed to the GMC website or main office prior to visiting.

Conclusion: Why this place is suitable for locals

Little Rock Pond Shelter is supremely suitable for Vermonters because it represents the heart of the state’s outdoor identity: accessible wilderness, responsible stewardship, and the peaceful beauty of the Green Mountains. For locals, it offers an easily manageable backpacking trip—a short, rewarding trek that leads to a spectacular payoff: one of Southern Vermont’s most beautiful mountain ponds.

This site is a perfect training ground for aspiring backpackers and a cherished refuge for seasoned hikers. The presence of the GMC caretaker is a vital service, ensuring that local users are part of a system that actively protects the trails they love, helping to preserve the pristine nature of the Long Trail. By visiting Little Rock Pond, Vermonters can reconnect with their state's natural heritage, support the efforts of the Green Mountain Club, and enjoy a truly refreshing escape without having to travel far from home, solidifying its status as a critical local gem.