North Mount Wilcox Shelter

- Berkshire County, Monterey, MA 01245

For dedicated hikers and lovers of raw, authentic outdoor experiences across Massachusetts, the name North Mount Wilcox Shelter evokes the heart of true backcountry camping. Unlike state park campgrounds designed for car access, this destination represents the purest form of overnighting in the wilderness: a primitive, first-come, first-served lean-to located directly on a short spur trail off the legendary Appalachian National Scenic Trail (AT). Nestled in the high ground of Berkshire County, near the towns of Monterey and Great Barrington, the shelter is a crucial stopping point for hikers tackling the Massachusetts section of the AT.

Maintained by the dedicated volunteers of the Appalachian Mountain Club (AMC), the North Mount Wilcox Shelter is an integral part of the infrastructure that supports long-distance hiking in the Commonwealth. It offers a rustic, three-sided log structure, often referred to as a lean-to, which provides basic protection from the elements. This site is not a destination for family picnics or RVs; it is a resource built specifically for backpackers committed to carrying everything they need on their backs. Its location provides an unparalleled opportunity for Massachusetts locals to step onto one of the world's most famous trails and immerse themselves in the deep forests and rugged terrain that define the state's western border.

The experience here is governed by the principles of Leave No Trace and Appalachian Trail etiquette, emphasizing community, quiet respect for fellow hikers, and minimal impact on the environment. For Massachusetts residents, visiting North Mount Wilcox Shelter—even for a demanding overnight section hike—is a chance to tap into a global hiking culture and appreciate the preserved natural beauty of Beartown State Forest from a unique, high-elevation perspective. The commitment to a primitive setting, complete with bear boxes and moldering privies, ensures that the character of the Massachusetts AT remains wild and unspoiled for generations of hikers to come.

The North Mount Wilcox Shelter is situated high in the rugged landscape of Berkshire County, within the boundaries of Beartown State Forest, though it is primarily an Appalachian Trail facility managed by the AMC. Its accessibility is purely through hiking, making it a true backcountry location.

• Hiking Access Only: The shelter is accessible via a blue-blazed side trail, approximately 0.2 to 0.3 miles off the main white-blazed Appalachian Trail (AT).
• Distance from Trailheads: The site is reachable via moderately difficult hiking from several points, including the Beartown Mountain Road crossing and the Benedict Pond area of Beartown State Forest, approximately three to four miles of hiking from the nearest vehicular access points.
• Local Community Proximity: While the shelter itself is remote, it is located geographically near the small town of Monterey, MA, and the larger cultural hub of Great Barrington, MA. Hikers can resupply or find accommodations in these towns after their backcountry excursion.
• Forest Environment: The shelter is located at an elevation of approximately 2,100 feet in a remote, wooded area known for diverse ecosystems, including rich forests and, occasionally, wet or swampy areas around its primary water source.

As a backcountry Appalachian Trail shelter, North Mount Wilcox is designed to provide minimal, essential services to ensure hiker safety and environmental protection, adhering strictly to primitive camping standards.

• The Shelter Structure: The main 'campground' service is the older log lean-to (or cabin) itself, which typically accommodates about eight to ten hikers on a first-come, first-served basis, offering dry, elevated sleeping space.
• Tenting Area: In addition to the shelter, there are designated tenting areas or pads nearby—typically space for about four tents—to accommodate overflow, especially during peak hiking season.
• Water Source: A natural water source, usually a nearby brook or spring, is available. Critically, this water source may run dry in late summer, and all water must be treated (filtered, boiled, or chemically purified) before consumption.
• Waste Management: A moldering or primitive privy (outhouse) is provided near the site to concentrate human waste and maintain sanitation, a key component of Leave No Trace principles.
• Bear Storage: A steel bear box or bear-resistant storage container is provided on-site. The use of this is mandatory for all food, trash, and scented items to protect both hikers and the area's black bear population.
• Fire Ring: A main fire ring is typically available in front of the shelter for permitted campfires. Hikers are strictly required to use "dead, down and dinky" wood and must abide by all local burn bans and regulations.

The true allure of North Mount Wilcox Shelter lies not in developed amenities, but in the authentic hiking features of its location within the Massachusetts AT.

• Appalachian Trail Access: Its defining feature is the direct link to the Appalachian Trail, allowing Massachusetts day hikers, section hikers, and thru-hikers to easily access and experience the most famous long-distance trail in the world.
• High-Elevation Forest Views: Located on the slopes of Mount Wilcox, the area provides the characteristic views and challenging terrain of the southern Berkshires high country, including spectacular views of surrounding mountains and forests from nearby vistas along the AT.
• Primitive Log Shelter: The older log shelter offers a classic, historic AT overnight experience, representing the traditional style of backcountry lodging.
• Community and Culture: The site serves as a temporary community hub for hikers from around the world, offering an opportunity for Massachusetts locals to engage with the unique culture and camaraderie of the Appalachian Trail hiking community.
• Integration with Beartown State Forest: The shelter and its side trail are completely integrated into the 12,000-acre Beartown State Forest, providing access to the forest's wider network of trails and natural features for an extended backcountry adventure.

Due to its nature as a backcountry shelter on the Appalachian Trail, North Mount Wilcox Shelter does not have a street address or a direct phone line for reservations. It is a first-come, first-served facility. Inquiries about the Massachusetts section of the AT are best directed to the local maintaining club.

Address (General Area): Berkshire County, Monterey, MA 01245, USA (The physical location is wilderness, not a street address.)

Maintaining Club: Appalachian Mountain Club (AMC), specifically the Western Massachusetts Chapter, which manages this section of the AT.

General AT Information: For regulations, trail conditions, and non-emergency questions regarding camping and hiking on the Appalachian Trail in Massachusetts, hikers should consult the AMC Western Massachusetts chapter resources and the Appalachian Trail Conservancy (ATC).

North Mount Wilcox Shelter is an exceptionally suitable destination for Massachusetts residents who are drawn to backpacking, section hiking, and the principles of rugged self-sufficiency. Unlike heavily developed recreation areas, this shelter offers a genuine, unplugged immersion into the state’s natural heritage. As camping is restricted solely to designated shelters and tent sites along the AT in Massachusetts, this location represents one of the few legal and managed ways to experience true backcountry overnighting in the Berkshires.

For the local outdoor community, visiting North Mount Wilcox is a unique way to participate in the history and tradition of the Appalachian Trail, a national treasure that passes right through their home state. It requires proper planning, adherence to Leave No Trace ethics, and a respect for the shared nature of the shelter experience. The absence of fees and reservations (on a first-come, first-served basis for individuals) makes it an accessible, low-barrier option for a rewarding overnight trip, provided hikers understand the need for preparedness and self-reliance. It stands as a testament to the wild, preserved character of the Berkshire hills, offering an invaluable escape for any Massachusetts resident seeking a quiet challenge and a deep connection to the woods.

North Mount Wilcox Shelter

Berkshire County, Monterey, MA 01245, USA