South Mount Wilcox Shelters

- Berkshire County, Monterey, MA 01245

For dedicated hikers, backpackers, and outdoor enthusiasts across Massachusetts, the South Mount Wilcox Shelters offer more than just a place to sleep—they provide an authentic piece of the Appalachian Trail (AT) experience right here in the western part of the state. Located within the scenic confines of Berkshire County, near the charming town of Monterey, this unique campsite is a vital and well-regarded stop on the famed 2,200-mile footpath. It is specifically designed for primitive camping, focusing on low-impact, essential amenities that support the self-sufficiency of hikers.

Unlike developed campgrounds geared toward car camping or RVs, the South Mount Wilcox Shelters site is exclusively a hike-in destination. It is managed by volunteers from organizations like the Appalachian Mountain Club (AMC), in partnership with the Appalachian Trail Conservancy (ATC), ensuring it adheres to strict conservation standards. Its main draw is its dual shelter system, offering both a historic and a more modern overnight option, catering perfectly to the stream of hikers traversing the beautiful and sometimes rugged Massachusetts section of the AT.

Local users in Massachusetts know the importance of reliable infrastructure when hiking the Berkshires. The area around Mount Wilcox is known for its beautiful forest ecosystems, varied terrain, and—crucially for hikers—its proximity to critical water sources. The site’s reputation is built on its thoughtful layout and provision of basic necessities, making it a reliable and highly anticipated stop for weekend backpackers and long-distance thru-hikers alike as they navigate the challenging southern half of the Massachusetts AT corridor.

The South Mount Wilcox Shelters are nestled deep within Berkshire County, near Monterey, MA 01245. Access to the shelters is strictly on foot, directly via the white-blazed Appalachian Trail. This makes the campsite a true backcountry experience, requiring a planned hike to reach it.

For residents of Massachusetts, the general area is accessible via major routes, including US Route 7 and local roads leading into Beartown State Forest, which encompasses much of the surrounding land. A common starting point for a section hike to the shelters is the trailhead parking area at Beartown Mountain Road or Benedict Pond (via a blue-blazed side trail). The shelters are located roughly 2.8 miles north of the side trail junction to Benedict Pond or a few miles south of the Mount Wilcox North shelter.

As a site within the AT corridor, the trail section leading to the shelters offers a classic Berkshire hike: a mix of climbs and descents through towering forests of hemlock, pine, and mixed hardwoods. Hikers should be prepared for typical backcountry conditions, including rough, rocky, and rooted paths, all while being rewarded with the deep immersion in nature that only the Berkshires can provide. The relative proximity of the trailheads to towns like Great Barrington and Lee makes it an ideal spot for locals looking to experience a multi-day hike without extensive travel.

The services at South Mount Wilcox Shelters are minimalist and environmentally conscious, designed to meet the fundamental needs of a primitive backpacker while upholding the AT’s mission of preservation. Use of the shelters and adjacent tent sites is available on a first-come, first-served basis, with no fee typically required.

• Dual Shelter System: The site features two separate wooden lean-to shelters. The first is an older, rustic, three-sided structure, a traditional six-person lean-to. The second is a newer, larger structure, often described as a Massachusetts bunk-and-loft style shelter, capable of accommodating up to ten people.

• Designated Tent Camping: Space is available for pitching tents near the shelters, ensuring that hikers who prefer their own shelter, or those arriving when the lean-tos are full, have an established, low-impact area to set up camp. Public data indicates approximately five tent pads/sites are available.

• Pit Privy: A basic pit privy (outhouse) is located between the two shelters, providing a sanitary and environmentally responsible method for waste disposal, which is crucial in high-use areas.

• Water Source Access: A reliable spring is located just off the AT on the blue-blazed side trail leading to the shelters. Additionally, a more dependable water source (a stream crossing) can be found a short distance south along the main AT. **It is essential that all water gathered be treated (filtered, purified, or boiled) before drinking.**

• Bear Box for Food Storage: A critical safety and conservation amenity, a bear box is provided near the older shelter. This mandatory feature allows for the secure storage of all food, trash, and scented items, protecting both the hikers’ supplies and the local black bear population.

The South Mount Wilcox Shelters are distinguished by their functional design and placement within a highly scenic section of the Appalachian Trail in Massachusetts.

• Historic and Modern Accommodations: The presence of both the old, six-person lean-to (dating back to the 1930s CCC era, per some sources) and the newer, larger ten-person shelter offers a unique contrast and increased capacity, accommodating a wide range of hiker groups.

• Reliable Water Strategy: The inclusion of two distinct water access points—the side-trail spring and a more reliable stream crossing further south on the AT—provides hikers with peace of mind, especially during the drier late-summer months in the Berkshires.

• Prime AT Location: The shelters serve as a perfect midpoint for popular Massachusetts section hikes, such as the trek between the towns of Great Barrington and Tyringham, allowing for manageable day-to-day mileage planning.

• Seclusion and Natural Beauty: The site is far enough off the nearest road to ensure a deep sense of immersion in the forest. The surrounding Beartown State Forest is renowned for its tranquil atmosphere and diverse plant life, offering a genuine Massachusetts wilderness escape.

• First-Come, First-Served Policy: The non-reservation policy maintains the tradition of the Appalachian Trail, ensuring the site remains accessible to all hikers, including spontaneous backpackers from the local area.

Due to the primitive, backcountry nature of the South Mount Wilcox Shelters, there is no direct address or phone number for the campsite itself. It operates on a self-service, low-impact basis.

General Location:

Appalachian Trail Corridor, Berkshire County, Monterey, MA 01245, USA

Management/Information Source:

For trail conditions, regulations, or to support the trail, local hikers should consult the official resources of the Appalachian Trail Conservancy (ATC) or the Appalachian Mountain Club (AMC) Western Massachusetts Chapter.

For Emergencies:

Dial 911 (be prepared to provide GPS coordinates or a detailed trail location).

The South Mount Wilcox Shelters are uniquely suited for residents of Massachusetts because they provide a powerful, accessible link to the Appalachian Trail without requiring a cross-country journey. For locals, this is the perfect destination for weekend backpacking trips, allowing them to hone their primitive camping skills, test new gear, and reconnect with nature in the state's most celebrated hiking corridor—the Berkshire Mountains.

Its dual shelter system and reliable amenities, including secure food storage and water access, make it a safer, more manageable introduction to backcountry camping for Massachusetts families and hiking clubs. It offers the satisfaction of true wilderness immersion combined with the practical reassurance of basic infrastructure. For a Massachusetts resident, hiking to the South Mount Wilcox Shelters is an opportunity to participate in a rich outdoor tradition, experience the rugged beauty of the Berkshires firsthand, and appreciate the conservation efforts that keep this incredible resource protected for all to enjoy. It is an essential, challenging, and rewarding overnight stay that epitomizes the spirit of the New England trail system.

South Mount Wilcox Shelters

Berkshire County, Monterey, MA 01245, USA