We're planning to stay at or near the Chestnut Knob shelter in October. What is the water situation ?

I think a lot of the guides say there is no water there. That's correct, but there is a small "pond" just to the south not too far. Water to the north is a ways. I fell for that no water thing and carried mine coming from the north then walked past the pond leaving the next morning. Not a happy time but I was at least going down hill! :)

The spring-fed pond is 1.8 miles south of the shelter. The next water north is 1.3 miles at Walker Gap.

The Companion says there is sometimes water found 0.2 miles south of the shelter then 50 yds left on an old jeep road.

There was plenty of water on that jeep road when we went by in late Sept. It is a pretty steep climb from there to the shelter.

I think a lot of the guides say there is no water there. That's correct, but there is a small "pond" just to the south not too far. Water to the north is a ways. I fell for that no water thing and carried mine coming from the north then walked past the pond leaving the next morning. Not a happy time but I was at least going down hill! :)


Man, you guys....that water at da pond s. o' Chestnut Knob is some of the best, clear, beautiful water on Da Trail...be sure to hit dis spring on da way up to da Knob....The Shelter is rather small, bein' an oldie (made of stone) but ders a nice flat area to camp on...kinda exposed do...watch da wind. The views into da Menonite valley below are beautius indeed. Enjoy......KZ@

Awesome shelter.

I wouldn't depend on the jeep road water, as it tends to dry up a lot. The walk from the pond to the shelter is a nice, flat walk, though.

My vote is not to rely on the pool of water just south of the shelter. In 11/03 it was quite dry & didn't look very appealing.

Spring-Pond to the south (downhill) is awesome......

The spring-fed pond is 1.8 miles south of the shelter. The next water north is 1.3 miles at Walker Gap.Even in Walker Gap it wasn't clear where any water could be found in early June 2005 after a rainy day.

There was a small spring alongside the Trail perhaps half a mile south of the meadow if you want to avoid the spring-fed pond.