This shelter has been torn down. Now there is a new one called Hurricane Shelter. It is located about half way between Old Orchard and the place where Raccoon Branch used to be.

Does anyone have a more accurate location for this shelter . . . GPS points, distance from Fox Creek or another known point, etc.?

2.2 miles north of Fox Creek/Va. 603

Thanks Lone Wolf!

Any updates on this? Still no Racoon Shelter, and if not, is it a good tent site?

Trail Updates from the ATC.

http://www.appalachiantrail.org/site/c.jkLXJ8MQKtH/b.786991/k.958F/Trail_Updates.htm

Check Southwest Virginia

There's a notice about that posted in every shelter in SW VA. The Companion has the update in the '06 and '07 versions as well.

Hurricane shelter is VERY nice and VERY clean looking. i enjoyed a cold night there!

Pusher

Any updates on this? Still no Racoon Shelter, and if not, is it a good tent site?

I was at the old Racoon Shelter site last week. No shelter. Old Privy, picnic table and fire ring. A good flowing spring, ample tenting of hammocking area. Very active deer area. One deer was so upset that we were in it's territory that it tore up my 3 liter water bag.

is this old shelter site right on the trail? if not, is it blazed or easy to find? anyone been up there lately?

Spent a very snowy night at Raccoon Branch shelter years ago. About 14 to 18 inches of snow fell overnight, with some pretty good drifts. Boots frozen solid. Packed shelter. Beautiful hike north the next day. Good memories.

Not far off the AT as I recall, but it was a long time ago.

is this old shelter site right on the trail? if not, is it blazed or easy to find? anyone been up there lately?

WATER, CAMPING (0.2E) - Raccoon Branch Campsite, located 0.2E mile on a blue-blazed trail. Water source is a spring. USFS Raccoon Branch Campground is 3 miles farther east on the blue-blazed trail, with showers and tentsites.

http://www.whiteblaze.net/forum/attachment.php?attachmentid=6876&stc=1&d=1252241742