I had the entire shelter to myself on a rainy night in October 2001. Rod Hollow is well maintained, with a second story loft that can probably accommodate 12+ hikers if needed. A separate, covered dining area with picnic table and fireplace is right outside the shelter. Here's a sketch from PATC: http://www.patc.net/images/shelters_rod_holl.gif

My only gripe was that the spring was dry, but I was able to catch enough rainwater off the roof to fill my water bottles. Supposedly there is a spring shower available also, but I didn't see it.

Last there July 2003. Above average shelter from my experience. Agree with above comments. We were there during a VERY wet summer, the trail getting to it from the AT was a quagmire. For that matter, the whole AT is the area was a mud pit. We did see the hiker's shower that is piped off of the spring, you'd have to be very short to even sit under it.

I was there early last month while out on a 6-day, 5-night trip. I tented at the tent pad one night I was there; then, on my return trip, stayed in the shelter itself. Plenty of water available this time from all the previous precipitation. No problems with rodents in the shelter.

I was there the night of September 17, 2003 when Hurricane Isabel came roaring over. That's the night my life changed for ever. In fact my thinking has changed dramtically since then. Before that night I had doubts in a Creator. I don't no more. if you want to know what happened, then email me or send a private message and I'll tell ya....wanderer

Had the place to myself a few days ago. Trail now has some bog bridges in with more on the way from the looks of it. Picnic shelter is starting to lean a bit, but I was so happy to be off the rollercoaster that I didn't care. Got to listen to the whip-per-wills as it got dark and the turkeys when the sun came up. Very peaceful spot.

Stayed here spring 2006 over spring break. Great shelter before you start with the rollercoaster. Good water source and a pretty spot, along with an easy hike in made for one great night. Good separate picnic shelter and a trail shower, if I remember correctly. Once again, beautiful spot.

I stayed there last fall. I took a couple of pictures of it:

http://www.trailjournals.com/photos.cfm?id=196338

http://www.trailjournals.com/photos.cfm?id=196340

Marta/Five-Leaf

Stayed there this past Thursday night. Crossed a stream to get to it that had better water flow than the spring. The shelter part is well laid out. I was in a hammock but my hiking partners said no mice issues. The Kitchen area is demolished. The roof is on the ground and the cooking pit is trashed. That said a real good spot to stop.

I stopped for lunch at Rod Hollow yesterday, 1 February 2009. Shelter is in great shape, the second building's roof is still there on the ground. Spring was low, but plenty of water in creek.

Oh, I used the privvy, and some knucklehead had put soda cans and garbage in the pit. Yes, I looked.