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  1. #1

    Default Secret Shelter in VT?

    The AT Database reports in 2004 a secret shelter just south of Gov Clement Shelter (a place where I do not want to stop). Any info on the current status of this shelter and how to find it?

    Thanks,

    Cosmo

  2. #2

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    ssssshhhhhhh......its a secret.

  3. #3
    Registered User DavidNH's Avatar
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    Default secret shelter

    as of 2006, that secret shelter looked new, very nice, and there were free cookies there to hikers!

    DavidNH

    PS the clement shelter is a pit! You are right not to stop there.

  4. #4
    Just Hikin' Along
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    If you are NOBO About 1.6 miles south of Gov. Clement, upon reaching Upper Cold River Road, make a left. Go about 1/4 mile and look for the rock cairn marking the path to the Secret Shelter (don't take the dirt track to the right before that). If it's still there, about 1/4 mile or so before reaching the road, you may see a notice on a tree to your left telling you how to get there.


  5. #5

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    So a SOBO would not see the notice on the tree, and wold turn right onto Upper Cold River Rd? How far off the road is the shelter? I'm thinking of making it my first stop, leaving from Rt 4.

    Cosmo

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    Just Hikin' Along
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    Quote Originally Posted by Cosmo View Post
    So a SOBO would not see the notice on the tree, and wold turn right onto Upper Cold River Rd? How far off the road is the shelter? I'm thinking of making it my first stop, leaving from Rt 4.

    Cosmo
    Yes, right turn at the road. The shelter is not very far off the road and is usually visible early on (if you look closely) once you're on the path toward it.


  7. #7

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    Quote Originally Posted by Quoddy View Post
    Yes, right turn at the road. The shelter is not very far off the road and is usually visible early on (if you look closely) once you're on the path toward it.
    So, finally getting back to finish up VT from my 2008 visit. At present GMC reports that the AT/LT is on the roads due to storm damage between Gov Clement and [Lower] Cold River Rd. Is the path to the shelter off of Upper Cold River Rd between Gillman Rd and the AT/LT? Is it to the north or south of the road?

    Or I'll find out on Sunday,

    Cosmo

  8. #8

    Default Is this the one...

    Quote Originally Posted by Cosmo View Post
    The AT Database reports in 2004 a secret shelter just south of Gov Clement Shelter (a place where I do not want to stop). Any info on the current status of this shelter and how to find it?

    Thanks,

    Cosmo
    In an area with multiple dirt roads close together, where you hung a left at a sign that read "Water", and it was a farm with a shelter? The SS I remember had 2 levels with a smooth wooden upstairs, POWER and a large box fan, a huge double stainless steel sink with RUNNING WATER (couldn't resist the temptation to handwash all my dirty clothes), and a hilarious pair of loud, constantly-protesting donkeys in the distance. Is it this place we're talking about?

  9. #9
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    Quote Originally Posted by minnesotasmith View Post
    In an area with multiple dirt roads close together, where you hung a left at a sign that read "Water", and it was a farm with a shelter? The SS I remember had 2 levels with a smooth wooden upstairs, POWER and a large box fan, a huge double stainless steel sink with RUNNING WATER (couldn't resist the temptation to handwash all my dirty clothes), and a hilarious pair of loud, constantly-protesting donkeys in the distance. Is it this place we're talking about?
    The place you're describing sounds like the Secret Shelter in NY...not VT.

  10. #10
    Registered User ldsailor's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by camojack View Post
    The place you're describing sounds like the Secret Shelter in NY...not VT.
    Yeah, that's what I thought, too. But then someone said the privy is nice with reading material. That's not the Secret Shelter I stayed at in NJ (I believe - mile 1,344). That privy is not in good shape at all; however the shelter itself was awesome. It even has heat and electricity for charging electronics, potable water and a shower across the field from the shelter. The owner is an great guy by the name of Jim Murray with whom I had a nice chat when I was there in May 2018.

    I just realized I got sucked into a thread that was started more than 10 years ago. Oh well. Sorry I missed the Vermont Secret Shelter last year.
    Last edited by ldsailor; 02-25-2019 at 12:23.
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  11. #11
    Registered User hopefulhiker's Avatar
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    I checked it out. It has a shower!

  12. #12
    Registered User LIhikers's Avatar
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    My wife and I will be hiking southbound through there this coming August. Do we need a special invitation or do we need to know the special pass word or is keeping our eyes peeled enough?

  13. #13
    Registered User wilconow's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by LIhikers View Post
    My wife and I will be hiking southbound through there this coming August. Do we need a special invitation or do we need to know the special pass word or is keeping our eyes peeled enough?
    don't need anything.. hosts are very nice folks

  14. #14
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    I stayed there on 9/18 while doing Williamstown to Rt.4. A beautiful quiet place built with love and a bit of a sence of humor. I hope the sponsors/owners read my thankyou note. It was 35.6 deg that night. Mark S.

  15. #15

  16. #16
    Some days, it's not worth chewing through the restraints.
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    Gov Clement is the worst excuse for a shelter there is on the LT - but at least now they've gated the road that made it such a party spot. It's still a hole in the ground, but a quiet one.

  17. #17
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    Default

    Quote Originally Posted by Deadeye View Post
    Gov Clement is the worst excuse for a shelter there is on the LT - but at least now they've gated the road that made it such a party spot. It's still a hole in the ground, but a quiet one.
    you know and i know the local boys will just break out the bolt cutters and gain access. i really question the intelligence of the ATC, GMC and U.S. Forest for keeping that dump open. common sense says tear it down

  18. #18

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    Quote Originally Posted by Lone Wolf View Post
    you know and i know the local boys will just break out the bolt cutters and gain access. i really question the intelligence of the ATC, GMC and U.S. Forest for keeping that dump open. common sense says tear it down
    I don't think anyone would pursue those who acted on their own to solve that particular problem

  19. #19

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    I stayed there this summer. It's a beautifully designed shelter with a lot of whimsical touches. And two well-placed trees for hammocking as well.

  20. #20
    Registered User A-Train's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by Lone Wolf View Post
    you know and i know the local boys will just break out the bolt cutters and gain access. i really question the intelligence of the ATC, GMC and U.S. Forest for keeping that dump open. common sense says tear it down
    Indeed. In 03' I put in a long azz day to get up to Killington for the night. My buddies all slept at the Gov and twice were woken up by groups of kids, one group which was shooting off guns.

    In 04' I was carrying a hammock and set up alongside that lovely creek a mile or 2 south of the shelter.

    I;ll check out the Secret place if I'm ever back.
    Anything's within walking distance if you've got the time.
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