So I'm out today doing a short day hike in the Standing Indian Campground area. Went up the Long Branch Trail and headed south on the AT for a bit and stumbled upon the new, not-yet-completed Long Branch Shelter. All the framing is up (heavy post and beam), but no floors, walls, or roof yet. Will have a sheltered overhang in the front. Looks like a beauty. It will have a loft and looks like it can hold well over a dozen hikers. I'm guessing it will be done by next year's thru-hiker push?

For all you Brown Blazers out there, the mouldering privy is already completed, and yes it has a roof. Looks like they are excavating several tent pads around the shelter area. The shelter can't be more than a tenth of a mile off the AT. Good water source right on the shelter access trail via the Long Branch creek (obviously). Very pretty setting for the shelter. It may be too early, but did not notice any bear cables. Enjoyed my lunch break there today. Best news...no mice or grafitti yet!