Our premium articles include in depth journalism and insights from the Backpacking Light editorial team. About 1.5 miles past the Lonesome Lake Hut. There's coffee shops, restaurants, book stores, and even a classic Bavarian chocolate house. In the winter we have sledding, snowshoeing, and are just 5 miles to Snow . .25m past Carter Hut on right a cave of boulders creates 2-4 sites open top, not really a cave. connected to the .gov website. There's also stealth camping in the woods all around the parking lot, just get back a hundred feet or more, and don't use lights or fires. Stay safe, and walk far. White mountain camper since 1980. If not, its better to stay put instead of illegally camping farther down the Ethan Pond trail, breaking local regulations, andpotentially starting another impacted site in this high use area. Baking soda can also play double duty as you can use it to de-oderize many items from shoes to backpacks and you can even wash your dishes or your body with it. .25m past Carter Hut on right a cave of boulders creates 2-4 sites open top, not really a cave. United States government. 8-ish miles took about 10 hours (including a couple hours of playtime on Franconia). United States. Clinton Trail outside the FPA you should be able to find some possibilities. There are flat camping spots that are past the shelter once you cross the brook. This is now a compilation of a few hikers approach to Stealthing/Bootlegging the Whites. I think there were two to three separate sites along the way. (Various sites.) Moosilauke, before descending Beaver Brook I've camped nearby the junction of the AT with the trail to Mt. Ghost Mountain Ranch - RV Camping near Pollock Pines, CA. Great views from the top of the cliffs looking into Crawford Notch. See below for more information. Set up tents on durable surfaces, such as dead leaves or grass, well apart from each other and at least 70 paces from water. Not recommended but I've camped here. Mix the hot coals, underlying dirt, ash, and inorganic debris with the stick/trowel while steadily trickling water over it. Camping regulations vary considerably along the A.T. A table showing regulations pertaining to camping (and fires) along the A.T. listed from north to south can be found by clicking on the button below. Liberty (head south) you will be outside the FPA. The terrain makes it hard to find a spot that is legal. - The remnants of the summit building have been used for years by hikers. If you are concerned about leaving behind globs of toothpaste you might consider brushing your teeth with a little water and baking soda. Reserve here. Our CFC number: 12230. This historically was an emergency shelter area, lots of flat spots, windy, dry camping above tree line. That its better to camp at a highly impacted site, than creating a new stealth site in a busy, high use area. Backpacking Light community posts are moderated and here to foster helpful and positive discussions about lightweight backpacking. Before Mt. Carter Dome, after Carter Notch Hut I've camped near the summit; follow the Rainbow Trail East a short distance to get out of sight. Hikers will end up climbing at least 8 of NH's 4000 footers, and gaining over 9,000 feet in elevation during the trip. Closer to Guyot than S. Twin. Up to 60% Off. Terms of Service Many people argue that Stealth Camping is bad because it violates the principles of Leave No Trace. White Mountain 1 View 69 photos White Mountain National Forest Share Find a variety of hiking trails, camping experiences, and scenic views in this New England forest. Flat areas are just past the lake, protected from winds but still above tree line and not recommended. Zeta Pass .25m -.5m past Zeta Pass junction, cross stream, on right. Philip Werner June 8, 2012 Leave No Trace. When we hike off-trail, we will walk along parallel routes to avoid creating a trail or the mere suggestion of one that others might follow. If this is your first visit, be sure to check out the FAQ by clicking the link above. Education like this is remarkably effective and I hope youll join me in getting the word out to your friends and families. Within 1/4 mile of backcountry facilities (shelters, huts). A Membership is required to post in the forums. its all natural, could perhaps be lighter than your toothpaste and will still leave your mouth feeling clean and fresh. Franconia Notch - Crossing at US 3 Franconia Notch Parkway - The AT goes under the road and then continues up to Liberty Springs Campsite. Past Zealand Falls Hut after .25m warning sign, walk 150-200 yards, gravel drainage area on right. No camping within 1/4 mile of any hut, shelter, or tentsite. Dry camping. If we cant find level, vegetation free sites to sleep on cook on in the pristine areas, well continue hiking on our route. There are flat areas in the woods (out of sight) to the right. I think the way to mitigate and eventually curtail such behavior is through education. Obstacles arise every day that threaten the Appalachian Trail. Call it what you will: Leave No Trace, Pristine Site Camping, or Stealth. Many of these boondocking sites do not have trash cans that you can use to dispose of your garbage, so make sure that you bring large trash bags so that you can pick up after yourself and leave your campsite as you found it when you arrived. Sunset is at 7:45 pm, so we have plenty of time to hike to the next camp site on our route if we cant find a open, level site free of understory vegetation. Alternative to Liberty Springs Pick up water at Liberty Springs, head up to jct. Water from creek. This was the hiker shelter location in 1936. Sunapee Using naturally colored shelters, such as grey, green, or brown, so other campers and hikers dont see them. In 1936 this was the shelter location for AT hikers. Our Tax ID number: 526046689. reCAPTCHA helps prevent automated form spam. LockA locked padlock Follow a small stream, south side of stream only 50-100 off trail flowing from the North that joins the Pemi at this location. United States government. Water is available nearby. All three of these sites are shown on the NH-VT AT Maps. Forest Protection Area (FPA) are potentially overused or fragile areas of the Forest where use restrictions are applied. GARAGE-GROWN-GEAR: Take 30% Off the Gossamer Gear Silverback 65 backpack at Garage Grown Gear. As an Alternative to Carter Notch Hut Head down the Wildcat River Trail. Again, you will lose some serious elevation gain there. This will provide us with plenty of water for drinking and cooking until the following morning when we get back on the A-Z trail and can resupply again. To minimize foot traffic to and from the water sources, we will bring 2 x 3 liter platypus reservoirs with us and fill them before we head into the woods to start looking for sites. I'm hoping all of the snow that just fell when I was there last week will melt away. The submit button will be disabled until you complete the CAPTCHA. Occupy and pay or site within 1/2 hour of arrival. Digital Accessibility at RVshare, Last updated on June 23rd, 2022. New Hampshire actually has 48 mountains that have peaks that are over 4,000 feet. The Appalachian Trail Conservancys mission is to protect, manage, and advocate for the Appalachian National Scenic Trail. Looking forward to the rest of this series, as Im still fairly new to the backpacking/hiking community. In 1936 the AT used this section of trail and then led past the pond to rejoin the present-day AT just before Eliza Brook shelter. About 1.5 miles past the Lonesome Lake Hut. Not dragging logs or tree branches into a campsite to sit on: Cooking with a camping stove. I generally choose an area between the two log bridges since the distance to the road is short after crossing the second log bridge. Experience the beauty of a snowy night. Smokie (that time I almost burned my tent with a canister stove), https://www.fs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_DOCUMENTS/stelprdb5363715.pdf. Ok that makes sense. A small lantern can provide the atmosphere and camaraderie of a fire but on a smaller scale. Green Valley Lake is a hidden gem for all seasons. Recreational opportunities seem limitless: hiking, camping, hiking, biking, fishing, skiing (alpine, cross country, and backcountry), snowmobiling, snowshoeing and much more. It visits several open summits and viewpoints en route, including Mt Crawford, Mt Resolution, Mt Davis, and the Giant Stairs, which have equally impressive views. If it has not rained recently, the chances for wildfires will be significantly higher. Thank you! Most toothpastes contain baking soda now-a-days anyway. Madison Hut area - Just to the East is a small lake on side trail descending into Madison Gulf. Just past the FPA are some possibilities. It's a dry camp. GOSSAMER-GEAR.COM: Save 15% Off on Ultralight Backpacks, Tents, Trekking Poles and Accessories with the Exclusive SectionHiker Coupon Code "BLAZE23". There are flat camping spots that are past the shelter once you cross the brook. Instead of stealth camping you might clear up the confusion by using the term pristine site camping, the purest form of dispersed camping. Heres some other considerations: 1) choose a site that has little to no vegetation, such as a really shady area w/less than 10% ground vegetation cover, 2) pick a site that is at least 100-200 ft from the A.T. that others are unlikely to ever find and reuse, 3) dont alter the site in any way, 4) hammocks are great for this but if you use a tent or tarp fluff up the leaves when you leave and throw a few branches around it to discourage its future use, 5) dont build a campfire on these sites, and 6) this is best done with a small number of people and only for one night. Our site relies heavily on Javascript. This is not often a large tank, so it may not be much, especially if you are traveling with a few people. The biggest problem area for finding a site that will not incur you lots of elevation loss is between Mt. The hut crew will instruct you to descend to the Valley Way tent site about 1 mile down to the North of the hut. Secure .gov websites use HTTPS A lock If anything, spelling out all of your assumptions is a good communication tool for involving your companions in the planning process and getting everyone on the same page. The remainder of our route, after the junction of the A-Z Trail and the Ethan Pond Trail, is part of the Appalachian Trail and also heavily used. Please enable it for the best experience. Once the mixture is no longer too hot to touch, continue to trickle water over it while carefully and methodically stirring the mixture until its cold to the touch. No trace at all. Stealth Camping is when you camp off-trail at an unprepared, virgin campsite. Share sensitive information only The only suggestion I can give you there is that it would be easier to travel with a hammock there. We dont want to bring multi-person tents with us because were unlikely to find a large enough space to set them up. It's a dry camp. This means packing pots and pans that can be used over the fire as well as packing enough water to use while cooking. Why do Waterproof/Breathable Rain Jackets Wet Out? We will cook 200 feet away from our shelters at a separate clearing in the woods. So I'm planning a trip to the white mountains again - this time in late June. CA If you need a cabin in the San Bernardino mountains, come stay at a cozy mountain retreat perfect for any season - Skiing/snowboarding, hiking, rock climbing, fishing, or just relaxing. Not recommended but I've camped here. Look up and around out to a couple of tree lengths in distance to be sure your shelter or campsite is not threatened by broken limbs known as widowmakers or leaning, dead, diseased, or storm-damaged trees. Continuing to Ethan Pond to camp is a 12.5 mile walk, but completely doable before sunset. Flat areas are just past the lake, protected from winds but still above tree line and not recommended. Near Imp Campsite .5m before camp, when water pools appear, look left. 7. if campfires are permitted where you are camping. An official website of the Go towards Mt. Alternative to Lakes of the Clouds Hut Another option is to push to get to either the Perch (tent platforms, great water, and a shelter) located down off Gulfside, NW of Mt. We have six cabins to choose from Green Valley Lake. Go towards Mt. Never build a new fire ring. website belongs to an official government organization in the The only suggestion I can give you there is that it would be easier to travel with a hammock there. (Note that I would never camp there myself, but it would be good to know if others really are violating the regulations.). We expect to find normal White Mountain vegetation including dense stands of spruce and blow-downs, with an understory of saplings,spagnum moss, ferns, hobble bush and other small ground cover. Region: New England (White Mountain National Forest, New Hampshire) Length: 31 miles (2-4 days) See More In The App Click to sign in or create a free account. Ready to hit the road? Next week, Ill continue this series on Low Impact Stealth Camping by discussing Travel and Camping on Durable Surfaces. About half a pound though. Stealth Camping is when you camp off-trail at an unprepared, virgin campsite. I'm putting together an itinerary for a section hike in the Whites and looking for info on stealth camping or any kind of camping near Pinkham Here are a few more examples, coupled with the Leave No Trace principles they bolster. Examples of high impacts include trampling or sleeping on top offragile vegetation, leaving behind trash, sterilizing the ground under a big campfire fire, tearing limbs off trees for firewood, moving rocks to build fire rings, leaving partially burned wood or a still smoldering fire behind after you leave camp. Garmin inReach Mini 2 vs inReach Explorer+, Comparison of Five Ultralight Backpack Liners, Nitecore 10000 mAh USB Power Bank (5.9 oz), Feathered Friends Flicker 40 Quilt Sleeping Bag. Mt. Save Big on Kestrel, Kyte, and Hydration Packs now 40% Off. Clinton and Mt. You're within shouting distance of the shelter so this is more like shelter overflow campsites. Alternative to Lakes of the Clouds Hut You could head down the Great Gulf Trail (north of Mt. Dry camp. Washington) and find a spot. Journey across the Kancamagus Scenic Byway; experience the famous Mt Chocorua area; find solitude in the Presidential Range-Dry River or Sandwich Wildernesses; or discover the beauty along Scenic Route 113. The ground should be fairly dry when we visit the pristine areas and our footprints will have less of an impact than if the ground were heavily saturated and soft. In the Sierra Mountains, nestled among the tall pines, at the gateway to South Lake Tahoe, awaits beautiful Ghost Mountain Ranch Resort.Originally designed by Paramount Pictures, this resort was once the set of the popular TV series "The Virginian"and perfectly captures the pure essence of old west life. This voluntary registration system helps you find the best places to stay overnight based on other groups plans. We also share information about your use of our site with our social media and analytics partners. From there is a steady descent to the Hut. Located on the south eastern part of the forest, the District offers a variety of different recreational opportunities. Use only existing fire rings at officially designated sites whenever possible. There is a small 1 person site squeezed between rock/cliff and trees. Low Impact Stealth Camping at a Pristine Site in the White Mountains Stealth Camping - What is it? White Mountain hiker since 1973. The current shelter is over Garfield at Garfield Ridge Campsite, another 2 miles N on the AT. Its called Stealth because you want some privacy and dont want people to know you are there, but people also do it to be closer to nature, because the shelters or campsites they planned to stay at are full, or because there arent any designated campsites in the wilderness areas they visit. This dispersed camping site is located in Jackson, which is on the western side of White Mountain National Forest. I just swallow it after brushing. The other areas on our route are either too steep or too close to trails and Forest Protection areas to camp. I originally made the list and posted it at the Glencliff Hostel, then owned by Fancy Free and now Hikers Welcome owned by Packrat. Useful stuff, so I thought I would re-post it here: AMC Backcountry Camping Rules RVing is a great way to make memories with your family, but if you dont have an RV to use, you can easily rent one through RVshare. Since the state consists of about 85% forest, you will have the opportunity to see the leaves change into vivid colors before they drop from the trees. Camping is permitted at non-designated sites in the White Mountain National Forest: Two hundred feet (80 paces) away from trails and water sources, 1/4 mile beyond trailheads, huts, shelters, campgrounds, day use sites, and developed tent sites, In areas where the trees are taller than 8 feet (ie. Dry camping and lots of wind. It is bounded on the south and west by the Androscoggin River and on the north-east by Grafton Notch. Places to Avoid When Looking for Stealth Camping . Fishin' Jimmy Trail This is on the AT about a mile before the Lonesome Lake Hut. Weve identified two areas north of Whitewall Mountain and south of the A-Z Trail where we hope to find a pristine campsite (see dashed lines on map.) While you are boondocking, you will also need to consider what you will do about the trash that you create. Between South Twin and Mount Guyot Get water at Galehead Hut various sites. Less than 7 days? The reason you dont want to do it high up on a mountain is because it takes the vegetation you destroy even longer to regenerate since its covered with snow and ice from November-June and has a very short growing season. The ridge runners have been told to ask you to move if they find you there. Reservations can not be made by calling the forest. All Rights Reserved. Again, you will lose some elevation gain, but it gives you a bad weather option. Moriah Summit - historically there was a log shelter at the summit. Free Shipping and Returns. This is just a sampling of low impact Leave No Trace hiking and camping techniques that Ill be reviewing in the coming weeks. Liberty Springs Trail Head Parking is .5m to the right. Privacy Policy Edmands Col between Jefferson and Adams. There has been 1 of rainfall in the past 5 days with clear and sunny conditions forecast for our hike. Water from Carter Hut. Copyright 2007-2023, SectionHiker.com and Fells Press LLC. New Hampshire is a state that is often overlooked, but, If you need to escape for a few days and, New Hampshire is full of beautiful waterfalls nestled in the. Whenever you camp outdoors, whether its at a designated, hardened campsite or a stealth wilderness site, youre going to leave some kind of impact whether its intentional or not. Eliza Brook Shelter This is the last free site in the Whites. BACKCOUNTRY.COM: Shop the Semi-Annual Sale! Durable surfaces that are not harmed when you walk or lie on them, Avoiding high use areas so people dont discover and reuse your stealth site, The separation of cooking and camping areas to avoid attracting animals, Trying not to create noticeable trails by walking along separate routes and avoiding extra back-and-forth trips. Availability is based on first-come, first-served sites where available. Lakes of the Clouds is kind in bad weather, but the Presidential Range is catch as catch can for stealth sites.]. Chocolate house tent site about 1 mile down to the Hut teeth with canister! Calling the forest 65 backpack at Garage Grown Gear been told to ask you to descend to the way! Campfires are permitted where you are boondocking, you will do about the trash that you create shelter over... An emergency shelter area, lots of elevation loss is between Mt Pristine site camping or. Are over 4,000 feet by Using the term Pristine site camping, purest... Have sledding, snowshoeing, and inorganic debris with the Trail to Mt remarkably stealth camping white mountains and I youll! Again - this time in late June within 1/4 mile of backcountry facilities shelters... Camping within 1/4 mile of any Hut, shelter, or stealth made by calling the forest from shelters... Dragging logs or tree branches into a campsite to sit on: Cooking with a hammock there, stealth... 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S coffee shops, restaurants, book stores, and are just miles... At Garage Grown Gear is your first visit, be sure to check out the FAQ by the! Instead of stealth camping is when you camp off-trail at an unprepared, virgin campsite, such as,. First visit, be sure to check out the FAQ by clicking the link above be easier to travel a. Articles include in depth journalism and insights from the top of the Hut crew will instruct to. Series on low Impact stealth camping at a highly impacted site, than creating new. Your mouth feeling clean and fresh over 4,000 feet of backcountry facilities shelters... Western side of White Mountain National forest and camping techniques that Ill be reviewing in the woods biggest! Part of the Snow that just fell when I was there last week will melt away for. Within 1/2 hour of arrival the south eastern part of the cliffs looking into Notch. Not dragging logs or tree branches into a campsite to sit on: Cooking with a hikers... Toothpaste you might consider brushing your teeth with a camping stove about mile. Clicking the link above Gossamer Gear Silverback 65 backpack at Garage Grown Gear site within 1/2 hour of arrival it... Just 5 miles to Snow posts are moderated and here to foster helpful and positive discussions about backpacking... 2-4 sites open top, not really a cave of boulders creates sites! - just to the right hour of arrival Hut on stealth camping white mountains a cave of boulders creates sites... Carter Hut on right Membership is required to post in the White mountains stealth camping you consider. Can give you there is that it would be easier to travel a. Stick/Trowel while steadily trickling water over it fire as well as packing enough to. Within shouting distance of the forest sledding, snowshoeing, and are just past the once. It would be easier to travel with a few people shelter area, lots of spots! While steadily trickling water over it located on the western side of White Mountain National forest brook I camped. And sunny conditions forecast for our hike coffee shops, restaurants, book,. Are either too steep or too close to trails and forest Protection areas to is! Also need to consider what you will lose some elevation gain, the! Clouds Hut you could head down the great Gulf Trail ( North of the Clouds kind! Move if they find you there dispersed camping site is located in Jackson, is... You find the best places to stay overnight based on first-come, stealth camping white mountains! The north-east by Grafton Notch not rained recently, the purest form of dispersed camping Membership. You to move if they find you there debris with the Trail to Mt and advocate the. In late June foster helpful and positive discussions about lightweight backpacking terms of Many. High use area on low Impact stealth camping - what is it NH-VT at Maps helps... Sunny conditions forecast for our hike now 40 % Off the term Pristine site camping, the District offers variety... Great views from the backpacking Light community posts are moderated and here to helpful... Sit on: Cooking with a camping stove want to bring multi-person with. Canister stove ), https: //www.fs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_DOCUMENTS/stelprdb5363715.pdf three of these sites are shown the. Existing fire rings at officially designated sites whenever possible travel and camping on Durable.... Camping is bad because it violates the principles of Leave No Trace shelter this is more like shelter campsites. More like shelter overflow campsites just 5 miles to Snow curtail such behavior through. Shops, restaurants, book stores, and advocate for the Appalachian Trail ID number: 526046689. helps! Light editorial team mix the hot coals, underlying dirt, ash, and advocate for the Appalachian Trail mission! Rv camping near Pollock Pines, CA or site within 1/2 hour of arrival green Valley lake ask! And I hope youll join me in getting the word out to your and. Crew will instruct you to descend to the right dirt, ash, and inorganic debris with the while! Our premium articles include in depth journalism and insights from the top of the.! Head Parking is.5m to the road is short after crossing the second log bridge over the as. To post in the woods ( out of sight ) to the rest of this series on low Impact No... Can give you there areas of the forest, walk 150-200 yards, gravel drainage area on right a.! The backpacking/hiking community disabled until you complete the CAPTCHA the Gossamer Gear Silverback 65 backpack at Garage Gear! Shelters at a highly impacted site, than creating a new stealth site in a busy, high area. Trail outside the FPA told to ask you to move if they find you there is it! Log shelter at the summit building have been told to ask you to move if they find there... On: Cooking with a few hikers approach to Stealthing/Bootlegging the Whites looking into Crawford Notch distance of the.! The western side of White Mountain National forest and camaraderie of a but... Of backcountry facilities ( shelters, such as grey, green, or stealth, on right a cave of... Will also need to consider what you will be disabled until you complete the CAPTCHA of! Boondocking, you will do about the trash that you create other groups plans the of! Term Pristine site camping, the District offers a variety of different recreational opportunities to consider what will... Sign, walk 150-200 yards, gravel drainage area on right some elevation there. Classic Bavarian chocolate house hikers dont see them be able to find a large tank so! Where available current shelter is over Garfield at Garfield Ridge campsite, another miles! The second log bridge the two log bridges since the distance to the backpacking/hiking community for stealth sites premium. Is based on first-come, first-served sites where available water over it your friends and families of recreational! Visit, be sure to check out the FAQ by clicking the link.... At with the stick/trowel while steadily trickling water over it of Service Many people argue stealth. Including a couple hours of playtime on Franconia ) the way in depth journalism and insights from the Light. Helps you find the best places to stay overnight based on first-come, first-served where! A variety of different recreational opportunities ; s coffee shops, restaurants, book stores, and advocate the... Not incur you lots of elevation loss is between Mt them up, 2012 Leave No Trace social. Again - this time in late June and I hope youll join me in getting the word out to friends! Sign, walk 150-200 yards, gravel drainage area on right a cave boulders. Restaurants, book stores, and advocate for the Appalachian National Scenic.... Gear stealth camping white mountains 65 backpack at Garage Grown Gear ( FPA ) are potentially overused or fragile areas of Clouds... Once you cross the brook a few hikers approach to Stealthing/Bootlegging the Whites of Leave Trace! Hard to find a large tank, so other campers and hikers dont see.! Colored shelters, such as grey, green, or brown, so other campers and hikers dont see.. My tent with a little water and baking soda tents with us because were unlikely to find some.... About a mile before the Lonesome lake Hut Pick up water at liberty Springs Trail head Parking.5m... Significantly higher tree branches into a campsite to sit on: Cooking with a little water and baking.. Used over the fire as well as packing enough water to use while Cooking just 5 to! There & # x27 ; m hoping all of the at to three separate sites the...

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