This large shelter is only a short walk from Stratton Pond, at the base of Stratton Mountain.
There’s usually a GMC caretaker on duty.
photos October 17, 2007
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Hi Jamie,
Do you know if swimming in Sterling Pond or Stratton is allowed/recommended?
Thank you, Matt
Absolutely, just be mindful of leeches
Hi Jamie! Love reading your website.
A buddy and I are doing a small section hike in mid-September from Kelly Stand Rd to VT 11/30 (not going to carry a tent). How busy does this shelter get? Should we just press on a few more miles to William Douglas Shelter to avoid the crowds?
Thanks!
Hi Adam, I’d say it’s a bit of toss-up on this one. Stratton Pond is certainly the more popular area, though I’d personally stay there anyway if there’s space when you arrive. William Douglas is about a half mile (one way) off the main trail, but apparently has a fancy new privy. I’d just play it by ear and make the decision when you get to Stratton.
Late update! While Stratton Pond was awesome, we ended up pushing on to William Douglas because of crowds and it was a great decision. Had the place to ourselves and it was the only place over the course of 20 miles where we found a reliable water source. Vermont had an exceptionally dry summer last year; I’m not kidding, my shoes were bone dry after all those miles! Nary a mud puddle to be found. Never experienced that on the Long Trail before.
Again, thanks for the advice and hope you are well!
Thanks for the update Adam 🙂
Hi,
I am on a overnight bike tour to pick up my daughters car at the trailhead on the LT. She is doing that with her husband. Can I stay overnight at the Stratton shelter! And could I get my bike up the trail to it?
Thank you,
Paul
I think the shelter is only accessible via foot trails.
I have hike the Long Trail a number of times in my youth, I’m now 82 and live in Fl, (not to my liking) .Ross camp at Straton was always something I looked forward too, Great camp and no better swimming any where except Dorset Quarry. It’s been about 50 years , just wondering if it’s still there.
Thanks for your comment Tom. Willis Ross Camp burned down in 1972. All of the lean-to’s that sat directly on the shores of Stratton Pond are now gone (I think most ended up burning down). Nowadays with more traffic on the trails, I think the GMC likes to set the designated camps away from the shores to protect the lake’s serene setting.