Adirondack Shelters

The park is not very well marked for getting to the shelters. It is very east to get lost and the trail markings are not very clear.

Great starting point for hikes around the park: https://www.nps.gov/cato/planyourvisit/west-hiking-trails.htm

Relatively easy hike out to the shelters though the labelling is a bit odd as you hit a sign pointing to "shelters" (which only leads to one) before you get to the main sign directing you to the shelters by number (in between both shelters on the main trail) so look for that before wandering down a side trail to a shelter. (Note: we hiked out in the dark so this likely made it more difficult to find) Overall, just a really nice experience. You can't see the other shelter from your camp and it's an easy fun backpacking trip.

Catocin Mountain Park was very clean and beautiful. NPS staff were friendly and informative. I had a great time camping in the secluded lean-to. The trails are in great shape.. The park in general is fantastic. From backcountry primitive camping to rock outcrops sporting expansive views. Highly recommend Catocin. Great place for whole family to enjoy beginners to experienced

I’ve stayed in these shelters twice now. It’s a fairly easy 3ish mile hike in and out, great for testing out new gear. The sites themselves are great and fairly secluded. There is a stream nearby if you need to filter water.

The shelter was clean and had more than enough room for our family of five. The shelter 1 was far enough from shelter 2 that we could not see our "neighbors" and could only hear them occasionally, so we felt like we were quite secluded. The put toilet was about what could be expected. Overall, we had a nice outing for the family's first backpacking experience.

The shelter it self had a "step" to get into it that was very dangerous. It was uneven, extremely high, and not attached to the shelter at all. That needs to be fixed.
The pit toilet was a disgrace. I've used good pit toilets and know they can be cleaned and maintained. That toilet was nightmare fuel.

N/a

The trails and shelter areas are responsibly maintained. Not over trimmed and not left to over grow. The area around the shelters are so beautiful (especially in the spring) and there's a natural water source close to shelter 2 (as long as it's rained recently.) This is such a great place for a getaway and recharge weekend.

Bring plenty of water; drop in on trail head by church