Tucker Johnson Shelter

imported
#1

I’m meeting a buddy of mind Friday night at Tucker Johnson shelter on the Long Trail just north of the A.T. junction. He’s been hiking Southbound this week and T.J. will be his last stop. (I’m driving him back to his car Saturday).

My question is, how hard is it to find the AT/LT trailhead parking off of route #4 heading west bound? Can someone give me a landmark or clue as to how to best spot the trail parking in the dark. I’d hate to screw up and leave my buddy hanging. He’d probably freak out if I didn’t show up on schedule.

Thanks!

Paul

#2

Well, you have two trailheads that you can use.

The western trailhead is the official AT/LT trail. There is a parking area on the south side of US Route 4 just west of Pico ski area. Northbound, the AT/LT goes into the woods right across the road, just west of the parking area.

The eastern trailhead is on the old AT/LT, now a side trail. It is right at Sherburne Pass at the Long Trail Inn.

Probably the harder thing to do is to find Maine Junction. That’s where the AT turns west towards Hanover and Maine, and the LT continues north. The AT is a major trail, while the LT is much less used, and thus may be overgrown. So, keep your eyes pealed for the junction. Both the AT and the LT are white blazed.

Peaks

#3

Thanks for the reply.

I would have thought the trail junction would be the easy part. I’d expect a big sign and well worn paths. I’ve got the trail guide so I’ll be sure to double check the milage before I hit the woods.

Thanks again.

Paul

#4

No worries, there is a sign at Maine Junction. The LT is definitely “the road less traveled,” but you’ll find it. The first 10-15 miles is aggravating, uphill, overgrown with nettles and brambles and walks slow. You’re only going in a short ways, but don’t fret if you’re not making the time you expect.

JAN LiteShoe

#5

Jan is right, except that I rather enjoyed the walk from Rt. 4 up to Maine Jct. (probably depends on when the GMC last cleared the nettles from the path). It is not a steep trail and the jct. is clearly marked with signs. T.J. shelter is less than a mile north on the LT from Maine Jct. (right on the trail).

As far as finding the trailheads, the previous postings describe it well enough. If you go in at the Inn at the Long Trail, take the trail towards the AT and continue around Deer’s Leap (don’t go up to the top on th eside trail), passing the turn off for the AT eastbound (on the right) and continuing westward until you come to the jct.

WoodBadge

#6

both trailheads are on Rte 4

Groom

#7

Thanks to all for the advice and info. I successfully found my friend and we ended up having some great food and drink right there at The Inn at Long Trail. Cool place.

Thanks again. Paul.

Paul

#8

Sobo’s, hook a left.

Maine To The East