Shelter:Overmountain
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| Shelter | Overmountain | |
| Capacity | 30 People | |
| Privy | Yes | |
| Trail Head Distance N | 8.7 Miles | |
| Trail Head Distance S | 5.0 Miles | |
| Elevation | 4,550 Feet | |
| Latitude | {{#lat_deg2dms: 36.123615}} | |
| Longitude | {{#long_deg2dms: -82.054214}} | |
| Nearest Medical | Elizabethton, TN | |
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Temporary Shelter Closure |
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| The Overmountain Barn Shelter is closed for entry and tent campers are asked to camp at least 40' away from the structure in the event of collapse. Various groups are reviewing options for the shelter which is leaning due to a downward slope slide. The structure is unsafe for entry. Visit the Forest Service website for latest details. |
Description
Arguably the most unique shelter on the entire Appalachian Trail with a great view looking down into Roaring Creek Valley. A classic wooden two-story barn built in the 1970s to meet the needs of a local farm, it was later converted to a shelter and renovated in the 1990s. The barn comfortably accommodates up to 30 people and is the only TEHCC shelter with a privy.
Location
Near Yellow Mountain Gap, between U.S. 19E and Carvers Gap. The shelter is 0.3 miles east of AT. on a blue-blazed side trail. In the Pisgah National Forest, Toecane Ranger District. Located on the Carver's Gap to US19E section.
Water
Spring located on blue-blazed trail between shelter and AT.
Maintenance History
- Sept 2013: Multiple shelter improvements. A 7'x6' sliding barn door was installed for the loft opening. Lower sleeping platforms reinforced with new legs and braces. Drainage addressed around the barn. Picnic table repaired.
- May 2012: Replaced 15 loft floor boards with old barn boards. Refastened picnic table legs with screws. After six years, the privy was again repaired and relocated over a new 5'x4'x4' pit. The old pit was covered with a row of 8" logs, then dirt from the new pit, and finally the old toilet lid was placed on top.
- 2010: Replaced 2x10 framing and bottom two feet of siding on uphill side with treated lumber, installed guttering on uphill side, painted roof on uphill side and painted entire exterior using grant funds from North Carolina Appalachian Trail License Plate.
- 2006: Replaced tops of ground level sleeping platforms with painted plywood using grant funds from North Carolina Appalachian Trail License Plate.
- Mar 2006: Relocated privy. The platform was enlarged and placed over a 5'x4'x4' hole lined with rough sawn pine boards. Old hole with soil and logs.
- 2002: The "Older American" crew installed braces at each bottom end of the barn on the side where the sleeping areas are located. It should be more stable during wind events now.
- 1996: Framed the ground level and put in gravel to eliminate the dust. Covered the upstairs wall cracks to prevent entry of wind and rain. Built two sleeping platforms on the ground level. Built a bench upstairs. Painted the outside and installed a picnic table.
- 1995: TEHCC and Fred Lashley installed new roof.
- 1993: Reinforced structure in loft area. Dug ditch on back side, lined with plastic and filled with large rock for drainage. Enclosed stairwell and opening in loft with safety rails, cut door opening on ground level and installed bench upstairs.
Photo Gallery
Overmountain Shelter
Viewing shelter from above
View of shelter in fog
| Shelter name | Section | Trail distance from Damascus |
|---|---|---|
| Abingdon Gap Shelter | US421 to Damascus | 10.2 |
| McQueens Knob Shelter (emergency shelter) | US421 to Damascus | 11.7 |
| Double Springs Shelter | TN91 to US421 | 18.5 |
| Iron Mountain Shelter | Wilbur Dam Rd to TN91 | 26.2 |
| Vandeventer Shelter | Wilbur Dam Rd to TN91 | 33.0 |
| Laurel Fork Shelter | Dennis Cove Rd to Wilbur Dam Rd | 49.5 |
| Moreland Gap Shelter | US19E to Dennis Cove Rd | 57.0 |
| Mountaineer Falls Shelter | US19E to Dennis Cove Rd | 66.6 |
| Stan Murray Shelter | Carver's Gap to US19E | 86.5 |
| Roan High Knob Shelter | Iron Mountain Gap to Carver's Gap | 91.7 |
| Clyde Smith Shelter | Iron Mountain Gap to Carver's Gap | 100.2 |
| Cherry Gap Shelter | Indian Grave Gap to Iron Mountain Gap | 109.3 |
| Curley Maple Gap Shelter | Nolichucky River to Indian Grave Gap | 122.2 |
| No Business Knob Shelter | Spivey Gap to Nolichucky River | 132.7 |
Per the 2021 AT Data Book.