Connecticut – Shelter Closure – Pine Swamp Brook, 4/3/25
Connecticut
hiking-safety
|shelter-closure
|Alert
04/03/2025
The Pine Swamp Brook Shelter, campsite, and privy are closed until further notice (NOBO mile 1,490.4). There are many large, dead oak trees in this area that pose a significant safety risk (hazard trees). Hikers should avoid this area and not plan to camp here, stop to take a break, or use the privy. The dead trees are highly unpredictable; large branches and whole trees can snap suddenly and fall, especially during windy weather.
An infestation of invasive spongy moth is suspected to be the cause of the wide-spread die off of trees at this site and on adjoining land.
ATC staff and volunteers with the Appalachian Mountain Club – Connecticut chapter will be visiting the site over the coming weeks to conduct assessments, coordinate work to remove the dead hazard trees, and clean up debris. We will update this notice with more information as we receive it.
Spongy moth caterpillar. Photo courtesy of the VA Dept. of Forestry