Trail Updates

Connecticut – Shelter Closures – Riga and Brassie Brook Shelters (UPDATED 5/18/23)

05/18/2023

Update: Due to weather, construction was delayed until today. The side trails, camping areas, and privies for both Riga Shelter and Brassie Brook Shelter (NOBO miles 1,511.5 and 1,512.7) will be closed for construction today from approximately 10:00 a.m. until about 5 p.m. or when construction ends for the day.

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04/03/2023

Update: Construction of the new Riga Shelter and Brassie Brook Shelter (NOBO miles 1,511.5 and 1,512.7) will resume this spring. The side trails, camping areas, and privies for both shelter areas will be closed for construction on Tuesday, May 16, 2023, from 7 a.m. until about 5 p.m. or when construction ends for the day. If the project is delayed due to weather, these sites will also be closed on May 17.

All visitors should avoid the shelter areas during this closure and should plan their itineraries accordingly to avoid camping at these sites during the closure. After the side trails, camping areas, and privies for both sites reopen on either May 17 or May 18, visitors should not disturb any construction materials and stay out of the construction zones. We will update this notice when we have more information.

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10/05/2022

Update: Due to unexpected circumstances, Riga and Brassie Brook Shelters (NOBO miles 1,507.1 and 1,508.3) will not be replaced this fall as scheduled. Both shelters are deconstructed and closed until further notice. We anticipate the new shelters will be built and open in June 2023. The tent pads, campsites, and privies all remain open for use.

Visitors should use caution when walking around the old shelter sites and stay out of areas closed off with caution tape. We will update this notice when we have more information.

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09/15/2022

09/07/2022

Riga Shelter (NOBO mile 1,507.1) has been partially dismantled. The dismantled shelter site and another area near the site where hazard trees are being removed have both been closed off to the public using caution tape. Hikers should avoid those areas until the caution tape is removed. The Riga privy and tent pads are still open for use.

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08/26/2022

As the work to replace both Riga and Brassie Brook Shelters continues (NOBO miles 1,507.1 and 1,508.3), crews will be removing hazard trees and limbs at both sites in the coming days. To ensure the safety of both visitors and work crews, Riga Shelter and the side trail will be closed Monday, August 29 through Wednesday, August 31. The Riga privy will remain open. The Brassie Brook Shelter area and side trail will be closed on Wednesday, August 31. The Brassie Brook privy will be closed.

No camping or congregating is permitted in these areas during the closures. Hikers should plan their itineraries accordingly.

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08/11/2022

The demolition of the old Brassie Brook Shelter (NOBO mile 1,508.3) has officially begun, and the immediate area is closed until the construction of the new shelter is complete (ETA late October). Any visitors are asked to avoid standing on/near or touching any parts of the shelter that have not yet been removed. Please camp away from the shelter in designated camping areas — these campsites, the area picnic table, and the privy remain open for visitor use. Please also avoid touching any material covered with tarps. These precautions will help ensure everyone’s safety and the protection of the new shelter’s materials.

These projects are also scheduled to receive building supplies via helicopter delivery on either September 17 or 18, depending on weather conditions. The areas surrounding Brassie Brook and Riga Shelters, including campsites and privies, will be closed during the hours of the delivery. We will update this post as more information becomes available.

A big thanks to the crew for their hard work over the next few months to update these well-loved shelters!

08/05/2022

The Connecticut chapter of the Appalachian Mountain Club, which maintains the Appalachian Trail (A.T.) in Connecticut, will be replacing two A.T. shelters over the coming weeks.

Both Riga Shelter (NOBO mile 1,507.1) and Brassie Brook Shelter (NOBO mile 1,508.3) are over 40 years old and due for replacement. The demolition of the current structures is scheduled to begin on August 10 with Brassie Brook Shelter followed by the demolition of Riga Shelter on September 3.

The project is expected to run until the end of October. While the new shelters are being constructed, the camping areas and privies at both locations will remain open for use. Hikers should stay out of the immediate construction zones around each shelter and plan to camp in the nearby designated areas. We will update this notice when the project is complete.

For more information about the Connecticut chapter and to get involved, visit: https://ct-amc.org/trails/

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