Archive - April 2025

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Peg Mill Shelter (Lean-to)
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Dry Reservoir Shelter (Lean-to)

Peg Mill Shelter (Lean-to)

Location: Voluntown, CT — Along the Narragansett Trail, Pachaug State Forest (Green Falls Area), CT

Overview

Of the shelters in Pachaug State Forest, Peg Mill Brook Shelter stands out especially in rainy weather. With a metal roof and generous headroom, it provides solid protection from the elements. The site includes a well-built fire ring along with handy extras like a grill grate and a bow saw, making it a great stop for overnight hikers or lunch breaks.

Peg Mill Shelter at Dusk

Shelter & Camping Conditions

Peg Mill Brook Stone Culvert

The shelter is located on the Narragansett Trail, nestled between Green Falls and the Rhode Island border. There are a few ways to reach it depending on gate access.
A small stream runs nearby and often flows year-round. Peg Mill Brook, just a short walk from the shelter, offers another water source.
💧 Always remember to boil or filter your water — even if it’s flowing.

Video of the shelter during a hike

Highlights

🧭 Great access from multiple trail systems: Pachaug, Nehantic, and Green Falls Loop

🏕️ Flat, open space around the shelter suitable for multiple tents or hammocks

🌲 Peaceful forest setting along the Narragansett Trail

🔥 Fire ring with tools and grill grate available on-site

💦 Nearby running water sources

🛻 If the gate to the Green Falls area is open, it’s a short 0.6-mile hike via forest road

Notes

💧 Water source: Peg Mill Brook offers water access, but be sure to boil or filter any water collected

🦟 Bug spray highly recommended, especially in warmer months

🧭 Part of Pachaug State Forest, Connecticut’s largest state forest

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Dry Reservoir Shelter (Lean-to)

Location: Griswold, CT — along the Nehantic Trail in Pachaug State Forest

Overview

Tucked into the woods not far from where the Nehantic and Pachaug Trails split, the Dry Reservoir Shelter offers a modest but useful stop for hikers traversing this section of Pachaug State Forest. The structure is short in height with no standing room, but it is wide enough to comfortably sleep several people — more if you’re willing to get cozy. While it may not be the tallest shelter in the forest, it makes up for it with its solid fire pit and a metal fire grate.

Shelter & Camping Conditions

The shelter is located about 0.5 miles from Firetower Road, a forest access road, and approximately 0.75 miles from Mount Misery Overlook, which offers sweeping views of the forest. The hike in includes a bridge crossing over a dam runoff and passes by small seasonal streams that may dry up during the summer. Water typically flows under the bridge near the dam year-round, though there is no immediate water source at the shelter itself. A running stream near the trail may offer water earlier on the approach, but as always, it’s important to boil or filter all collected water before use.

Video of the shelter during a hike

Highlights

💦 A running stream near the trail can often be used to resupply water, though it may dry up in the summer

🧭 Approximately 0.75 miles from Mount Misery Overlook, a popular nearby destination with great views

🌳 Wooded and secluded setting — surrounded by forest, away from main roads

🏕️ Flat, open space around the shelter suitable for multiple tents or hammocks
🛖 Low-clearance lean-to with space for multiple sleepers

🔥 Large fire pit with grate and saw on site

Notes

💧 Water source: Streams offer water access, but be sure to boil or filter any water collected

🦟 Bug spray highly recommended, especially in warmer months

🧭 Part of Pachaug State Forest, Connecticut’s largest state forest

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Created by BackpackingConnecticut.com