Duck Brook Shelter was constructed in 1966 by the Long Trail Patrol specifically for the Burlington Section of the Green Mountain Club. The shelter was built as a frame open-front structure featuring an inside table and double-deck bunks with capacity for 12 hikers—providing crucial overnight shelter in the Breadloaf Glen section of the Long Trail.
Dedication Celebration: Fall 1967
The completion of Duck Brook Shelter was marked by a well-attended celebration in the fall of 1967. The event brought together 86 people and several dogs to witness the dedication of the new facility. Notably, past presidents of the main Green Mountain Club attended, along with representatives from at least four sections beyond the sponsoring Burlington Section, demonstrating the shelter’s significance to the broader Long Trail community.
The formal christening was performed by Roy O. Buchanan, the legendary founder of the Long Trail Patrol, who "christened the shelter with water and characteristic remarks." The occasion was enhanced by a beautiful sign crafted specifically for the event by Gerry Grow, creating a memorable marker for the new shelter.
Location and Water Supply
Duck Brook Shelter is also known as Cascade Shelter and occupies a strategic location in Breadloaf Glen along the Long Trail. The shelter’s water supply comes from Duck Brook, which flows in a deep ravine below the shelter site, providing reliable access to fresh water year-round.
Trail Rerouting and Erosion Management: Early 1970s
As the Long Trail’s popularity increased, environmental concerns emerged in the Duck Brook Shelter area. In the early 1970s, a section of the Long Trail near Duck Brook Shelter was rerouted to address serious erosion problems. Work parties undertook the significant task of pulling the trail back from the rim of a gravel bank and providing an easier, more sustainable crossing of Duck Brook. These efforts reflected the Long Trail community’s commitment to balancing public access with environmental stewardship.
Maintenance and Preservation: 1975
By 1975, the shelter required systematic maintenance to ensure its longevity through Vermont’s harsh winters. Volunteers led by Ralph Gibbs undertook a creosoting project on Duck Brook Shelter along with several others, applying protective treatment to preserve the structure through the winter season.
Innovation and Community Engagement: 1973
The shelter became the catalyst for community innovation when the Burlington Section sought to improve facilities along the trail. In 1973, the Burlington Section launched a design competition for innovative designs for a new privy at the shelter, engaging the hiking community in the ongoing challenge of providing appropriate facilities in the backcountry.
