Mollies Ridge Shelter Appalachian National Scenic Trail, Townsend, TN 37882

"Got there right before a storm blew through. Never been happier to reach a shelter. I was really surprised that even right after a downpour the water source was still just a trickle. The water is there, but it's going to take a while to fill a bottle."

"Thursday 12 November 1998 1034 hours. We've been hiking for an hour and 15 minutes. Short on water today. This area is bone dry, not even a trickle at the last marked spring a half hour back. Have a little over a half-quart of water---hope there is some at Mollies Ridge, which should only be another mile or so. Savoring a crumbled strawberry poptart...Hoofed it up Mollies Ridge---god d@mn f'ing horse people have turned the trail into a ditch---a two-foot wide trench a foot and a half deep filled with loose leaves, rocks--lots of rocks--and plenty of horse apples. It's now a perfect stream bed and the epitome of increased erosional processes. Mollies Ridge itself is an idyllic spot for a shelter. Looks more like an orchard, a relatively flat glen with trees and arpeted in grass, no underbrush. Basically the same shelter as at Birch Spring but nicer setting...nary a trickle from the spring here either. We were forced to get our water in true Florida Cracker summer style---from a mud hole. After repeatedly unclogging the filter we ended up with four quarts and headed back to the shelter and ate lunch. Angel hair pasta with a touch of oil and parmesan cheese. Pure fuel. Coffee with the last of the sugar and a half packet of coffee mate a piece. For desert, power bars, apple and cinnamon."

"I mean this is a basic three sided shelter! But it has a tarp across the fourth side in the winter and it has a fireplace. The water was running strong when I was there in Nov. There are bear wires to hang your food. The night I was there the wind was blowing so the tarp shook all night - my tip - take ear plugs. One person saw a mouse, but they didn't bother me. So highly recommended if you are coming from or going to Fontana Dam, just a 10 mile hike."

"Mollies ridge saved my life during a sudden rain showers in the dead of winter, thanks for the shelter!"