punchbowl shelter - appalachian trail database

"Frogs in the punchbowl are so loud in their mass chorus that you'll have trouble sleeping; I used earplugs. Has to be heard to be believed."

"Made famous by an old National Geographic article, this basic 6-person shelter with uncovered picnic table and fire ring sits close to a small pond.

Located about a half-mile straight uphill from the Blue Ridge Parkway and Punchbowl parking area. There is a lot of tenting space, including a mowed area on the other side of the pond to accommodate heavy summer traffic.

Privy is fairly new as of October 2003 and located up hill to left of shelter. Spring was flowing slowly and managed to clog 3 different filters! "