This is another awesome shelter. It’s a quick easy hike down from the A.T. Pinefield Hut has a small stream within 20 yards of the shelter. There is also a spring nearby as well, either one is good for fresh water. There are several good areas to setup a tent, I setup behind the shelter and found the soil to be pretty much perfect for tent stakes. No major roots or rocks behind there. More camp areas are located up the large hill in the Southern area of the shelter. Pinefield also plenty of firewood available in the surrounding hills. Speaking of fire, the fire pit seems to have been very well maintained and has a high back wall which is great for drying out any wet/damp clothing. The Privy is fairly clean and is located between the camping area on the hill about 50 yds South from the hut. Decent ventilation and an easily tolerable smell, no need to hold your breath. This may put some section or thru-hikers off; because of it’s close proximity(’bout a mile) to Skyline Drive it is a pretty popular spot for weekend campers, bonfire parties and Boy Scout Troops. I stayed here on a Saturday night and the area was host to a Boy Scout troop of 10, a Virginia Tech student party of 5, there were only 2 of us that were hiking the trail. Personally, I didn’t mind it because the Troop gathered wood for the fire and the V.T. students were kind enough to invite me and the pup to their party as well as give us a mini re-supply on food. One more pointer for you — If you go a few miles further North there is a short section of trail that runs along Skyline Drive where there is an overlook parking area. On the North side of that lot you can get decent phone reception and a little further you can get a 1x and an intermittent 3G data connection.
