Nulhegan Hut

It is a 300-yard walk, snowshoe, or ski to the hut from VT Route 105. The hut is located along the Nulhegan River. It is possible to paddle to the site from the river’s headwaters near Island Pond, and on from the hut to the Connecticut River.

Link to interactive map: https://www.google.com/maps/d/u/0/edit?mid=1CYCGfFA7WAZD1XfxXolafR8TJLE

Link to parking and trail map: http://www.vermontriverconservancy.org/wp-content/uploads/Parking-And-Trail-Map.jpg

Note: Parking for Nulhegan Hut is along Route 105 and visible from the road. Over the past year there have been two separate incidences of theft in the parking lot. To deter this from happening again, Vermont River Conservancy has spoken with local and state authorities as well as installed a camera for security. There is also now signage alerting anyone who enters that the premises are being filmed for safety purposes. VRC and Vermont Huts will continue to monitor the situation in the area and take active steps to prevent theft from happening in the future. Reach out if you have any questions or concerns.

There are currently about 1.5 miles of walking trails on the property.

View the parking and trail map here: http://www.vermontriverconservancy.org/wp-content/uploads/Parking-And-Trail-Map.jpg

Additional trails worth exploring can be found in the nearby Silvio Conte Refuge. The dirt roads leading west along the East Branch are suitable for backroads cycling. A well-known 67 mile road bike loop connects the towns of Bloomfield, Island Pond, Norton, and Canaan.

The Nulhegan River provides a variety of paddling opportunities, although the river near the hut is generally only suitable only for wading and creek walking most of the summer.

During the spring, people can begin a paddle right from the hut. The Nulhegan is characterized by swift water and easy Class I rapids for about three miles to the confluence of the Connecticut in Bloomfield. From there, paddlers can continue on south through a quite scenic stretch of the Connecticut. The Connecticut can be paddled all season (both downstream and upstream of the confluence), and there are several outfitters near Colebrook that can help with shuttling.

The Nulhegan Gorge – one mile of boulder strewn Class III rapids located just upstream of the hut – is a great destination for intermediate paddlers. It generally runs from ice-out (mid April) through early June, and is best for closed boats. It is scenic, wild, and easy to “lap” by putting in at a parking area just above the Route 105, about a one mile drive west of the hut.

Flatwater, upriver excursions on the Nulhegan begining at the same parking area are possible all season. It is a 3 mile round trip paddle up to a set of rapids and back to the launching point. Additional explorations up mellow and meandering  Black Branch – about a mile upstream – are possible during the spring and wet summers. The cooler waters of the Black Branch hosts healthy native brook trout populations and as such are a fine destination for fly fisherman seeking to get off the beaten track.

A good stretch of the Nulhegan for flatwater paddlers ends about five miles upstream at the Route 105 bridge known as “Wenlock Crossing.” The 7.5 mile stretch through a markedly boreal forest from the river’s headwaters near Wenlock Pond down to Wenlock Crossing holds water all season and offers fine birding opportunities through prime moose territory. Expect to have to drag boats around the occasional beaver dam. The adventurous can continue paddling on to the hut for a full day trip. This will require portaging around and lining boats through several rapids, including the Nulhegan Gorge. Paddlers should consult the Northern Forest Canoe Trail Map 6 for details on how to “through paddle” the Nulhegan. 

In the winter, the trails are suitable for snowshoeing. Skiers can hop on a nearby VAST trail across Route 105, or affix skins to head off on backcountry explorations of the hills south of the hut.

Check-in/out Times: Check-in anytime after 2:00 pm on your arrival date. Check-out no later than 12:00 pm on your departure date.

Hut Security Code: You will receive a separate email with the hut’s access code.

Heat: The hut is heated with a wood stove. Please reference the operating instructions in hut. You should be comfortable operating a wood stove.

Lights: The hut has a few LED “candle lights” and a kerosene lamp. Please bring headlamps and/or battery-powered lanterns.

Cooking: The hut is outfitted with a propane cookstove. There is no need to bring your own cooking device. Pots, pans, utensils, dishes, french press, percolator, knives, colander, and cutting boards for up to six people are provided.

Trash: Guests are expected to leave no trace in the hut and pack out all food and trash.

Sleeping: The hut sleeps six comfortably. All new 6″ thick vinyl mattresses were installed in late 2022. Four mattresses in the upstairs loft are 38″ x 80″, the size of Twin Extra-Long sheets. Two mattresses on the downstairs futon are 30″ x 74″, the size of standard Twin sheets. All guests should bring your sleeping bag or blanket(s). There are no linens provided.

Water: There is no potable water supply. However, guests may filter/treat water from the Nulhegan River. When the river is frozen, please melt snow using the pot situated on the wood stove.

Toilet: A composting privy has been constructed near the hut.

Phone: Cell coverage is somewhat spotty, Some are able to get cell service on the deck. Otherwise, service is available by heading west on Rout 105 toward rise in hill, to a pull-out before the bridge, or by driving to Bloomfield.

Cancellations: Reservations canceled 15 days or more in advance will receive a 50% refund. Reservations canceled 14 days or less in advance are non-refundable.

Pets: Pets are permitted at the Nulhegan Hut, provided owners comply with the following guidelines:

• Pets are only allowed with full hut rentals
• Pets must be kept off the futon and off the sleeping pads in the loft
• Because the Nulhegan River is an important wildlife corridor home to bear, dear, and breeding birds, we ask that pets be kept on leashes or tethers when not in the hut.
• Because snow is used for drinking water In the winter, owners must walk their dogs at least 50’ away from the hut before they do they business.
• Please pick up any pet waste from near the hut or along the trails. Deposit in the mouldering privy or pack it out with you.
• Failure to follow these rules will lead to a change in our policy to accommodate pets.

Should you have any questions, contact the Vermont River Conservancy at (802) 229-0820 or e-mail noah@vermontriverconservancy.org