Ivy Creek Maintenance Hut

Ivy Creek Maintenance Hut, built along the general lines of a Byrd’s Nest Shelter (but not a Byrd’s Nest Shelter), is nestled in the forest below Loft Mountain and above Ivy Creek. Overseers can park their vehicles at the nearby Loft Mountain Wayside on Skyline Drive, across from the access road to Loft Mountain Campground, and walk about 0.6 mile to the Hut.

There are two stone picnic fireplaces outside the Hut (although one is rather unusually and inconveniently oriented); water from a piped spring is immediately adjacent the Hut. Inside, the Hut provides double-bunking for up to 12 persons as well as a propane double-burner, oil lamps, blankets, mattresses, and furniture. A barrel wood stove provides heat in the winter. 100 yards before you reach the Hut, you will find a double-privy.

Under normal circumstances, only PATC members who are trail overseers may use Ivy Creek Maintenance Hut. All who plan or wish to use the Hut should contact the Cabins manager at PATC Headquarters (703.242.0693 ext. 109) to schedule their visit. Again, under normal circumstances, no one overseer may “reserve” use of the Hut; scheduling is intended to ensure that the Hut is not over-crowded on any given night.