Johns Brook Lodge
Johns Brook Lodge is a backcountry lodge located in the heart of the Adirondack High Peaks outside of Keene Valley, NY. It is a 3.5-mile hike in from the Garden Parking Area in Keene Valley. The lodge sleeps 28 people in co-ed bunk rooms. During July and August rates include breakfast, lunch, and dinner. From Labor Day to late-June the lodge operates under caretaker service. This means guests provide and cook their own food and have full access to the JBL kitchen.
Built in 1925 with a rich and colorful history, Johns Brook Lodge is the only backcountry lodge in the Adirondacks. JBL accommodates 28 people in four bunkrooms. Two of the rooms sleep 10 people and two of the rooms sleep 4 people. The four person family rooms have two twin bunk beds in each room. Pillows and wool blankets are provided. Guests must bring sheets or sleeping bags and towels. A fireplace in the great room adds to the rustic charm.
Johns Brook Lodge has two 10-person bunkrooms and two 4-person bunkrooms. All rooms are shared and co-ed. There is a large dining room and living room area with a stone fireplace where guests eat meals, play games, share hiking stories, and relax after their day’s adventure. An outside deck with Adirondack chairs offers an additional space for guests to use throughout the year. There are two bathrooms with running water and vault toilets, however there are no showers. During the winter caretaker season there is no running water (mid-October – mid-May).
JBL is a Carry In, Carry Out facility. Please be prepared to pack out all of your own trash. The JBL crew carries in over 5,000 lbs. of food each year and carries out over 1,500 lbs. of trash. We appreciate you doing your part.
There is a store at JBL that carries last minute necessities, novelties, and ADK merchandise. The store takes cash and credit cards.
JBL Caretaker Service
Caretaker service is available from Labor Day to late-June. During caretaker season, a caretaker is available to provide trail information and oversee the lodge. There is no crew to serve meals, however the kitchen is available to guests to prepare the food they pack in. The JBL kitchen includes refrigerators, pots, pans, dishes, and cutlery.
JBL Winter Caretaker
The winter caretaker experience will be similar to winter camping with supplemental heat provided by the woodstove in the great room and a propane heater in the kitchen. Guests will need zero degree Fahrenheit sleeping bags, warm non cotton layers, and an extra pair of inside shoes or warm slippers. Guests will have use of the kitchen but meals should be kept simple and involve minimal prep and clean up as washing dishes provides an extra challenge during the winter months. Guests are expected to do their own dishes and clean up after themselves. There is no running water during the winter therefore guests will need to haul water from the nearby brook for cooking and drinking. Staff will assist in the boiling process required by the NYS Health Department and the necessary buckets will be provided.
JBL Full Service
The full service season runs from late-June till the Monday after Labor Day weekend. All meals are included in the price. Vegetarian/Vegan Meals and most food allergies can be accommodated with 24 hours advance notice. (We cannot offer the use of the kitchen and refrigerators to guests during full service.)
Breakfast is served at 7:30 a.m. Trail lunches are prepared in advance and are available at breakfast.
Dinner is available at one seating beginning at 6:30 p.m.
The Johns Brook Valley offers a wide variety of hiking opportunities. The trip into the lodge alone can be a great hike for those just getting into hiking or backpacking, especially during the fall season. For those looking to hike the High Peaks, there are nine easily accessible from the lodge. A loop over Big Slide and Yard is a great way to start exploring the Johns Brook Valley, while the more adventurous may wish to tackle all or a portion of the Great Range (Lower Wolf Jaw -> Marcy).
See our calendar to join chapter outings. Sign up for guided hikes and backpacking trips.
For more information call our High Peaks Information Center at 518-523-3441. Additionally, feel free to ask the JBL staff questions while you are there, they know the trails in the area very well. For detailed trail descriptions you may consult the High Peaks Trails Guidebook.
To make a reservation or for more information, call 518-523-3441 (8 a.m. to 7 p.m., Sat.-Thur.; 8 a.m. to 9 p.m., Friday), email reservations, or book online.