Abandoned Hiker's Hostel "The Sugar Shack"

Located at around 1,117 feet above sea level, this hut was apparently built by the CCC during the WPA, between 1927 and 1935. The wood that comprised the walls and ceiling is long gone, with evidence that at least some of it went up in a fire. The shack has many residents. I saw a huge lizard, a few scorpions, many ticks, and many little black ants. Located far off any normal trail, it's logbook inside a cache nearby stated the last visitor to have come in May of 2011.

The hut from the Southwest.

The shack from the South, further back.

The hostel as viewed from the East. It was around 3:30 CDST when this was taken.

The top of the chimney shows where a copper and iron sheet rooftop once glinted brightly over the wood rafters in order to be visible to hikers on far-away ridges and peaks looking for somewhere safe to rest. Someone has since placed a small stone cairn atop the chimney in order to control the smoke.

Detail of the quite-functional fireplace.

Looking due Southeast from within the inner yard of the Sugar Shack.

The First Step is Always Thrust Into the Air

Hello everyone and welcome to Beyondings, the blog that takes you there.  I am Karlsefni; allow my musings to grant you solace.


Ensley Steel Mill

Ensley Steel Mill

Ensley Steel Mill

The Bowl

Orr Park

Oak Mountain

Cherokee Rock Village

Cherokee Caves

Rome Electrical Plant

Lavender Mountain


The lonely tree in a canyon is the master of survival.