Whitley Gap Shelter Whitley Gap Shelter is located 36.9 miles north of Springer and accomodates about 6 people. At 1.2 miles from the trail, most thru-hikers never go there. The side-trail to the shelter has some outstanding views and campsites in the first 0.2 mile, but no water until you go 0.3 mile beyond the shelter. This shelter and sidetrail are very popular with the locals who 'know about it'.