That being said the only people who can set up a tent/hammock are thru-hikers and only in the scenario that the shelter is full. The park service purposely only rent out a certain number of spots in the shelters. Featured here are selected hikes ranging in difficulty from the easy to the challengingfor the young to the elderly.

The Great Smoky Mountains National Park has over 800 miles of trail and more than 500,000 acres of land.

Park rangers have the authority to enforce backcountry regulations with penalties up to $5,000 and 6 months in jail. If you see a bear in the back country, respect their space by: Thru-hikers on the Great Smoky Mountains section of the Appalachian Trailare required to obtain a permit for the time they spend hiking through the park. 2878 Soco Road

Help preserve the backcountry for any visitors who come after you by following the 7 Leave No Trace Principles. You may self-register for a permit at any ranger station by following posted instructions, but your itinerary may require access to a public pay telephone, as explained below. http://www.backpacker.com/trips/north-carolina/appalachian-trail-newfound-gap-to-davenport-gap/#bp=0/img1, "As of February 2013, Great Smoky Mountains National Park requires a permit and advance reservations for all backcountry camping in the park.

Failure to abide by park regulations may subject you to a fine under Title 36, Code of Federal Regulations. Footwear should be a major concern. Read all about safely hiking with bears in Great Smoky Mountain. You can alsoclick here to view maps and GPS waypoints for each of the campgrounds, shelters, and backcountry campsites in the Smokies. The online reservation system is very easy to use. Remember to leave no trace of your existence in the backcountry. Great Smoky Mountains National Park requires a permit for all backcountry camping in the park. Most hikers get lost when they leave the path. Use or possession of mules, burros, domestic goats and sheep, llamas, alpacas and other members of the Camelidae or Bovidae family are also prohibited. If you sign up for a thru-hiker permit you can stay at any shelter without reserving spots but people who have reserved have the right to the shelter if the shelter is full. 4025 East Huntington, Suite 150 ), Pennsylvania Game Commission (Pennsylvania), Green & White Mountain National Forests (Vermont & New Hampshire). The Shelters hold between 10-16 people. They are also available online. Be prepared to give your complete trip plan when calling. However, there are no showers, electrical hookups, or water hookups in the park. I don't want to stay in a shelter. Youll discover tips, gear, and links, so you can plan a safe, adventurous, and successful trek. Restaurants

b) As an Overnight Hiker If spaces are still available, hikers may obtain a reservation at a shelter, tent site, or cabin (Katahdin Stream Campground is the most convenient option; Daicey Pond Campground, located two miles trail-south of Katahdin Stream Campground, or Abol Campground, located two miles by road from Katahdin Stream Campground, are other nearby options). Deciding to go on a backpacking adventure from one point to another takes just one extra stepfiguring out how youre going to get back to your car when youre finished. Permits are good for 7 nights. The Appalachian Trail Conservancys mission is to protect, manage, and advocate for the Appalachian National Scenic Trail. Page Summary: Backcountry Camping rules in the Great Smoky Mountains and a list of Campgrounds in the Great Smoky Mountains. Youll need to reserve a space at a campsite or shelter. In summer the days usually start out clear, but as the day heats up, clouds can build up, resulting in a heavy shower. The most comprehensive site on the internet for information on hiking trails in the Great Smoky Mountains. Large-group use, events, and some commercial filming require permits. Winter is a great time to be in the Smokies, but also represents the most challenging time as well. Seeing a black bear in its wild habitat is one of the most rewarding sights in the Smokies. Regulations are set by each of the 87 different federal, state, or local land-managing agencies, whose land the Appalachian Trail passes through. Photo by Brad Powell. I think for non thruhikers you have to reserve specific shelters ahead of time. Backcountry Camping "Need To Know" for GSMNP: http://www.nps.gov/grsm/planyourvisit/bc-things2know.htm. Additional information is available for group campsites and horse camps as well. Our CFC number: 12230. If you're looking for something with less regulations check out Greyson Highlands. Some activities, including large-group use, events, or some types of commercial filming, may take place only if a Special Use Permit has been issued by the appropriate land managing agencies. In addition to answering your backpacking questions, the experienced backpackers in the Backcountry Information Office can provide you with tips to make your trip safe and enjoyable. Spaces at Cades Cove, Elkmont, Cosby, Cataloochee and Smokemont may be reserved online at www.recreation.govor by phone through the National Park Reservation Service at1-877-444-6777. From what I can tell by the rules, it says you can only stay in designated shelters and that you have to pre-reserve these shelters. 2021 HikingintheSmokys.com & StaySense LLC. The backcountry use permit isBackcountry Camping Permits free but is required for all overnight camping in the backcountry. Overnight and Thru-Hiker Registration is available through the ATCs ATCamp registration system, which helps hikers avoid crowding, enables hikers to sign up for alerts, and contribute to the preservation of the Appalachian Trail.

One of the unique things about backpacking in Great Smoky Mountain National Park is that depending on where you decide to camp, you may run into thru-hikers of the Appalachian Trail. The information contained herein has been obtained through sources deemed reliable but cannot be guaranteed as to its accuracy. If you're on the AT, you can literally camp anywhere along the trail. There are no showers, electrical or water hook-ups available in the park. Designed by Elegant Themes | Powered by WordPress. You may also obtain permits at the Sugarlands Visitor Center near Gatlinburg, TN. If you want to hammock camp then I would highly suggest that you either do the Lake Shore Trail or the Benton Mackaye Trail starting in Smokemont and going to Big Creek. Keep the permit with you and drop the top copy in the registration box. Long-Distance Hiker Permit Cards are limited by a Baxter State Park quota: 3150 A.T. hikers. Thats why we created our Great Smoky Mountains National ParkBackpacking Guide! Constructing new fire rings is prohibited. Human waste must be disposed of at least 100 feet from any campsite, shelter, water source or trail and must be buried in a hole at least 6 inches deep. Rules and regulations may vary in different areas. Longer treks and those in colder seasons will need additional gear.

Cross streams carefully. Before planning your backcountry trip it is advised that you read through the park trail closures and warningspage beforehand. Listings of these agencies that form the cooperative management system of the A.T. can be found on the Appalachian Trail Conservancys Clubs and Partners page. But as we stated at the beginning, theres a trail for every level of ability.

Frontcountry campgrounds in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park have campsites that can accommodate tents, pop-up trailers and RVs. The Best Attractions & Entertainment in the Smokies! Having said that, dont let a fear of hypothermia, getting lost, or bears prevent you from the enjoyment to be had by trekking the trails of the Park.

Reservation and permit requests will also be accepted in person at the Backcountry Office, which is located at the Sugarlands Visitor Center. Heres What You Must See, Permits may be obtained up to 30 days in advance, Seasonal and weather-related closures may impact your trip, You may not stay at any backcountry campsite for more than three consecutive nights, You may only camp in designated campsites. Failure to do so invalidates your permit and puts you in violation of regulations.

2006-2021 Smokies Adventure / Woodyear McElroy Properties, LLC. Camping in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park can take visitors back to a primitive time, while still offering the amenities that modern life necessitates. Tips, trip reports, back-country gear reviews, safety and news. The Appalachian Trail Conservancy is a 501c3 organization. Getting wet, even in summer, could lead to hypothermia, which leads ultimately to disorientation, poor decision making and, in extreme circumstances, death. Each individual campsite has a fire grate and a picnic table.Campsites at the Cades Cove, Cataloochee, Cosby, Elkmont, and Smokemont may be reserved online, or by phone at (877) 444-6777. Many of the surrounding communities have hikers shuttlesthat will drop you off at the trailhead or take you back to your car after your trip. You have to have a permit even when going through on the AT while in the park. If you are on the AT and the shelter is not full when you get there and then permit holders show up that are not on the AT you then have to forfeit your spot in the shelter and can camp outside if the shelter is full with that group. This is wrong. For some additional tips from the American Bear Association, pleaseclick here. When in the backcountry, one person within your group must possess the backcountry permit at all times. The most authoritative source for restaurants, attractions, & cabin rentals in the Smoky Mountains. (Note: policies and protocols may be different during the COVID-19 pandemic. With 800-miles of trails and more than 100 designated backcountry campsites, theres an adventure for every skill level. The National Park Service has the responsibility to protect the Park for you and future visitors. If you just want to camp in or near the national park, but not be in the deep woods, check out our frontcountry camping page. There is a total of ten campgrounds in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Hammocks cannot be attached to shelters, Shelters are only for those with a Thru-Hiker Permit, Food and trash must be hung on bear cable systems at each campsite or shelter. Great Smoky Mountains National Park (Tennessee/North Carolina) Maximum fine for each violation is $5,000 and/or 6 months in jail. Keep up-to-date with the latest alerts and conditions on the Appalachian Trail. Reservations can be made up to 30 days in advance of the first night of your trip, and can be doneonline, or in person at the backcountry office at the Sugarlands Visitor Center. The only non shelter site on the AT in the park is campsite 113. Biologists believe there are approximately 1,500 bears in the parkthats about 2 bears per square mile. You simply enter the number of people in your group, look at the trail map and click on the sites you desire, and a calendar shows what dates the campsites/ shelters are available for. Don't worry, we won't send spam! Our list is by no means the end-all of what youll need, but its a good starting point. I'm pretty sure you need a permit to section hike the Smokies. While most of the time they are passive and want nothing to do with humans, bears are wild animals and therefore, unpredictable. Thru-hikers are required to stay at backcountry shelters throughout the trail, 4 spaces per shelter are reserved for thru-hikers each night, and if there are no spaces left, you may pitch your tent outside the shelter (only thru-hikers are permitted to tent outside shelters). Check the chart below for operation schedules. Certified heat-treated firewood is packaged and clearly marked with a state or federal seal. The A.T. corridor is managed so those who experience it on foot can intimately connect with the wild, scenic, and natural elements of the environment. I did this section in its entirety this last Fall and I was forced to purchase a permit online, they are very serious about this and the AT has ridgerunners checking as well as Rangers ticketing people without permits. This Sliding Bar can be switched on or off in theme options, and can take any widget you throw at it or even fill it with your custom HTML Code. Two parties affiliated with the same group may not stay in the same campsite or at the same shelter on the same night(s). The number of A.T. However, more than 60% of the A.T. passes through lands owned and managed by the U.S. Forest Service and many other federal, state, and local agencies. These A.T. lands are generally those outside of national, state, and local parks and forests as well as state game lands and national wildlife refuges. We also share information about your use of our site with our social media and analytics partners. Remaining calmif the bear is demanding more space by swatting the air or making loud noises, you must remain calm, and slowly back away from the bear, increasing the distance between you and the animal. ", "Please direct questions concerning backpacking trip planning to the Backcountry Information Office at (865) 436-1297.

Please call the reservations office to cancel any nights or spaces that become available. It includes a chart which indicates rationed sites. Any information of special interest should be obtained through independent verification. Please visit the National Park Service website to verify. The changes include a $4 per person, per night fee for backcountry camping. Dont judge the complete day by the morning sky. You can also avoid crowds by using the outlying trailheads such as those found at the Cosby and Wears Valley entrances. Some overnight sites, especially in New England, require fees. You can only camp in the grassy areas in front of the shelters if the shelters are full and only if you are thru hiking. Heintooga Picnic Area at Balsam Mountain, Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail Auto Tour, Three Big Reasons You Should Not Feed Bears, Great Smoky Mountains National Park: My Smoky Mountain Guide, Camping is permitted only at designated backcountry campsites and shelters. Backcountry users will no longer be required to call the Backcountry Office to obtain reservations. You can enjoy not only the visual splendor of the Park, you can view it without counting out-of-state license plates, and you can get more fit in the bargain. The park now requires a permit and advance reservations for all backcountry camping as well. Backcountry permits are free and are available at the following locations: WHERE TO EAT All food, trash, clothing, equipment or personal items must be packed out. Try one of the following: The hiker should be prepared for a wide range of temperatures and conditions. The temperature on some hikes can be 10 degrees cooler than when you left the lower elevation. The use of tents at shelters is prohibited and the maximum group size is 8 persons. Dont start a hike if thunderstorms threatensome of the most devastating damage ever to the Park has been from great storms in years past. All remaining park campgrounds are first-come, first-served.Only two campgrounds, Cades Cove and Smokemont, are open year round. To purchase a copy of the Trails Illustrated Map for the Great Smoky Mountains, pleaseclick here. Sign-up to get the latest news and update information. Also, go in the morning before most folks are through eating breakfast; this is a good time to see wildlife and morning light is great for photography!

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