Backcountry permit holders are not allowed to use tents at shelters. The reservation and permitting system will allow backcountry users to check availability for and reserve any site or shelter in the national park. In mountain parks, the most popular season extends from early or mid-July to Labor Day. 28 is a great hike in alongside the Middle Prong of the Little River heading up towards the AT. Great Smoky Mountains National Park Backcountry Permits v3.5.009 - Last Update: November 30, 2020 3 Use of reserved sites and shelters must be confirmed through the Backcountry Reservation Office. The fee will be used to provide increased customer service for backcountry trip planning, reservations, permits and the backcountry experience. Please follow the instructions on your permit once you get to the park. Failure to do so invalidates your permit and puts you in violation of regulations. Backcountry camping in the wilderness area of Great Smoky Mountains National Park is permitted for hikers, horseback riders, and boaters (motorized or paddled). Backcountry users will have 24/7 access to an online reservation and permitting system. Great Smoky Mountains National Park (Tennessee/North Carolina) (Note: policies and protocols may be different during the COVID-19 pandemic.) 1 You must possess a backcountry permit while camping in the backcoun-try. The fee will be used to provide increased customer service for backcountry trip planning, reservations, permits and the backcountry experience. Thank you for using the Great Smoky Mountains National Park Backcountry Permit System. Operating Hours for Backcountry Office – The Backcountry Office located at the Sugarlands Visitor Center, near Gatlinburg, TN, is open every day from 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Backcountry reservations and permits can be obtained online or by calling 865-436-1297. "It is important to note that to qualify for an AT Thru-Hiker Permit, a person must begin and end their hike at least 50 miles from outside of Great Smoky Mountains National Park, and only travel on the AT while in the park," park spokeswoman Molly Schroer said. They are all found along the Appalachian Trail, except for Kephart, Laurel Gap, Mount Collins, Mount LeConte, Pecks Corner, and Spence Field. Backcountry permits are generally required for camping outside of the drive-in camping lots. To familiarize yourself with rationed and non-rationed sites, contact the Backcountry Office at (423) 436-1231 for a Smoky Mountains Trail Map. How to Hike the Virgin River Narrows in Zion. It’s the highest elevation campsite. The changes include a $4 per person, per night fee for backcountry camping. Get a Permit. My favorite is the Mt Sterling site, I think. Backcountry permits and AT thru-hiker permits can be made within two weeks from the first night of your trip. The fee, along with a new website to pay it, would be up and running… Jagged mountain peaks, verdant forests and cascading waterfalls set the stage for big adventure in the Great Smoky Mountains, one of America’s best-loved national parks. Reservations are $4 per person per night with a max fee of $20 per person. If you’re looking for something longer than a weekend trip, you can attempt to hike the entire 72 miles of the Smoky Mountains section of the Appalachian Trail, which travels past Clingmans Dome, Rocky Top/Thunderhead, Charlies Bunion, and several other essential Smoky Mountains destinations. A permit is required for camping in the backcountry. Under FLREA, children younger than 16 years of age are exempt from entrance fees but not other fees, such as those for backcountry use. In addition, park rangers assigned exclusively to the backcountry are providing enhanced enforcement for issues such as wildlife violations and food storage. Great Smoky Mountains National Park does not have an entrance fee. Backcountry permits must be obtained before you begin your overnight adventure. Operating Hours for Backcountry Office – The Backcountry Office located at the Sugarlands Visitor Center, near Gatlinburg, TN, is open every day from 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Backcountry reservations and permits can be obtained online or by calling 865-436-1297. Great Smoky Mountains. Great Smoky Mountains National Park, which straddles the borders of North Carolina and Tennessee in the southeastern United States, is renowned for its diversity of plant and animal life, the beauty of its ancient mountains, and the history of its Appalachian mountain culture. The Great Smoky Mountains National Park offers over 800 miles of trails that can be explored on foot or by horseback. Refunds will be offered as a result of campsite closures and events such as prolonged road or trail closures due to significant weather events. Changes to a permit may be made one time. 31 at the head of Porter's Creek is another recommendation. My favorite is the Mt Sterling site, I think. Park rangers assigned solely to backcountry patrol will provide enhanced enforcement for issues such as wildlife violations and food storage. Hate to purchase a whole bunch then have a heart attack over the cost and miss out . There are nearly 100 designated campsites and 15 shelters (no tent required), though some are for hikers only, hikers and horseback riders only, and boaters only. You may not stay two nights in a row at a shelter. Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Backcountry users are no longer be required to call the Backcountry Office to obtain reservations. Great Smoky Mountains National Park changed the backcountry reservation and permitting process in February 2013. Backcountry Permits. The proposed changes, which would update the reservation procedure as well as increasing Ranger presence on the Park’s 800 miles of trails, would be covered by a minimal user fee. Thru-hikers on the Great Smoky Mountains section of the Appalachian Trail are required to obtain a permit for the time they spend hiking through the park. The new reservation/permit system will automatically send an email message and/or text message to those holding reservations for sites that have been closed. These … • Why is Great Smoky Mountains National Park implementing a fee for backcountry camping? Great Smoky Mountains National Park is an American national park in the southeastern United States, with parts in Tennessee and North Carolina.The park straddles the ridgeline of the Great Smoky Mountains, part of the Blue Ridge Mountains, which are a division of the larger Appalachian Mountain chain.The park contains some of the highest mountains in eastern North America, including … National Park NC, TN. Smokies Backcountry Camping: Things You Need To Know. nashville. The fee will be used to provide increased customer service for backcountry trip planning, reservations, permits and the backcountry experience. Dive in and you'll enjoy expansive mountain views, rushing waterfalls, untamed wildlife and clear, starry skies. Most roads in Great Smoky Mountains National Park are open to cycling, but steep terrain, narrow roadbeds, and heavy car traffic make most of them ill suited to safe and enjoyable riding. Permit info...you might see what is available. Smoky MountainsBackcountry Camping. At most campsites you cannot stay for more that 3 consecutive nights. Safe. Permits may be obtained for up to 7 nights. 2. This southeast Tennessee national park offers backcountry camping at primitive shelters and campsites along its vast network of hiking trails. The fee will be $4 per person per night, with a maximum of cost of $20 per person per permit, for up to seven nights. Reservations and permits are required for all overnight stays in the backcountry. FLREA does not authorize reduced fees for residents of states contiguous to the national park. The tables below list campgrounds, shelters, and backcountry campsites in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.Click on the location to select map views and nearby waypoints. Backpackers and hikers are expected to follow all park regulations. Some of the best primitive camping you'll find is in the backcountry of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, which covers most of the range and offers more than 800 miles of trails. Reservations and permits are required for all overnight stays in the backcountry. Hikers not meeting this definition should apply for a General Backcountry Permit. Backcountry Regulations. Wedding Permits: Plan your special day in the park. • Will there be a reduced fee for children or for residents of Tennessee or North Carolina? Aug 22, 2014 - The Great Smoky Mountains National Park Backcountry Permit System allows users to apply for and purchase backcountry permits. View Profile View Forum Posts View Journal Entries View Articles View Gallery Uploads GSMNP 900 Miler Join Date 02-25-2007. As of February 2013, Great Smoky Mountains National Park requires a permit and advance reservations for all backcountry camping in the park. Report inappropriate content . • What is the timeframe for implementing the fee and new reservation/permitting system? Thank You for Signing up for Wildland Wires! Remember to call the Backcountry Office at (865) 436-1231 and reserve a spot in the shelter at least a month in advance. Thread: Great Smoky Mountains Thru Hiker Permit. It’s free to get in with no fees, and there is designated parking available. 107 Park Headquarters Road Keep your permit with you while in the backcountry, and be prepared to show it if you come across a ranger. Yes. 1 year ago. Safe. The facility includes a Great Smoky Mountains Association bookstore and shop, as well as a Backcountry permit station. There are five specially designated horse camps reachable by vehicle in the park: Anthony Creek, Big Creek, Cataloochee, Round Bottom, and Tow String. • Will the park institute a per person limit for backcountry fees paid in one year? Once changes are implemented, backcountry users will be able to obtain reservations and print permits at their convenience through an online system which may be accessed 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. • How will the changes affect my reservation, permitting and backcountry experience? Camping is permitted only at designated backcountry campsites and shelters. level 1 You must have a paper copy of your permit with you at all times while hiking through Great Smoky Mountains National Park. FLREA permits the creation of annual passes for park entrance fees but not other fees, such as backcountry use fees. Permits are required for all overnight stays in the backcountry. Biggest deal is parking at the trailhead. Jun 12, 2014 - The Great Smoky Mountains National Park Backcountry Permit System allows users to apply for and purchase backcountry permits. Great Smoky Mountains National Park officials announced that changes to its current backcountry reservation and permitting process will take effect on February 13, 2013. All backcountry users stand to benefit from the changes. It’s free to get in with no fees, and there is designated parking available. It’s the highest elevation campsite. A backcountry permit must be obtained for overnight stays before entering the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, and a $4 per person fee will be required for each night in the backcountry. Permits. The vast mileage of trails and deep backcountry of Great Smoky Mountains National Park translate to some of the best equestrian opportunities in the East. 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