The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is a popular destination for backpacking enthusiasts, offering stunning natural beauty and a wealth of outdoor adventures. However, before embarking on your backcountry journey, it’s essential to understand the permit requirements and regulations set forth by the National Park Service. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll dive into the details of the Great Smoky Mountains Backpacking Permit, ensuring you have all the information you need to plan your trip successfully.
Permit Requirements
Backcountry Permits
Obtaining a backcountry permit is mandatory for all overnight stays in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. This permit is required for each person, at each campsite or shelter in the backcountry.
Cost
The cost for a backcountry permit is $4 per person, per night, with a maximum of $20 per person.
Reservations
Backcountry permits can be reserved up to 30 days in advance of the first night of your trip. Reservations can be made online or in person at the backcountry office located at the Sugarlands Visitor Center.
Shelters
Reservations are required for all shelters within the park, and there is a fee of $4 per night, per person. You are not permitted to stay more than one night at any shelter.
Thru-Hiking
Thru-hikers on the Appalachian Trail are required to obtain a permit for the time they spend hiking through the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. The permit is valid for 38 days from the day you purchase it and is available for up to 8 days in the park.
Rules and Regulations
Maximum Stay
Backpackers are limited to a maximum of three consecutive nights at a campsite and one night at a shelter.
Group Size
The maximum group size for backcountry camping is 8 people. However, special permits are available for groups of up to 12 people at certain designated sites.
Pets
Pets are not allowed in the backcountry of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
Motorized Vehicles
Motorized vehicles are prohibited in the backcountry.
Hunting
Hunting is not permitted anywhere within the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
Food Storage
All food or odorous material must be suspended on the provided cable systems to prevent encounters with wildlife.
Additional Information
Leave No Trace
Backpackers in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park are expected to follow the 7 Leave No Trace Principles to preserve the natural environment for future visitors.
Guided Trips
Consider joining a guided backpacking trip to ensure all permits are secured and to enjoy an all-inclusive experience.
Hiker Shuttle
Information on hiker shuttle services is available to assist with transportation to and from trailheads.
Contact Information
For more information or to obtain a backcountry permit, you can contact the following:
- Backcountry Information Office: (865) 436-1297
- Backcountry Reservation Office: (865) 436-1231
References
- Wildland Trekking. (n.d.). Great Smoky Mountains Backpacking Permits. Retrieved from https://wildlandtrekking.com/great-smoky-mountains-visitor-guide/great-smoky-mountains-backpacking-permits/
- Smoky Mountains Adventure. (n.d.). Backcountry Camping in the Smokies. Retrieved from https://www.smokiesadventure.com/smokymountains/outdoors/backcountry-camping.htm
- Reddit. (2020). Questions about Great Smoky Mountains permits. Retrieved from https://www.reddit.com/r/AppalachianTrail/comments/k98ff4/questions_about_great_smoky_mountains_permits/
- My Smoky Mountain Vacation. (n.d.). Backcountry Camping. Retrieved from http://www.mysmokymountainvacation.com/backcountry.html
- National Park Service. (2024). Backcountry Camping – Backpacking – Great Smoky Mountains. Retrieved from https://www.nps.gov/grsm/planyourvisit/backcountry-camping.htm