The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is home to a unique set of Appalachian Trail (AT) shelters that cater to the needs of both thru-hikers and section hikers. These shelters provide a place to rest, reduce environmental impact, and navigate the challenges of hiking in this rugged and beautiful region.
Shelter Details
The Appalachian Trail shelters in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park share some common features, but also have some distinct differences compared to the rest of the AT:
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Capacity | Most shelters can accommodate up to 8 hikers, who sleep on the floor in a line next to each other. |
| Amenities | Shelters typically have a picnic table, fire pit, water source, and privy nearby. Some also have bear boxes or bear cables for storing scented items. |
| Distance | Shelters are spaced approximately 8.5 miles apart on average, but can range from 5 to 15 miles apart. |
Permits and Availability
The Great Smoky Mountains National Park has specific rules and regulations for the use of its AT shelters:
- Permits: Section hikers need to reserve a spot in a specific shelter, while thru-hikers can take shelter spots on a first-come, first-served basis.
- Availability: Shelters can fill up quickly, especially during peak season. Thru-hikers may need to share with section hikers or find alternative accommodations.
- Bear Hangs: All shelters have steel cables for hanging food and other scented items to protect against bears.
- Tenting: Due to COVID-19, both thru-hikers and section hikers are allowed to tent nearby if they cannot get a spot in the shelter.
Rules and Regulations
In addition to the permit requirements, there are several important rules and regulations that hikers must follow when using the AT shelters in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park:
- Permits: Backcountry camping permits are required for all overnight stays, including shelters. Thru-hikers need to start and end their hike at least 50 miles outside the park to use a thru-hiker permit.
- Shelter Etiquette: Hikers should sweep out the shelter, keep the grounds litter-free, and be considerate of other hikers.
- Food Storage: Use bear boxes or bear cables where available, and bring personal food storage containers to protect food from bears and other animals.
Additional Resources
If you’re planning to hike the Appalachian Trail through the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, here are some helpful resources to learn more about the shelters and regulations:
- Appalachian Trail Conservancy: Provides detailed information on shelters, permits, and regulations.
- Tennessee Landforms: Offers a comprehensive list of AT shelters, including their locations and elevations.
- Greenbelly Meals: Provides a detailed guide to AT shelters, including their amenities and capacities.
References:
– Tennessee Landforms. (2024). Appalachian Trail Shelters. Retrieved from https://tnlandforms.us/at/
– Reddit. (2022). Answers to Common Questions about Shelters in the Smokies. Retrieved from https://www.reddit.com/r/AppalachianTrail/comments/xle01a/answers_to_common_questions_about_shelters_in_the/
– Greenbelly Meals. (2021). List of All Appalachian Trail Shelters (With Map). Retrieved from https://www.greenbelly.co/pages/appalachian-trail-shelters
– Appalachian Trail Conservancy. (n.d.). Shelters. Retrieved from https://appalachiantrail.org/explore/hike-the-a-t/thru-hiking/shelters/