AT Rules for Smoky Mountains

imported
#1

In the Smoky Mountains, do you have to sleep at the shelters?
Can I camp anywhere?
What are the rules?
I am hiking SOBO I have already hiked the Shenandoah National Park are the rule similar?
Thanks so much for your help.

Keep on hiking.

POOH-BEAR

POOH-BEAR

#2

Rules are different in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.

A thru-hiker is considered to be anyone who starts their hike at least 50 miles beyond the park boundry. Shelters along the AT have a designated number of spaces set aside for thru-hikers. Everyone else needs to have a reservation to stay at a shelter. Regulations require you to stay at a shelter unless the shelter is full. If full, you are expected to tent in the immediate vicinity of the shelter.

I’m sure rules are posted on the National Park Service website.

Peaks

#3

I believe the Park Service sets aside 3 places in the shelters for through hikers. The other spaces should be reserved ahead of time for non through hikers on a first come first serve basis via the Park Service no more that 30 days in advance. As Peaks said, if the shelter is full, they want you to tent near the shelter. Fines for not making reservations are fairly steep, around $125 plus an escort out of the Park. Through hikers just need to register as they enter the Park. Great hiking, PaPa Larry

PaPa Larry

#4

Awesome thanks.

Yes, I will have hiked well over 400 miles when I get there, so I will hit the 50 mile minimum. I am planning on doing big miles, will I get fined if I don’t make it to the shelter?
Thanks again this information is great.

Happy Trails
POOH-BEAR

POOH-BEAR

#5

If you have to, you can camp where there is a clearing, but you need to have a very good reason not stay in a shelter, ie. an emergency of some sort. Best to plan your hike through the Smokies so that you can stay in, or if they are full, near the shelters. Registration slips for thru hikers are available at both ends of AT near the Smokies, eg. at the “Fontana Hilton” on the south end. Great hiking, PaPa Larry

PaPa Larry

#6

Thank you so much for your help, I guess I may have to make my days a little shorter than planned.
Bummer.

Hppy Trails
POOH-BEAR

POOH-BEAR