Are there any parks/areas that I need to register with along the trail?

[Eywa Dude]

I'll be thru-hiking this year, and I was wondering which state parks or other areas I need to register/sign in with along the trail? Does it cost any money, and are these "registries" easy to find along the trail? I don't want to get caught doing anything against the law or anything! Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.

[peakbagger]

Both the Smokies and the Shenadoah national park require a free hiker permit filled out and attached to your pack. The sign in stations are real obvious. Baxter State Park requires you to register at the Ranger Station prior to climbing the mountain. You also need to sign up for the birches campsite outside the park, both are free and real obvious.

[TOMP]

I don't want to get caught doing anything against the law or anything! Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.

Funny wording, its not that you dont want to break the law just not get caught doing it. haha Also sign in at the begining but I guess you dont have to.

[Blissful]

There are also multiple trail registers on posts along the trail to sign in also (actually many more up in New England). Not that you have to do it, but I did.

[Snow>TP]

Signing in helps the parks get good visitor data for management decisions and funding requests.

Give your info, no one will see it and you'll be getting the most out of your tax payer money.


I appreciate it.

[Larry Vaughn]

Very good advice! Everyone that signs could possibly be the one that makes a difference between 100.00 funding and 5000.00. Beyond the fact of the safety issues that the register helps with.