PDA

View Full Version : Register / permits



Fireplug
12-14-2015, 21:04
I'm a year into hiking. Just retired as a firefighter in July. Can't wait to get on the trail. My question is, do I need to legally register or need permits at any point on the trail?

Lone Wolf
12-14-2015, 21:13
you need a permit for the Great Smoky Mtns. national park and Shenandoah national park. do not need to register anywhere

Fireplug
12-14-2015, 21:38
How do I go about getting them? Thanks

GoldenBear
12-14-2015, 22:41
You do not need a permit to HIKE in either national park. However, you must
1) obtain a PERMIT to stay in the back-country of the Great Smokey Mountains. This includes shelters, and the rules ARE enforced. Camping outside designated areas is STRICTLY prohibited.
http://www.nps.gov/grsm/planyourvisit/bc-things2know.htm
https://smokiespermits.nps.gov/
Also, you MUST obtain the permit BEFORE you enter the Park.
2) REGISTER for back-country stays when you enter Shenandoah. You can do this at the self-registration kiosk along The Trail, and simply specify that you will be staying along the A.T.
http://www.nps.gov/shen/planyourvisit/campbc_regs.htm
Once you register as a back-country camper, you can camp along The Trail -- at a shelter or not -- IF you follow the rules noted in the above URL.

Fireplug
12-14-2015, 23:17
Thanks Great info

Traveler
12-15-2015, 09:09
The ATC has a voluntary registration program for thru hikers that has started recently. Though voluntary you may want to look at participating in the registration process.

http://appalachiantrail.org/.../voluntary-thru-hiker-registration

peakbagger
12-15-2015, 12:49
I expect that given the controversy at Baxter State Park this year that there will be more stringent process in place in 2016 to enter the park. Its not a permit as such but you currently need to register when you cross into the park if you plan to camp overnight (practically for 99% of thru hikers you need to stay at least one night). The issue is that once 10 slots are full at a designated campsite in the park you have to have made reservations previously or try to find an available campsite by calling the park which is difficult as there is no cell service nearby. The current rules and I expect any changes are well communicated for weeks in advance along the AT at shelters and hostels so this wont be a surprise.

Traveler
12-15-2015, 13:37
I saw a notice for BSP rules posted on the detour sign at the northern end of the Easter Mountain section of the AT at Falls Village, CT. Not sure how anyone can claim "I didn't know" given the signs are well out in front of the Park, now well south of ME.

Fireplug
12-15-2015, 15:25
I expect that given the controversy at Baxter State Park this year that there will be more stringent process in place in 2016 to enter the park. Its not a permit as such but you currently need to register when you cross into the park if you plan to camp overnight (practically for 99% of thru hikers you need to stay at least one night). The issue is that once 10 slots are full at a designated campsite in the park you have to have made reservations previously or try to find an available campsite by calling the park which is difficult as there is no cell service nearby. The current rules and I expect any changes are well communicated for weeks in advance along the AT at shelters and hostels so this wont be a surprise.

interesting that they won't allow you in a state park just to hike.

egilbe
12-15-2015, 15:40
interesting that they won't allow you in a state park just to hike.

To keep it wild and remote, the number of visitors is limited and s trictly enforced. BSP wants tp prevent it from being loved to death.

Traveler
12-15-2015, 16:01
interesting that they won't allow you in a state park just to hike.

State Park is a misnomer and its not part of the Maine Park system, it is a separate Authority. It is a wilderness area established by property donated to create the area from the early to mid 1900s. The Park receives no taxpayer funding and is self funding through user fees, revenues from various trusts, and forestry products harvested from the land. You can walk into the park from adjoining roads anytime, but you cannot camp or drive in without a reservation or permit.

bill1980
12-15-2015, 16:07
Since this has drifted into answers about Baxter, let me ask a question. If you reserve a camping spot or a shelter spot in Baxter to climb Katahdin (not coming in as a thru), does that reservation include a parking spot?

Traveler
12-15-2015, 16:14
Since this has drifted into answers about Baxter, let me ask a question. If you reserve a camping spot or a shelter spot in Baxter to climb Katahdin (not coming in as a thru), does that reservation include a parking spot?

I have only done that once, but with the reservation came the parking space, so unless the process has changed drastically, a reservation gets you in and into a camping spot at the place you reserved.

bill1980
12-15-2015, 17:20
I have only done that once, but with the reservation came the parking space, so unless the process has changed drastically, a reservation gets you in and into a camping spot at the place you reserved.

Thanks for your help, AT Traveler.

Fireplug
12-15-2015, 19:35
Can't you just stealth camp?

Venchka
12-15-2015, 19:40
Can't you just stealth camp?

Sure. Go ahead. "Just do it!"

Waynr

coyote9
12-15-2015, 21:17
What happened?

MuddyWaters
12-15-2015, 22:13
You do not need a permit to HIKE in either national park. However, you must
1) obtain a PERMIT to stay in the back-country of the Great Smokey Mountains. This includes shelters, and the rules ARE enforced. Camping outside designated areas is STRICTLY prohibited.
http://www.nps.gov/grsm/planyourvisit/bc-things2know.htm
https://smokiespermits.nps.gov/
Also, you MUST obtain the permit BEFORE you enter the Park.
2) REGISTER for back-country stays when you enter Shenandoah. You can do this at the self-registration kiosk along The Trail, and simply specify that you will be staying along the A.T.
http://www.nps.gov/shen/planyourvisit/campbc_regs.htm
Once you register as a back-country camper, you can camp along The Trail -- at a shelter or not -- IF you follow the rules noted in the above URL.

to expound a little, Shenandoah requires permits for camping. camping is defined as any use of sleeping gear or shelter, day or night. One of these days GSMNP will have to copy this due to people that sleep in shelters in day and hike at night to avoid permit.

egilbe
12-15-2015, 22:21
Can't you just stealth camp?

No. Camping anywhere other than the the designated camping spots is prohibited.

Traveler
12-16-2015, 08:49
Can't you just stealth camp?

If you are talking about BSP, if you are caught, you will be escorted out of the park and likely not be allowed back for a long time. National parks will issue tickets and/or summons to appear if you ignore them. If you stealth camp in places like CT or MA that require the use of designated camping areas you run the risk of the AT being closed and road walks taking you around that property owners section (in CT that would be the stretch of trail from Lions head through to Sages Ravine for example).

Bottom line is, its usually easier to play by the rules than game them. Unless there is an emergency like bad weather or injury that causes you to hunker down in place and you can't get to a designated camping area, you are better served by observing the rules of the trail where ever you are. There are many areas of the trail where one can camp and embrace LNT (sometimes termed stealth camping), which is why guide books from the AMC or Awol's Guide are important to know what the local rules and restrictions are along the trail.

peakbagger
12-16-2015, 08:53
Since this has drifted into answers about Baxter, let me ask a question. If you reserve a camping spot or a shelter spot in Baxter to climb Katahdin (not coming in as a thru), does that reservation include a parking spot?

A camping reservation in the park gets you a parking spot at the campsite you booked. Sounds simple but there are only three campgrounds with parking lots that access the trailheads for Katahdin and only one campground, Katahdin Stream that accesses the AT. There are limited parking spots at each campground and they are managed fairly closely. If you are camping in the park at one of the many other campgrounds (some of the northern campsites are 2 hours from KSC), then you have to get up real early and drive over to the trailhead parking lots and grab a spot before the Day Hikers drive in the park. People who just want to day hike have to buy a day use permit for a specific lot on a specific day. They are guaranteed a spot to park. Its highly likely on a weekend that the Day Use permits will sell out and the three katahdin trailhead parking lots will be full quite early, in that case a camper inside that park can and will be turned away when the lot is full. The Togue Pond gate is usually opened about 1/2 hour before sunrise so those in remote sites may have to get up around 4 AM to ensure they beat the day use folks. Go during a non holiday weekday and you have much better odds.

shawnlakenorman
12-18-2015, 16:05
To keep it wild and remote, the number of visitors is limited and s trictly enforced. BSP wants tp prevent it from being loved to death.
Wow. I am now worried about taking this thru hike on. Will o be blocked along the way from enjoying out USA nature land. What is the big deal. Have so many before me caused so many negative issues.

Sent from my SM-J100VPP using Tapatalk

shawnlakenorman
12-18-2015, 16:08
If you are talking about BSP, if you are caught, you will be escorted out of the park and likely not be allowed back for a long time. National parks will issue tickets and/or summons to appear if you ignore them. If you stealth camp in places like CT or MA that require the use of designated camping areas you run the risk of the AT being closed and road walks taking you around that property owners section (in CT that would be the stretch of trail from Lions head through to Sages Ravine for example).

Bottom line is, its usually easier to play by the rules than game them. Unless there is an emergency like bad weather or injury that causes you to hunker down in place and you can't get to a designated camping area, you are better served by observing the rules of the trail where ever you are. There are many areas of the trail where one can camp and embrace LNT (sometimes termed stealth camping), which is why guide books from the AMC or Awol's Guide are important to know what the local rules and restrictions are along the trail.
Wow. Takes the adventure out of it. Market and business.

Sent from my SM-J100VPP using Tapatalk

Traveler
12-18-2015, 16:28
Wow. I am now worried about taking this thru hike on. Will o be blocked along the way from enjoying out USA nature land. What is the big deal. Have so many before me caused so many negative issues.

Sent from my SM-J100VPP using Tapatalk


Wow. Takes the adventure out of it. Market and business.

Sent from my SM-J100VPP using Tapatalk

I'm sure for some any regulations regarding trail use or camping access are inconvenient. Most others find little problem working inside them and understand the need for some level of restriction in popular areas.

shawnlakenorman
12-18-2015, 17:06
I'm sure for some any regulations regarding trail use or camping access are inconvenient. Most others find little problem working inside them and understand the need for some level of restriction in popular areas.
Thanks I agree. Some of the post seem a bit unnerving. I have my guide and have downloaded all the rules for the various areas. Easy to say ok I am gonna do this but there are alot of logistics and planning. Plus trying to take advantage of the window of opportunity of time to do it.

Sent from my SM-J100VPP using Tapatalk

Traveler
12-18-2015, 17:09
Thanks I agree. Some of the post seem a bit unnerving. I have my guide and have downloaded all the rules for the various areas. Easy to say ok I am gonna do this but there are alot of logistics and planning. Plus trying to take advantage of the window of opportunity of time to do it.

Sent from my SM-J100VPP using Tapatalk

Thats all part of the challenge!

shawnlakenorman
12-18-2015, 17:10
Thats all part of the challenge!
Agree.

Sent from my SM-J100VPP using Tapatalk

GoldenBear
12-18-2015, 19:08
> Have so many before me caused so many negative issues.

Yes.

U.S. law states that the National Parks Services exists "to conserve the scenery and the natural and historic objects and the wild life therein and to provide for the enjoyment of the same in such manner and by such means as will leave them unimpaired for the enjoyment of future generations."

A key adjective is "unimpaired."
That means if visitors' usage of a national park would impair the enjoyment of such parks for future generations, then the law REQUIRES the NPS to regulate that usage so that it no longer happens.
If that means restrictions for backpackers, so be it.

Fireplug
12-18-2015, 20:44
Ok now next question. How do you know when you enter an area where these permits are required. I don't see anything in the AWOL BOOK

shawnlakenorman
12-18-2015, 21:46
Ok now next question. How do you know when you enter an area where these permits are required. I don't see anything in the AWOL BOOK
I have been researching for a year. Have the at trail guide and so many downloads. I am hoping posting will be there

Sent from my SM-J100VPP using Tapatalk

Sarcasm the elf
12-20-2015, 00:05
Ok now next question. How do you know when you enter an area where these permits are required. I don't see anything in the AWOL BOOK

As far as permits, AWOL's guide lists the milage markers for the northern and southern boundaries of each park, though it doesn't explicitly say "permit required here" on the mileage list.


Regarding other regulations and camping restrictions, the AWOL book notes the rules in the "data spread" (their fancy term for the mileage list) for each state, so you have to read each line of the mileage list to see if anything important is noted. For instance my 2013 AWOL guide says this for the NY/CT Line in the Connecticut section:

"729.2 1456.7 CT-NY Campfires prohibited in CT. Camping only in designated areas."


The ATC/ALDHA guidebook (https://www.atctrailstore.org/catalog/iteminfo.cfm?itemid=812&compid=1) generally prints these rules more clearly in an italicized paragraph just underneath each states' mileage chart. (I have a slight preference for this book over AWOL's.)

Sir Setsalot
12-20-2015, 20:52
Every year BSP comes be a topic of discussion. I have pasted a link here. The problem with BSP is the popularity. They limit the amount of thru hikers to twelve only because the Birches (cap12) is res for thru hikers but does not mean you cannot get another campsite, by reservation, elsewhere in the campground. If you can hike in to the rangers station by 12 noon (cutoff for starting a summit hike) then you should be able to hike it. I think maybe 1% of the thru hikers would be able to do that. because you would have to hike all the way from abol bridge, checkin with reanger, summit, check out with rangers, and hike back to abol bridge.

http://www.baxterstateparkauthority.com/hiking/at.htm

Venchka
12-20-2015, 21:41
You could buy a copy of "Called Again" by Jennifer Pharr Davis and read about her most uneventful summit hike. She had help from a lot of sunshine and a full moon.
Good luck.

Wayne


Sent from somewhere around here.