A list of GSMNP rules and regs regarding backcountry use

[Vesna]

For non thru hikers:

http://www.nps.gov/grsm/planyourvisi...untry-regs.htm (http://www.nps.gov/grsm/planyourvisit/backcountry-regs.htm)

Backpackers and hikers are subject to all Backcountry Rules and Regulations. Failure to abide by park regulations may subject you to a fine under Title 36, Code of Federal Regulations. Maximum fine for each violation is $5,000 and/or 6 months in jail.

Backcountry Rules and Regulations
1. You must possess a backcountry permit (http://www.nps.gov/grsm/planyourvisit/backcountry-camping.htm) while camping in the backcountry.
2. Camping is permitted only at designated sites and shelters.
3. Use of reserved sites and shelters (http://www.nps.gov/grsm/planyourvisit/backcountry-camping.htm) must be confirmed through the Backcountry Reservation Office.
4. You may stay up to three consecutive nights at a site. You may not stay two nights in a row at a shelter.
5. Maximum camping party size is eight persons.
6. Open fires are prohibited except at designated sites. Use only wood that is dead and on the ground. Use only established fire rings.
7. The use of tents at shelters is prohibited.
8. Food storage: When not being consumed or transported, all food and trash must be suspended at least 10 feet off the ground and four feet from the nearest limb or trunk, or shall be stored as otherwise designated.
9. Toilet use must be at least 100 feet from a campsite or water source and out of sight of the trail. Human feces must be buried in a six-inch-deep hole.
10. All trash must be carried out.
11. All plants, wildlife, and natural and historic features are protected by law. Do not carve, deface, or cut any trees or shrubs.
12. Polluting park waters is prohibited. Do not wash dishes or bathe with soap in a stream.
13. Pets, motorized vehicles, and bicycles are not permitted in the backcountry.

[Jack Tarlin]

In terms of Park rules and regulations, I seem to remember someone posting an official quote that said just the opposite, at least as regards people hiking all the way thru the Park or further, i.e. thru-hikers, and that is that these folks are indeed permitted to tent camp immediately adjacent to a shelter if it is full.

And this is the way it has been for years, as many of us here can attest, and have, in fact, attested.

With all due respect, Madam, on the matter of tents in the Park, at least as far as long-distance hikers are concerned, I think the point has been adequately made. There is no absolute prohibition.

If your purpose in coming here was to make things clear and to dispel incorrect notions and perceptions of Park regulations, excuse me for saying so, but you're not really doing that great a job at it.

In other words, quit while you're behind, this dialogue is getting tedious.

[ChinMusic]

edit: I see she has made an edit to UN-include thru hikers.

Her posts will have to be quoted in the future as her editing, long after the fact, is confusing.

There was no "For non thru hikers:" when Jack made his post.

[Vesna]

This was cut and pasted directly from the Park website and as is stated above the post, directed to non thru hikers.

[Hooch]

Great, another rule nazi. Just what we needed. :rolleyes: