View Full Version : Permit question
Where would you get a backcountry permit to hike in the park if you're starting at Clingman's Dome?
However you approach the Park, stop at one of the ranger stations and fill out your permit before you drive up to Clingman's. You could stop at Smokemont, for instance.
Camping permits in the backcountry sites - are they made the same as a shelter reservation?
Thanks!
If you travel thru the park from either Cherokee, N.C. or Gatlinburg, TN you will go by a GSMNP Welcome center. On the Tenn. side it is Sugarlands and the backcountry office is beside the entrance to the visitor center. They should have the permits there.
Rain Man
08-28-2010, 08:57
Marta and Karo beat me to it, I see. I'll add that if the GSMNP is like the Shenandoah National Park, you can get them via mail. I don't know if that's the case, but worth a call if you'll be going by the two Visitors Centers during off hours and can't pick up a permit there.
Rain:sunMan
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Your most direct access points are Sugarlands Visitors' Center (TN side) or Smokemont Visitors' Center (NC side). There are actually 15 places where you can get permits, listed on the link below.
If your route does not include any reservation campsites or shelters (and ALL shelters require reservations), then you can simply arrive at the box, fill out your self-serve permit, drop one in the box, post one on your dashboard and one in your pack and go.
You will have to fill out a permit even if you already have made reservations by phone. Be sure to include your reservation/itinerary number on the permit.
For questions about which backcountry require reservations versus those which don't, as well as how to make those reservations, check with this page (http://www.nps.gov/grsm/planyourvisit/backcountry-camping.htm) from the park's website.
Just reserved a spot at campsite #57 for the 19th....
HooKooDooKu
09-07-2010, 17:24
Just reserved a spot at campsite #57 for the 19th....
You'll still need to get your permit. You don't have to actually see anyone to get a permit, just fill out the forms located at any ranger station and keep one copy and drop the other copy in the slot provided. You should have been given a reservation number, you'll need that when you fill out the form so that if a ranger happens by your rationed camp site and asks for a permit, you'll have the permit (your authorization to camp) and your reservation number (authorization to camp at a particular rationed site).
I'll pick up the permit Saturday while I'm at Sugarland and I have the reservation number.
I kinda know how the system works because I've hiked the AT thorough the park but it's confusing and good to hear you confirm what I figured - thanks.
Make sure you have a permit,,and filled out,,its a minimum $50.00 fine and over labor day weekend, one ranger I ran into, told me they were getting harder on backcountry campers especially those that wouldn't follow the rules. He escorted 12 backpackers out and it took them till 2am to walk out, or they could pay $50.00 each cause non of them had a reservation or permit filled out..so they are getting alittle fed up with those that are taking advantage of the rules finally. Just thought I would let all here know.
Ox97GaMe
09-08-2010, 23:00
10-K, Even with the reservation # (via phone), you will need to fill out a backcountry permit when you arrive at the park. the top copy goes in the drop box (or hand to the ranger) and the bottom copy stays with you in the backcountry.
You will probably want go enter the park from the Cherokee side. Gatlinburg will be crazy to get through and it will take longer to get up the mountain from that side. It is a pretty direct shot Erwin to Ashevile to Canton to Cherokee and into the park. Stop at the Oconoluftee Visitor center. The backcountry office there is behind the old visitor center. (they are building a new one) If the office isnt open, there is a self service box close by. Just grab a permit, fill it out, and drop the top copy back in the box. pretty simple.
Have fun.
You will probably want go enter the park from the Cherokee side. Gatlinburg will be crazy to get through and it will take longer to get up the mountain from that side.
Have fun.
I'm taking a class that's being held at the Sugarland Visitor's Center on Saturday, spending Saturday night in Gatlinburg and getting a shuttle to Clingman's Dome on Sunday - would it still be better to go in the Cherokee side?
I'm taking a class that's being held at the Sugarland Visitor's Center on Saturday, spending Saturday night in Gatlinburg and getting a shuttle to Clingman's Dome on Sunday - would it still be better to go in the Cherokee side?
No. You're already committed to the Gatlinburg route. Good luck!
Make sure you have a permit,,and filled out,,its a minimum $50.00 fine and over labor day weekend, one ranger I ran into, told me they were getting harder on backcountry campers especially those that wouldn't follow the rules. He escorted 12 backpackers out and it took them till 2am to walk out, or they could pay $50.00 each cause non of them had a reservation or permit filled out..so they are getting alittle fed up with those that are taking advantage of the rules finally. Just thought I would let all here know.
Good. A couple of years ago we ran into a couple of college-age hikers and, as people often do, asked them where they were headed. They mumbled something indistinct. Seemed fishy--it was almost dusk and they were headed down a trail that was many miles from the next campsite in that direction.
We ran into them the following morning, as we were hiking out. Sure enough, those little buzzards had camped just beyond where we met them and had walked away from a smoldering campfire in an illegal campsite right next to the trail. We used up most of our water putting out their campfire.
Lots of irresponsible folks out there.
HooKooDooKu
09-10-2010, 14:15
...You will probably want go enter the park from the Cherokee side. Gatlinburg will be crazy to get through and it will take longer to get up the mountain from that side...
I don't see any reason to avoid Gatlinburg and attempt to stay in Cherokee... especially since you won't have a car to drive.
For starters, its going to be a lot more difficult trying to get to Cherokee than Gatlinburg when you don't have a private vehical with you. Next, September is a RELATIVELY quiet month. And finally, even if you were hiking at the peak of tourist season (October, because everyone comes to see the fall leaves), all the tourists sleep in. The streets are empty before 9am (except for delivery trucks), so you shouldn't have any traffic problems getting from the hotel to the trail head.