Getting GSMNP Back Country Pass for early/mid-APR

[JustADude]

What are the odds that I will get a GSMNP Back Country Shelter Pass for section hikers for the following (plan early/mid-APR):
Option 1 (NoBo):
Day 1 Shuttle to Fontana Dam and hike to Russell Field 15
Day 2 Russell Field to Double Spring Gap 16.4
Day 3 Double Spring Gap to Newfound Gap 10.8

Option 2 (SoBo):
Day 1 Newfound Gap to Silers Bald 12.5
Day 2 Silers Bald to Russell Field 14.7
Day 3 Russell Field to Fontana Dam 15

Thanks for any feedback and odds, or suggested modifications.

P.S. Been training locally and this will be the 2nd section hike of 2012, so think we will be able to pull of these miles (probably around 4 in the group) - especially if it is Option 1.

[dshideler]

Backcountry reservations are issued on a first come first serve basis and may be made up to thirty days before your first nights stay in the park. There won't be any problems getting the reservations.

[Lyte-w8-hyker]

I'm thinkin of doing that hike from nfg- fontana the same week. what is the weather ususally like in the mountains that time of year

[JustADude]

Typical Weather For GSMNP in APR http://www.nps.gov/grsm/planyourvisit/weather.htm
Mean (for the Month) Low 42 4.5" of rain over 8-days
Mean (for the Month) High 71

[Lyte-w8-hyker]

I'm a little worried about the weather at the higher elevations of the AT. I'm well prepared but my two hiking partners are more green than me and don't have a vast gear collection to accomidate for the weather.

[JustADude]

Bundle up...look for you on the trail...I'm a little worried about getting the back country pass...but I suppose it is necessary for section hikers...good luck...

[Lyte-w8-hyker]

I didn't have any trouble last september. Just call like 30 days before I think you can get em a month in advance if I remember correctly

[Doctari]

YMMV: but I tried to call starting at the 30 day cut off a few years ago, the last 2 weeks I was calling about every 15 minutes. I never got an answer. I even called the information desk at Sugarlands visitors center (about 15' from the reservations office in same building) The lady went to look for a ranger, I hiked without a permit that week.
All of the other times I needed a permit there was no problems, so I'm just saying you may need to be very patient.

[Duramax22]

you need a backcountry pass and reservations for shelters