View Full Version : Smokies Permit
...just paid for and printed my permit for the Smokies... ;) easy to do, just estimate day to enter the Park and the permit allows for flexibility (38 days from time of application)
https://smokiespermits.nps.gov/permitappatth.cfm
Are you thru hiking o section I understand the permits are much different.
yes, thru hiking... and that is the criteria... on application you just have to give likely entry date... the key though is that the permit is good for 38 days from the time of application, so I bought it today and I have until April 3 to go through the Smokies... quite painless
atmilkman
02-24-2013, 20:38
yes, thru hiking... and that is the criteria... on application you just have to give likely entry date... the key though is that the permit is good for 38 days from the time of application, so I bought it today and I have until April 3 to go through the Smokies... quite painless
Are you still leaving on the 18th? When do you expect to hit the Smokies?
news reports this weekend indicate some pretty drastic budget cuts at National Park Service nationwide with the budget Sequester effective March 1st. They mention closing some campgrounds in the Smokies. I wonder how this will affect the new permitting system and its' enforcement. Fewer Park service employees will mean less enforcement of permits.
Leaving a week earlier, have to be at Neel Gap on the 15th... and will have until the end of March to get to Fontana Dam
http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/federal-eye/wp/2013/02/21/new-details-emerge-of-cuts-to-national-parks-during-sequester/
"...Five campgrounds and picnics area would close at the Great Smoky Mountains, affecting 54,000 visitors, and the Grand Tetons would close a visitor center, information station and preserve..."