hiking in the GSMNP with the shutdown?

[DaTwiztedOne]

ive read all over that the GSMNP park is off limits to local day hikers and section hikers... so how are they determining WHO is a section hiker and who is a thru hiker??? we had planned to do some section hikes here in Tn now that its cooled off some but we cant enter through the park so what about going just a little south of GSMNP and getting on the trail there?? would that get us on the AT then we could go "thru" GSMNP and exit on the other side of the park close?? thanks

[Prime Time]

The only issue I see is with the permit that you're supposed to get to enter the park. This can only be done on line, which I imagine isn't happening right now. Then again I doubt anyone is out there policing it either. I'd go for it.

[Alligator]

Please read the notice about the shutdown on the home page, center column. Thanks.