Originally Posted by
HooKooDooKu
Again, shouldn't be discussing how to get around the rules...
But the reason for the 50 mile rule is to differentiate between AT thru hikers, and the people just hiking the park because the thru permit doesn't require shelter reservations of fixed dates like the other permit.
But on the question of being unenforceable, we've said it here in the forum before and I'm going to say it again... people breaking the rules will only lead to more rules.
In this case, the park is already getting over burdened from legit AT thru hikers. I expect in about 5 to 10 years, the park is going to start limiting the number of AT thru permits issued. If illegitimate hikers add to the burden, rule changes will come faster and harsher.