A month away from my start date, now what?

[Meriadoc]

[B]ut you just know that before you leave Georgia things will be different, gear will be sent home, and plans will change. Grit your teeth, keep reading, and one way or another March will get here.

Breathe. Relax. Have fun :0). Be excited!

Sign the book that's in the drawer at the Springer "rock". Take a deep breath and then laugh out loud with joy for just being there.....from then on be rigidly flexible.

Yup!

[Teacher & Snacktime]

I can't really speak from thru-hiking experience, having none, but I have a very vivid imagination, so I'll give you what I believe to be a good strategy. If you're concerned that you should be planning more...then plan some more. Plan and plan and plan and prepare yourself for every detail you can imagine. Focus on the beginning of your hike and be prepared for everything. Memorize maps and visualize locations.

Step onto Springer with what you believe to be a full understanding of what lies in your immediate future. Hear the music and see the images in your mind from the movies, books, documentaries and photos.

Take a step onto the first white blaze. And let it all go. Enjoy where the journey takes you. You've done all you can to prepare for the trail. Let the trail do the rest.

This would be my approach.

[skinnbones]

Can you explain this permit stuff with a little more detail please. How many permits are needed to complete the trail? Ever have a ranger ask for your permit? Thanks.

[George]

Can you explain this permit stuff with a little more detail please. How many permits are needed to complete the trail? Ever have a ranger ask for your permit? Thanks.

this is the only one to deal with to start:

https://smokiespermits.nps.gov/index...PermitTypeID=2

shenendoah you take care of trailside

"Ever have a ranger ask for your permit? Thanks."

if by this you mean: is it worth it to take my chances? - probably not, but either way the fee or the fine goes to the parks budget, the fine will of course be a much larger contribution

[scooterdogma]

Don't forget to do your Taxes ....

[Starchild]

Can you explain this permit stuff with a little more detail please. How many permits are needed to complete the trail?

Explained by George

Ever have a ranger ask for your permit? Thanks.

No

[Slo-go'en]

"Ever have a ranger ask for your permit? Thanks."

Yes. At the very least there is a ridge runner at the Mollys Ridge shelter who might ask for your permit. You never know if you might bump into a Ranger. It does happen...