So about those Shelters

[Lostone]

Reading the other thread started by the "Local Expert" I began to wonder.

So should I even bother to make reservations at the shelters? It seems pretty clear to me that there is no point to it. It is unenforceable and most people will not give up "their" spot in the shelter reservations or not. the possession is 9/10's of the law thing.

Unless a ridge runner is right there at the precise moment of the dispute(no chance of that) nothing will get resolved.

So whats a fellow to do?

Besides I will be hiking with my tween age son and I am unsure about exposing him to some of the shelter dwellers.

[ShelterLeopard]

If you're talking about GSMNP, you don't need to make reservations if you're thruing. (Or doing a large section). I really don't understand the whole point, as NO ONE follows the rules. You might as well make reservations though- sure won't hurt.

[Ewker]

if I am staying at a shelter that is on the AT I make reservations. If I am just backpacking for a weekend trip I stay at campsites that do not require reservations.

[ChinMusic]

So whats a fellow to do?

If a section hiker: Get a permit, carry a shelter, and follow the rules as best you can.

The operative part is "as best you can".

Besides I will be hiking with my tween age son and I am unsure about exposing him to some of the shelter dwellers.

Don't know where that came from? Maybe Disneyland would be a better choice for a vacation.

[sliderule]

I really don't understand the whole point, as NO ONE follows the rules.

That is factually incorrect, just like the vast majority of posts concerning NPS regulations in the Park.

[sliderule]

...and most people will not give up "their" spot in the shelter reservations or not.

My experience suggests that quite the opposite is true. In fact, thru hikers are often overjoyed when a shelter fills up, as it then becomes legal for them to set up their tent.

[ShelterLeopard]

How is it so incorrect? (I mean, no one may have been stretching it) But I always hear about weekenders who take up the whole shelter and don't give two **&&s about the spots saved for thru hikers or reservations. I didn't say that I don't follow the rules (and honestly, I'm going on other people's experience here- never actually stayed in GSMNP myself yet). But that's what I've heard.

Didn't say anything about the regulations, just that no one follows them.

[sliderule]

If a section hiker: Get a permit, carry a shelter, and follow the rules as best you can.

Section hikers may or may not be required to have a reservation. All overnight hikers, however, must have a permit.

[sheepdog]

Section hikers may or may not be required to have a reservation. All overnight hikers, however, must have a permit.

Where??? Are you talking in a park or on the trail in general. If your not in a park its genrally first come first served, no permit needed.

[sliderule]

Where??? Are you talking in a park or on the trail in general.

Given that this discussion is taking place in the GSMNP sub-forum, I would hope that even the dimmest participant could figure that out.

[Spokes]

If we're not careful, the National Parks Service will be making us book reservations for the Great Smoky Mountains on Orbitz dammit!

[sheepdog]

Given that this discussion is taking place in the GSMNP sub-forum, I would hope that even the dimmest participant could figure that out.

Obviously your wrong. Cause I didn't.

You could point out the error without name calling.

[Lostone]

My comment on the shelter dwellers is in regards drinking, drug use and language.

I have been to disney, A tad expensive, but I did enjoy the experience.

[sheepdog]

My comment on the shelter dwellers is in regards drinking, drug use and language.

I have been to disney, A tad expensive, but I did enjoy the experience.

With rare exceptions, most people I've met hiking and using shelters have been good people.

[Lostone]

sliderule......Thanks for pointing it out. You just can't help some. Not getting all the information before posting a reply.

[sheepdog]

sliderule......Thanks for pointing it out. You just can't help some. Not getting all the information before posting a reply.

Never made a mistake or overlooked something?

[max patch]

It seems pretty clear to me that there is no point to it.

Worst case scenario of a $5,000 fine and 6 months in jail would be a pretty big point for some people.

[Mags]

My comment on the shelter dwellers is in regards drinking, drug use and language.

The further you are from the road, the less likely you are to see excessive drinking and language. In a national park, where people have to exert some effort to get a permit and hike in a ways, there will probably be no excessive partying. There will probably be the occasional "Oh sh**" and perhaps a snort of whiskey...but that's probably about it.

Drug use (other than prescription drugs and alcohol of course) is usually pot... If someone uses pot (assuming they don't ask first), a polite and friendly "Hey..you mind not doing that" goes a long way. Only a total jackass would not honor that request (if done in a friendly/polite manner).


OTOH, if you are not tied into the AT, there are many wonderful parts of the park that are non-shelter camping where a lot of this can be avoided easily.

Shelters are shared living spaces...and have all the quirks that come with shared living spaces.

[ChinMusic]

Anyone else smell a troll?

[kanga]

it kinda smelled like fish to me, but you're probably closer.