Quote Originally Posted by cmac992000 View Post
Just going to thru hike it on the A.T start at fontana
I see that your icon is of a Hammock Hanger. Don't plan on bringing it for your AT hike of the Smokies...

Those rules that were mentioned...

Well first of all, because you will not start nor end your hike at least 50 miles beyond the borders of GSMNP, you will not be able to register as a "Thru Hiker". Instead, you will have to obtain what is known as a General Backcountry Permit that requires a reservation each night for each shelter you plan to stay at.

Second, tents are not allowed at shelters (except for "Thru Hikder" WHEN THE SHELTER IS FULL).

Third, hammocks are treated by the rules just like a tent, which means you won't be allowed to setup a hammock in, on, or near the shelters.

Oh, and unlike most other places along the AT, in GSMNP you must camp at the designated campsites... which along the AT basically means all shelters (Birch Spring Gap campsite 6 miles out of Fontana being the ONLY campsite that isn't at a shelter along the AT in GSMNP.).