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Thread: Tenting the AT

  1. #1
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    Question Tenting the AT

    I'm planning to hike the AT from Springer to north of the Smokies. I want to sleep in a tent for the whole trip instead of the shelters (I snore a lot and want to be alone). Will I have any problems that you know of? This way, I can plan ahead. Thanks for your responses!!!!!

  2. #2

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    If you hike the AT thru the GSMNP you're gonna sleep in a shelter. Unless you get there and the shelter is full - then you can tent by the shelter.

  3. #3
    Garlic
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    Pretty much not a problem except a few places in White Mt Nat'l Forest in VT, and a few spots in ME simply due to thick undergrowth on the forest floor. But only a few places. Most of the AT is covered in soft leaf duff and it's excellent tent camping. There may be a few nights of raw weather when you'll find an empty shelter late in the day and can use it solo.
    "Throw a loaf of bread and a pound of tea in an old sack and jump over the back fence." John Muir on expedition planning

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    Registered User Nutbrown's Avatar
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    You'll be fine in a tent. Lots of people do that.

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    Have a grand time. As for snoring . . . AT draws snorers like a magnent. You'll be in fine company.
    "Something hidden. Go and find it. Go, and look behind the Ranges. Something lost behind the Ranges. Lost and waiting for you . . . Go!" (Rudyard Kipling)
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  6. #6
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    Quote Originally Posted by max patch View Post
    If you hike the AT thru the GSMNP you're gonna sleep in a shelter. Unless you get there and the shelter is full - then you can tent by the shelter.
    This is why I'm skipping GSMNP this year. Too much hassle.
    JaxHiker aka Kudzu - WFA
    Florida Trail Association: NE FL Trail Coordinator (Gold Head to Stephen Foster)
    Problems on the trail? Have a great experience? Please let me know. trails at northfloridatrailblazers dot org
    Blazing Trails with Kudzu @ www.idratherbehiking.com
    Follow me @idratherbhiking

  7. #7
    Garlic
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    I handled the GSMNP issue by hiking until sunset every day, guaranteeing the shelters would be full, so I would be able to legally tent there. This probably only works during NOBO thru hiking season, of course.
    "Throw a loaf of bread and a pound of tea in an old sack and jump over the back fence." John Muir on expedition planning

  8. #8
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    Thats for sure Jaxhiker.

  9. #9

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    The ONLY way I'll stay in a shelter is if I am there SOLO, otherwise, I tent........................................ The only BAD smell in my tent is me, no DOGS, no late night arrivals, no snoring, don't have 20 folks trying to cook at the same time in the shelter, etc.

    Tent or hamock is the only way to go!
    Cherokee Bill ..... previously known as "billyboy"

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    OK, so in the Smokies, are there killer stealth spots that nobody is talking about?

    Not asking for specifics, but...............who is out there at night searching 200 yards from the AT?

  11. #11
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    I've wondered the same thing.
    -------------------------------------------
    ~Brian

    “I don't know what lies around the bend, but I'm going to believe that the best does.”
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  12. #12
    Registered User Danl's Avatar
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    Could hike all night and sleep in a shelter during the day! just sayin.
    I start out the Day with nothing and by the end of the Day I still have most of it.

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    Quote Originally Posted by Del Q View Post
    OK, so in the Smokies, are there killer stealth spots that nobody is talking about?

    Not asking for specifics, but...............who is out there at night searching 200 yards from the AT?
    Its a hefty fine. The shelter requirement is there to limit impact to a small area and preserve the park as much as possible for future. Intentionally contemplating violating the rules tells a lot about yourself....

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    MuddyWaters.....see your point,

    one, i was polling, guess I just dont like anyone telling me what to do when I am out in the woods. Am VERY careful about LNT (Leave No Trace) even if at a campground.

    Am not to the Smokies yet.............

  15. #15
    Registered User ChinMusic's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by Del Q View Post
    OK, so in the Smokies, are there killer stealth spots that nobody is talking about?

    Not asking for specifics, but...............who is out there at night searching 200 yards from the AT?
    Those flat spots might be few and far between. Lots of ridge walking on the AT in the Smokies. If good, illegal, sites exist, they are prob known to the authorities.
    Fear ridges that are depicted as flat lines on a profile map.

  16. #16
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    Quote Originally Posted by garlic08 View Post
    I handled the GSMNP issue by hiking until sunset every day, guaranteeing the shelters would be full, so I would be able to legally tent there. This probably only works during NOBO thru hiking season, of course.
    When is nobo thru hiking season in the gsmnp? I love this idea.
    I just have to practice pitching the hammock in the dark.
    Please don't read my blog at theosus1.Wordpress.com
    "I took the one less traveled by, and that has made all the difference. Thank God for Search and Rescue" - Robert Frost (first edit).

  17. #17
    Garlic
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    Quote Originally Posted by Theosus View Post
    When is nobo thru hiking season in the gsmnp? I love this idea.
    I just have to practice pitching the hammock in the dark.
    Probably late March, April and into May, but I'm just guessing. I was there in mid-April. Pitching (and striking) in the dark is a good skill to have anyway.
    "Throw a loaf of bread and a pound of tea in an old sack and jump over the back fence." John Muir on expedition planning

  18. #18
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    North Bounders enter the park at mile 165.
    Most thru-hikers start in March and April.
    It takes most people no more than 2 weeks to get to the park.
    So maybe mid March to mid May.
    I started last year on March 14, entered the park on March 29 and left the park on April 3.
    "Chainsaw" GA-ME 2011

  19. #19

    Default Hey Muddy Waters

    Quote Originally Posted by MuddyWaters View Post
    Its a hefty fine. The shelter requirement is there to limit impact to a small area and preserve the park as much as possible for future. Intentionally contemplating violating the rules tells a lot about yourself....
    Hey MuddyWaters... Hike your own hike!

  20. #20
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    Quote Originally Posted by munchie View Post
    Hey MuddyWaters... Hike your own hike!
    I sure don't wish to be forced into a shelter but if I want to hike through the GSMNP along the A.T., the policy is set long before I get there. So I can either abide by the rules, or choose not to hike the A.T. in the GSMNP.

    Planning to break those particular rules is not only irresponsible, but stupid. Therefore, MuddyWaters point is valid.

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