Great Smoky Mountains National Park
To qualify for a Great Smoky Mountains NP Appalachian Trail Thru-Hiker Permit, you must begin and end your hike at least 50 miles outside Great Smoky Mountains National Park and only travel on the AT in the park. Backpackers not meeting this definition should obtain a General Backcountry Permit.
You may obtain a thru-hiker permit up to 30 days in advance of the day you anticipate entering Great Smoky Mountains National Park and you must provide an estimated entry date for your permit.
Thru hikers may enter the park up to 15 days before or 15 days after their estimated date of entry, providing a 30 day window of flexibility to accommodate varying trail conditions and abilities.
Thru-hikers have 8 days/7 nights to make it through after entering the park. Trips exceeding 7 nights require an additional permit.
Each thru-hiker must obtain an individual permit. Backpackers are required to stay at designated campsites/shelters in the backcountry and all overnight stays in the backcountry require a permit.
The Great Smoky Mountains NP AT Thru-hiker Permit fee is $44.50 and is non-refundable and non-transferable.
To qualify for a Great Smoky Mountains NP Appalachian Trail Thru-Hiker Permit, you must begin and end your hike at least 50 miles outside Great Smoky Mountains National Park and only travel on the AT in the park. Backpackers not meeting this definition should obtain a General Backcountry Permit.
Each thru-hiker must obtain an individual permit regardless of age. Backpackers are required to stay at designated campsites/shelters in the backcountry and all overnight stays in the backcountry require a permit.
The Great Smoky Mountains NP AT Thru-hiker Permit fee is $44.50 and is non-refundable and non-transferable.
Thru-hikers have 8 days to get through the Smokies after entering the park. A break to rest or resupply in a nearby town does not negate one's standing as a thru-hiker. Trips exceeding 7 nights require an additional permit.
You may not stay two nights in a row in the same shelter or at campsite 113.
You must have a paper copy of your permit with you at all times while hiking through Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Please follow the instructions on your permit once you get to the park.
Thru-Hikers may tent in the immediate area around shelters only if the shelter is full. Thru-hikers are required to stay in shelters when there is space available. Thru-Hikers must always give up bunk space in shelters to those with shelter reservations.
You are responsible for compliance with all park regulations and are responsible for your own safety. Due to the popularity of the AT, it is critical that thru-hikers are diligent in following all regulations and consistently practice Leave No Trace principles.
The Great Smoky Mountains NP Backcountry Office is open daily, from 8 am to 5 pm Eastern Time (865-436-1297).
All users should read through the information contained on the Things You Need to Know page before planning a trip and also download a copy of the park trail map before contacting the Backcountry Office for trip planning assistance.
Please note that seasonal and weather-related road closures may affect your ability to access trailheads. Prior to starting your trip, please check the Road, Facility, and Backcountry Updates page and a weather forecast. For updated road and weather information you can also call 865-436-1200, press 1 for information on road conditions, or press 2 for the current weather forecast from the National Weather Service. Please remember that road and weather conditions change constantly. Be prepared for the unexpected!