BMT in September

Hi everyone new old guy here and my first official post.
I am considering a NOBO thru hike starting mid September of the BMT and was curious if anyone had any information on the weather conditions as well as any permits I needed on this trip.
I am not sure if I need the AT thru hiker permit thus im not on the AT or if I need the back country permits,
Thanks group

Only permits I think you'll need are for the nights you spend in GSMNP at the end of the trail.
But as best as I know, GSMNP has not created a BMT thru hiker permit like they have for the AT thru hikers. That means you have to get a general backpacking permit where you must get a reservation for a specific date for each campsite you plan to stay at. The cost of the permit is $4/night/person for a maximum of $20 for a maximum of 7 nights. If you must be out more than 7 nights, you need a 2nd permit.

You can apply for your permit 30 days prior to your first night in GSMNP
https://smokiespermits.nps.gov/index...PermitTypeID=1

BMT site is well done. check there too

I am heading NOBO the middle of September also. Perhaps we will meet. The only permit that is needed is for GSMNP as stated above.

Mid Sept can still be hot and muggy on the lower elev BMT.

https://whiteblaze.net/forum/showthr...rminus-in-Sept

Look what GambitMcCrae said on a GA AT hike in mid Sept thread. I agree with what he said for weather. Consider the BMT is overall a lower elev trail comparatively.

and Sgt Rock's book provides a ton of useful info......

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Dogwood

... Consider the BMT is overall a lower elev trail comparatively.

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Compared to what? The lowest point on the BMT is 765 feet. Lowest point on AT is 24 feet. Most of the BMT thru GA is between 2000 and 3000 feet.

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Originally Posted by soilman

Compared to what? The lowest point on the BMT is 765 feet. Lowest point on AT is 24 feet. Most of the BMT thru GA is between 2000 and 3000 feet.

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Once you hit GSMNP, at AT stays on the ridge staying g mostly above 5,000.
The BTM instead goes up and down hills, but the overall average is lower elevations.

I don't know enough about the trails outside the GSMNP, bit I seem to recall the AT tends to have a fondness for ridge lines, perhaps the BMT mostly stays in the valleys?

Thinking of doing the BMT-AT figure 8 this fall. Anyone know a location where I can park my car?

Quote:

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Originally Posted by HooKooDooKu

Once you hit GSMNP, at AT stays on the ridge staying g mostly above 5,000.
The BTM instead goes up and down hills, but the overall average is lower elevations.

I don't know enough about the trails outside the GSMNP, bit I seem to recall the AT tends to have a fondness for ridge lines, perhaps the BMT mostly stays in the valleys?

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The first 40 miles of the BMT in the GSMNP is in the valleys but then makes a number of climbs to 5000 feet. Generally staying at 3000-5000 feet in the eastern part of the park. So yes, compared to the AT in the GSMNP the BMT is at lower elevations. But I still consider 2000-5000 feet a fairly high elevation compared to the 900 feet elevation where I live. The BMT in TN goes through the Citigo and Slickrock wilderness and elevations are around 5000 feet.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by handlebar

Thinking of doing the BMT-AT figure 8 this fall. Anyone know a location where I can park my car?

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Where to you plan to start? I am hiking NOBO and planning on parking my car at the Big Creek ranger station.

aI just ordered the data book does everyone think that will be enough information or should I get the thru hikers guide.

i would just get sgt rocks book.......