Smoky Mountain permit

[Bubblehead]

I am beginning my thru on 4/8. Should I obtain my Smoky Mountains permit prior to leaving on 4/8, or is there somewhere at Fontana Dam that I can purchase and print out a permit?

[mtntopper]

do it before you leave

[soumodeler]

There are many places to print your permit out on the trail. Off the top of my head: Top of Georgia hostel, Budget Inn and Outdoor 76 in Franklin, NOC, Fontana Lodge, and many more. No real need to print it off beforehand unless you just want to. I printed mine off the night before I entered the Smokies at Fontana Lodge.

[mattjv89]

I did it before leaving just to have one less town task on the trail. The time window is generous, I had over a week left on my permit when I exited the park and I was hardly burning up the trail.

[Christoph]

I printed mine before I left for my thru attempt. Made it with plenty of time to spare.