https://tinyurl.com/MyFDresults
A vigorous five-mile walk will do more good for an unhappy but otherwise healthy adult than all the medicine and psychology in the world. ~Paul Dudley White
"Though I have lost the intimacy with the seasons since my hike, I retain the sense of perfect order, of graceful succession and surrender, and of the bold brilliance of fall leaves as they yield to death." - David Brill
I wonder how many of these tags break off and are left on the side of the trail.
Baxter began requiring permits for thrus in 2016. No cost and no limit, but registration must be done in person.
http://www.baxterstateparkauthority....unce_Final.pdf
Although you don't absolutely have to show the rangers in the Smokies a hard copy of your permit (a screenshot will suffice, provided it's not so cold your phone won't work and you don't mind using up battery), you do need to deposit a portion of the hard-copy permit in the permit box when you enter the park.
The online permit only provides an estimate of when you will reach the park. The only way the park knows when you have actually entered the park is by providing the designated portion of your permit when you enter the Smokies (at Fontana Dam for nobos and Davenport Gap for sobos).
Laurie P.
ATC
Last edited by Lauriep; 01-12-2017 at 19:14.
I registered a few weeks ago, but did not receive a tag. Would carry it if I had one!
If you are looking to get the Baxter permit in advance, it can be obtained at the AT Visitor's Center, in Monson, ME. That is the last trail town before you enter the 100 Mile. It looks like the proposed hours of operation (for 2017) are 8-11am & 1-5pm. They are subject to change. No need to worry about the permit at this point because Baxter is not issuing them this far in advance.
How long did it take to arrive? I registered 12/31/16
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I talked to our southern office in Asheville, NC a couple of days ago to find out how long it takes to send out the backpack tags for registered 2017 thru-hikers. Usually it takes 2-3 weeks to get it under the best circumstances. Over the holidays a backlog developed so it may be longer. Outside of peak season, they wait until a large enough batch develops to make it efficient to send out.
If you register 2 weeks or less before you leave, or live outside the U.S., you will just be emailed materials, and you can pick up the backpack hang tag at Amicalola Falls (after March 3) or from a ridgerunner, or at ATC in Harpers Ferry.
I do think you need to do it in advanced now! I heard that there may. Ot be rangers at the smokies to get one
“He is richest who is content with the least, for content is the wealth of nature.” –Socrates