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  1. #1
    Registered User TMathers's Avatar
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    Default 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

  2. #2
    GSMNP 900 Miler
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    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
    Last edited by HooKooDooKu; 07-20-2017 at 23:44.

  3. #3

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    BMT site is well done. check there too

  4. #4
    Registered User soilman's Avatar
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    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.
    More walking, less talking.

  5. #5

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

  6. #6

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    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.

  7. #7
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    and Sgt Rock's book provides a ton of useful info......

  8. #8
    Registered User soilman's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by Dogwood View Post
    ... Consider the BMT is overall a lower elev trail comparatively.
    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.
    More walking, less talking.

  9. #9
    GSMNP 900 Miler
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    Quote Originally Posted by soilman View Post
    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.
    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?

  10. #10
    Registered User handlebar's Avatar
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    Thinking of doing the BMT-AT figure 8 this fall. Anyone know a location where I can park my car?
    Handlebar
    GA-ME 06; PCT 08; CDT 10,11,12; ALT 11; MSPA 12; CT 13; Sheltowee 14; AZT 14, 15; LT 15;FT 16;NCT-NY&PA 16; GET 17-18

  11. #11
    Registered User soilman's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by HooKooDooKu View Post
    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?
    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.
    More walking, less talking.

  12. #12
    Registered User soilman's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by handlebar View Post
    Thinking of doing the BMT-AT figure 8 this fall. Anyone know a location where I can park my car?
    Where to you plan to start? I am hiking NOBO and planning on parking my car at the Big Creek ranger station.
    More walking, less talking.

  13. #13
    Registered User TMathers's Avatar
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    aI just ordered the data book does everyone think that will be enough information or should I get the thru hikers guide.

  14. #14
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    i would just get sgt rocks book.......

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