Great Smoky Mountains Thru Hiker Permit

[HooKooDooKu]

We were checked for our permit when we came through in '14 just after the initiation by a ridge runner just above Shuckstack, what are the fines if caught without it?

Doesn't matter... camping in GSMNP without a permit is illegal.
And while I don't frequently see rangers in the general back country enforcing the rules, I have welcomed the often seen ridge runners that do keep an eye on the back country and can contact rangers (i.e. LEO) if required.

[JC13]

We were checked for our permit when we came through in '14 just after the initiation by a ridge runner just above Shuckstack, what are the fines if caught without it?

Pretty sure I recall seeing the number posted as $650 last time I made reservations. Unfortunately, I can't find a reference to it now.

[RamblenOn]

Been searching around the site and other sites. Is there a list of all the park permits/backcountry pass's you will need to get for the AT or do you just pick them up as required along the way? Hate to purchase a whole bunch then have a heart attack over the cost and miss out

[cep]

The ATC has a page: http://www.appalachiantrail.org/home...nd-regulations

[RamblenOn]

It pretty much looks like just the 2 of them from what I can see. GS and then Baxter although website is dated having info from 2017. Going to give them a shout tomorrow and see if there are any changes. Thanks for the link!

[rmitchell]

Shenandoah National Park required a permit but long distance hikers can self register for free at the kiosk near where the AT enters the park.

[Bwana59]

Shenandoah National Park required a permit but long distance hikers can self register for free at the kiosk near where the AT enters the park.

You would think both national parks would have the same rules and allow thru-hikers to self register when entering the park. It's not like GSMNP is going to deny permits to AT hikers when they apply.

[HooKooDooKu]

You would think both national parks would have the same rules and allow thru-hikers to self register when entering the park. It's not like GSMNP is going to deny permits to AT hikers when they apply.

When GSMNP permits were free, thru hikers were able to self register when entering GSMNP. The permit forms used to be at a kiosk somewhere around Fontana Dam Visitor's Center.
But now that GSMNP permits must be PAID for, there's no practical way to do self registration except for online.

For now, just be glad there isn't a reservation system in place for GSMNP thru hikers. Given that the popularity of the AT seems to still be on the increase, I expect GSMNP to institute some sort of limits within the next 10 years.