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Great Smoky Mountains Backcountry Permits

FOR FULL LIST OF CLOSURES/ADVISORIES visit: https://www.nps.gov/grsm/planyourvisit/temproadclose.htm.

Valid Parking Tags Required Starting March 1, 2023

Obtaining a backcountry camping permit does not exempt you from the parking tag requirement.

Parking is limited and obtaining a parking tag does not guarantee a parking spot at a specific location.  Parking is available on a first-come, first-serve basis throughout the park.  Backcountry users should plan to arrive early in the morning to secure a parking spot for their intended backcountry itinerary, especially at the busier trailheads in the park - including but not limited to: Laurel Falls, Alum Cave, Deep Creek, Big Creek, Clingmans Dome, Cades Cove, Rainbow Falls, and trailheads along Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail. 

Appalachian Trail Thru-Hiker Backcountry Permit

You can apply up to 30 days in advance of the day you anticipate arriving in Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Your permit is valid for 38 days from the date the permit is issued. There is a cost of $40.00 per permit. The cost of the permit is non-refundable. Fill out the permit application below to obtain a Appalachian Trail Thru-Hiker Backcountry Permit.
Required information is marked with a red asterisk (*).

Trip Information

Permit Fee: $40.00
Number in Party: 1

* I certify that I am beginning and ending my trip more than 50 miles outside of park and hiking/camping only on the AT while in the park.

AT Thru Hiker Direction:* Select a directionNorth BoundSouth Bound

Estimated date you will begin your hike through Great Smoky Mountains National Park:* Select an entry dateFriday March 31, 2023Saturday April 1, 2023Sunday April 2, 2023Monday April 3, 2023Tuesday April 4, 2023Wednesday April 5, 2023Thursday April 6, 2023Friday April 7, 2023Saturday April 8, 2023Sunday April 9, 2023Monday April 10, 2023Tuesday April 11, 2023Wednesday April 12, 2023Thursday April 13, 2023Friday April 14, 2023Saturday April 15, 2023Sunday April 16, 2023Monday April 17, 2023Tuesday April 18, 2023Wednesday April 19, 2023Thursday April 20, 2023Friday April 21, 2023Saturday April 22, 2023Sunday April 23, 2023Monday April 24, 2023Tuesday April 25, 2023Wednesday April 26, 2023Thursday April 27, 2023Friday April 28, 2023Saturday April 29, 2023Sunday April 30, 2023Monday May 1, 2023

Permit Holder Name and Address

First Name:*

Last Name:*

Mailing Address*

City:*

State:* Select a stateAlabamaAlaskaAlberta (Canada)ArizonaArkansasBritish Columbia (Canada)CaliforniaColoradoConnecticutCork (Ireland)DelawareDistrict of ColumbiaFloridaGeorgiaHawaiiIdahoIllinoisIndianaIowaKansasKentuckyLouisianaMaineMarylandMassachusettsMichiganMinnesotaMississippiMissouriMontanaNebraskaNevadaNew HampshireNew JerseyNew MexicoNew South Wales (Australia)New YorkNorth CarolinaNorth DakotaNot in List (Unknown)OhioOklahomaOntario (Canada)OregonPennsylvaniaPuerto RicoQuebec (Canada)Rhode IslandSouth CarolinaSouth DakotaTennesseeTexasUtahVermontVictoria (Australia)VirginiaWashingtonWest VirginiaWisconsinWyomingYorkshire (England)

Postal Code*

Country:* Select a countryAustraliaAustriaBelgiumBermudaBrazilCanadaCzech RepublicDenmarkEnglandFinlandFranceGermanyGuamHollandIndiaIrelandIsraelItalyJapanLiechtensteinLuxembourgMexicoNetherlandsNew ZealandNorwayPuerto RicoScotlandSpainSwitzerlandUgandaUnited StatesUnknownWestern Australia

Telephone:*

Email:*

Validate Email:*

Emergency Contact

Name:*

Phone:*

Submit Application

Great Smoky Mountains National Park Backcountry Permits v3.5.106 - Last Update: January 31, 2023