See also:

• Climate and Clothing

• Information For Hikers

• Bears and Other Wildlife

• Outfitters, Guides and Supplies

Backpacking is permitted in Great Smoky Mountains National Park and nearby National Forests.

The National Park features over 800 miles of hiking trails, including a 70-mile segment of the Appalachian Trail.  Elevations range from 840 to 6,643 feet above sea level.

Backcountry permits are required for overnight backpacking within the National Park and you are restricted to trail shelters and designated backcountry campsites.  (These campsites are usually the only level ground around.)  There is no cost for these permits, and they may be obtained at any National Park Visitor Center or Ranger Station.  Permits are not required in the National Forests.

All of the trail shelters and several of the campsites must be reserved in advance, which can be done by phone.  You may reserve sites any time during the 30 days prior to the first day of your permit.  We recommend reserving as early as possible, especially for the shelters.  Permits allow one consecutive night at any shelter and three consecutive nights at any campsite.  For longer trips, sign up for a series of campsites/shelters.

There are no backcountry campsites along the Appalachian Trail within the National Park, but there are trail shelters every few miles.  These shelters have bunk space for 12 hikers.  Shelters are three-sided stone structures, with chain-link "bear fences" across the open side.

Black bears are native to the region and must be considered in your planning.  The trail shelters are enclosed to protect your food and gear.  At the backcountry campsites, you'll need to string your food out of the bears' reach.  Since black bears can climb trees, this is accomplished by hanging your food between two trees, at least ten feet off the ground and at least four feet from the nearest branch.  Backcountry campsites are sometimes closed temporarily if bears have become a problem there.

Maps and guidebooks are available for purchase at any of the National Park Visitor Centers and many local stores in Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg.

For more information, contact the National Park: