Does the Appalachian Trail go through the Great Smoky Mountains?

The Appalachian Trail, also known as the A.T., runs for more than 71 miles through Great Smoky Mountains National Park. It enters the park from the south at Fontana Dam, and exits in the northeast at Davenport Gap. The highest point anywhere along the 2180-mile trail is 6625 feet, at Clingmans Dome.

Can you Boondock in the Smoky Mountains?

Dozens of backcountry campsites in Great Smoky Mountains are available for overnight camping. These include 12 campsites along the 71-mile stretch of the Appalachian Trail that passes through the park. Many GSMNP backcountry campsites have backcountry shelters, especially along the Appalachian Trail.

Can you backcountry camp in the Smoky Mountains?

Great Smoky Mountains National Park requires all backpackers to stay in designated campsites and shelters while camping in the backcountry. The park now requires a permit and advance reservations for all backcountry camping as well. As of 2013 the park began charging a fee to camp in the backcountry.

Are there shelters on the Great Smoky Mountains?

Appalachian Trail Shelters in Great Smoky Mountain National Park Shelters in the park consist of three walls built from stone and timber with an open fourth side. In the winter the park service also hangs a tarp along the opening to help keep in warmth – which is not the case for all shelters along the greater Appalachian Trail.

What are the shelters on the Appalachian Trail?

Shelters in the park consist of three walls built from stone and timber with an open fourth side. In the winter the park service also hangs a tarp along the opening to help keep in warmth – which is not the case for all shelters along the greater Appalachian Trail.

Where to camp on the Great Smoky Mountain?

Great Smoky backcountry hikers are required to camp only in designated campsites or at one of the 15 AT shelters in the park. Since the shelters have recently been refurbished, many now have moldering privies and water sources nearby. The chain-link bear fences have been removed so be sure to cook and eat far from the shelters to keep bears away.

Where does the Appalachian Trail End in the Great Smoky Mountains?

Appalachian Trail route through Great Smoky Mountains National Park NPS Map On the southwest end, where most AT hikers start, the trail crosses into the park at Fontana Dam, ascends up to its highest point at Clingmans Dome and back down in elevation in the northeast area of the park where it exits at Davenport Gap.