Permits & Logistics

Required Permits

Great Smoky Mountains National Park

Appalachian Trail Thru-Hiker Permit — REQUIRED

Online only: smokiespermits.nps.gov
Cost: $40
Get 1-5 days before entering the Smokies
PDF permit generated immediately
Digital copy accepted (no print required)
Valid for 38 days from issue
Must begin/end hike at least 50 miles outside park
Four shelter spaces reserved for thru-hikers March 15–June 15

Shenandoah National Park

Backcountry Permit — REQUIRED

Recreation.gov (online only as of January 2024)
Cost: $9 per person + $6 reservation fee = $15 total
Select 'Appalachian Trail' area for thru-hiker flexibility
Choose 14-day window
Get before entering Shenandoah
Digital copy sufficient

Additional Fee: $15 park entrance fee may be required at staffed entry points. AT thru-hikers entering via trail typically bypass fee stations, but carry cash if entering via Skyline Drive.

Note: The previous free paper permit system was eliminated in January 2024. All permits must now be obtained through Recreation.gov.

Baxter State Park / Katahdin

AT Thru-Hiker Permit — REQUIRED

Critical Details:

In-person ONLY — Get at Katahdin Stream Campground Ranger Station
FREE — No online booking or fees for AT thru-hikers
Timing: Can obtain up to 7 days before summit attempt
Validity: Permit valid for 7 days from issue date
Weather dependent: Rangers can deny summit attempts due to conditions

Planning Strategy:

Arrive with 2-3 buffer days in your schedule
Get permit as soon as possible after arriving (up to 7 days out)
Monitor Baxter weather forecasts starting 100 miles before Katahdin
Have lodging backup plan (Millinocket, Katahdin Stream Campground)

Camping Options Near Katahdin:

Katahdin Stream Campground: Main base for summit attempts (reservations recommended)
The Birches Campsite: $10/night (cash only), first-come first-served, one night maximum, 12 persons max

Important Notes:

August-September weather is unpredictable
Expect possible 1-3 day summit delays
Park rangers WILL turn hikers around in unsafe conditions
Don't schedule hard commitments immediately after projected finish date

2026 Reservation System (for campground booking, NOT the AT permit):

Online reservations open at 6 AM EST
August = heavily booked
Book Katahdin Stream Campground in advance OR have flexible backup plan

ATC Hang Tag

Voluntary identifier, NOT a permit. NOT required to hike.

How to Get:

Register on ATCamp (online) before pickup
Participate in short Leave No Trace discussion
Available at Amicalola Falls (mid-Feb through mid-April)
Also available at Damascus, Harpers Ferry, Monson