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 Hiker Permit — REQUIRED
- IN PERSON ONLY
- Katahdin Stream Campground Ranger Station
- FREE
- Can obtain up to 7 days before summit
- Permit valid for 7 days from issue — plan your summit day accordingly
- The Birches Campsite: $10/night (cash only), first-come first-served, one night maximum, 12 persons max
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
Known Detours (2025-2026)
| Detour | Distance | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Nolichucky River Bridge Detour (TN) | ~3.6 mi | Active (Hurricane Helene damage) |
| Iron Mountain Gap Detour (NC/TN) | ~6 mi | Active (debris removal near Cherry Gap Shelter) |
| Virginia Creeper Trail Closure (Damascus area) | ~20.9 mi | Active through ~fall 2026 (Hurricane Helene destroyed 30+ trestles) |
| Great Gulf Detour (NH) | ~6.4 mi | Active (Madison Gulf Bridge closed Nov 2024) |
Note: Virginia Creeper closure affects NOBO miles 476.6-485.8. Official detour uses Iron Mountain Trail, Flat Top Trail, and Mount Rogers Trail.
⚠️ IMPORTANT: Kennebec River Ferry (Maine) — The ferry across the Kennebec River will NOT operate in 2026. Plan for the road-walk alternative. Check current guidance before reaching this section.