Per the GSMNP Website, "the use of tents at shelters is prohibited." What about hammocks? Hammocks don't seem to have the same environmental impact (i.e. smashing vegetation) that tents have. Does anyone know the official answer?
Thanks!
Printable View
Per the GSMNP Website, "the use of tents at shelters is prohibited." What about hammocks? Hammocks don't seem to have the same environmental impact (i.e. smashing vegetation) that tents have. Does anyone know the official answer?
Thanks!
Do a search here. There are numerous posts about this subject.
But to give you the answer. One must stay in the shelter along the A.T. if you are not a registered Thur-hiker. A thru-hiker is difined as anyone traveling 50 miles prior to the GSMNP and 50 miles past the park. They may occuupy a tent, tarp, or hammock within eye sight of the shelter IF the shelter is full.
All shelter spots other than thru-hikers must be reserved.
The only location that has shelters is A.T. All other sites have no shelter. However some require reservations.
It has to do with the number of people that visit the park each year. From several roads or trailheads you could be at a shelter within 5 miles. It most likely would look like a K.O.A in a matter of time.
Hope that helps.
Yea , really they want all the bear bait in a few concentrated locations
Yes, the officials have the official answer. :D I recommend going straight to the horse's mouth, so to speak.Quote:
Originally Posted by Globetruck
Having said that, when I "thru-hiked" the GSMNP about 5 years ago during a Spring Break, lots of "real" thru-hikers camped around the shelters on the AT of necessity. Some used tents, some used hammocks.
My wife calls my hammock a "bear pinata." YIKES!!!
Rain Man
.