Meeting a group at one of the campgrounds in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. They say the tents need to be on the tent pads but does anyone know if they allow hammocks to hang? Would hate to get down and need to sleep on the ground.
Meeting a group at one of the campgrounds in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. They say the tents need to be on the tent pads but does anyone know if they allow hammocks to hang? Would hate to get down and need to sleep on the ground.
I've used a hammock at both Smokemont and Cosby. No issues with hammocks at either of those.
It's a different story at the shelters on the AT, though.
“I think that when the lies are all told and forgot the truth will be there yet. It dont move about from place to place and it dont change from time to time. You cant corrupt it any more than you can salt salt.” - Cormac McCarthy
Few years back I hung at a site located at the south end of the park (do not remember the name). I was hanging just off the pad. The ranger gave me no flack whatsoever.
"I go because it irons out the wrinkles in my soul." -- Sigurd Olson
I have seen several hammocks during my trips to and through GSMNP.
STinGa
Sarcasm is a dying art.
Eagle Scout September '85 Troop 339 Smyrna, TN
Thanks. Looking forward to it.
I was there in August of last year, and they had absolutely no problems with it. Can't speak for the whole park, I was in and near the Cosby section of the park.
I've yet to hang in GSMNP but I can give you one bit of advice, before anyone sets up, make sure and check if any sites are closed. My parents went last year and got all set up in a great spot and when they went to register the site the ranger told them that site was closed due to a rattlesnake nest.
Needless to say they packed up fast and stayed in a hotel instead that night.
*Heaven best have trees, because I plan to lounge for eternity.
Good judgement is the result of experience and experience the result of bad judgement. - Mark Twain
Trail name: Radar
2014 Smoked Butt Hang Planning Thread | Sign up Sheet
Yep, I've not hung in the park but everyone else covered that but yes, your required to have a free backcounty permit and I think it's a good idea anyway. You can get them at several location. I'm listing them below. Two times I had to change my plans because the sites I had in mind were closed due to bear activity. One of the trips, we adjusted to the next closest site and spent the better part of the night keeping a bear out of our tent.
• Oconaluftee Visitor Center
• Sugarlands Visitor Center
• Twentymile Ranger Station
• Fontana Marina
• Fontana Dam Visitor Center
• Deep Creek Campground Office
• Smokemont Campground Office
• Cataloochee Valley near campground
• Big Creek Ranger Station
• Cosby Campground Office
• Greenbrier Ranger Station
• Elkmont Campground Office
• Tremont Environmental Center
• Cades Cove Campground Office
• Abrams Creek Ranger Station.
I hung a night at elkmont last year. I asked ranger and they said no problem.
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