Trail Updates

04/09/2026

Great Smoky Mountains National Park announced that starting April 30, 2026, backcountry permits will be available through Recreation.gov and the park’s proprietary permit system will no longer be used. Recreation.gov is used by most National Parks, including Shenandoah National Park for its backcountry permits.

The switch to Recreation.gov comes with a $6 non-refundable administrative fee for each general backcountry permit reservation. The price for an Appalachian Trail (A.T.) Thru-Hiker Permit will be $44.50 (which includes the administrative fee; there is not an additional $6 fee for the thru-hiker permit), and the general backcountry permit will remain $8 per person, per night, but the $40 cap on permit costs will be removed.

A.T. hikers qualify for an A.T. Thru-Hiker Permit if their journey on the Trail begins and ends at least 50 miles outside the park. The A.T. runs through the park from Fontana Dam to Davenport Gap (NOBO miles 167 to 239.4).

Permits made through the old system before April 30 will still be honored.

Funds generated by park fees stay in the Smokies and go toward critical programs and maintenance that improve visitor safety and enhance park facilities. For more information about how park fees are used, visit the Great Smoky Mountains National Park website.

For more information about permits in the Smokies, visit the park’s permit page. For information about this and other permits on the A.T., visit our Permits & Fees page. To get a backcountry permit for the Smokies on April 30 and after, visit Recreation.gov.