Month Ahead Permit: Quota and Dates

Month Ahead permits are booked by advance reservation in Linville Gorge Wilderness.

This guide covers the Linville Gorge permit.

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People Per Day

Free permit, $6 Recreation.gov reservation fee

Permit Cost

About Month Ahead

The main Linville Gorge camping pool: 35 of the 50 nightly spots, released on the first day of the previous month at 10 a.m. ET. Permits are only required on weekend nights, May through October.

The Month Ahead route

Blue Ridge Mountains. Nearest town: Morganton

Month Ahead permit detailsandAll Linville Gorge Wilderness permits

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Pro Tips

The window opens on the 1st of the previous month at 10 a.m. ET, so June nights go on sale May 1

Permits are only needed Friday and Saturday nights, plus Sunday before a holiday Monday

November through April is unlimited and permit-free

The quota counts people, not tents, and one leader can book up to 10

Written by

PermitSnag Team

100+ wilderness permits, extensive backcountry experience

This guide is based on personal experience obtaining wilderness permits and is regularly updated to reflect current policies and strategies.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How do I get a Month Ahead permit?

Month Ahead permits require advance reservations. Book online as soon as reservations open for your desired dates.

When is the best time to visit Month Ahead?

October, for dry rock, cool nights and the best color in the southern Appalachians. Spring is green and wet, and July and August are humid enough to make a rim climb genuinely unpleasant.

What gear do I need for the Month Ahead route?

Essential gear includes: Map and compass, because trails are unmarked and braided, Water filter or treatment for the river and side creeks, Trowel for cat holes six to eight inches deep, 200 feet from water, Headlamp, since the gorge goes dark early under the rims.