Reservation6/10
Smokies Backcountry cancellations
Required for all overnight camping....
ReservationThru-HikeModerate Demand
AT Thru-hiker Permit
Great Smoky Mountains National Park
For through-hikers crossing the park.
Other permits in Great Smoky Mountains National Park we can watch
“Traverse Great Smoky on the AT Thru-hike.”
How to get AT Thru-hike
The AT thru-hiker permit is a Recreation.gov Activity Pass, not a dated reservation. You buy it up to 30 days ahead, the order step asks only how many you want, and there is no calendar and no daily limit — so it cannot sell out and there is nothing for us to watch. Buy it whenever you are ready.
Official permit pagePlanning another trip? See the permits we watch.
How to get AT Thru-hike
The AT thru-hiker permit is a Recreation.gov Activity Pass, not a dated reservation. You buy it up to 30 days ahead, the order step asks only how many you want, and there is no calendar and no daily limit — so it cannot sell out and there is nothing for us to watch. Buy it whenever you are ready.
Official permit pagePlanning another trip? See the permits we watch.
Plan the full trip, not just the permit
Build your full itinerary start to finish
Add your dates and get a day-by-day plan: what needs a permit, what gear to bring, and one link to share with your whole group to coordinate every step.
Start a plan — it's free
No permit needed to start
AT Thru-hike Quick Facts
Permit RequiredYes
Booking MethodReservation
Demand LevelModerate5/10
Cost$44.50
Key Information
Permit Details
TypeThru-Hike
Booking MethodReservation
Demand Level5/10
LocationTN
Weather Forecast
Trailhead (5,000 ft)
⚠️
Backcountry Tips
- Today: 63% chance of precipitation. Pack rain gear.
- Day 7: Start early. Be below treeline by noon due to lightning risk.
Today
🌧️
73°
64°
63%
Sun
🌫️
73°
62°
Mon
☁️
80°
64°
Tue
🌧️
82°
60°
Wed
🌧️
78°
60°
22%
Thu
🌧️
77°
62°
Fri
⛈️
74°
60°
28%
View full NWS forecast →Mountain weather changes rapidly. This forecast is a guide—always be prepared for worse conditions.
How to Get This Permit
1
Create a Recreation.gov account
Sign up at Recreation.gov if you don't have an account. Have your payment info ready.
2
Know the release schedule
Permits typically release on a rolling basis. Check the specific release time for your desired dates.
3
Be ready when permits drop
Log in a few minutes early. Have your dates, group size, and payment ready to go.
Learn More
Plan Your Trip
🎒
Gear Checklist
Required and recommended gear for AT Thru-hike
🚐
Shuttle Services
Trailhead transportation options
Browse all shuttles🧭
Guide Services
Experienced wilderness guides
Browse all guidesSome links may be affiliate links. Purchases support PermitSnag at no extra cost to you.
Safety & Planning
🚨
Emergency Info
Emergency contacts, ranger station locations, and satellite communicator tips for AT Thru-hike.
🐻
Food Storage
Bear canister requirements, approved container lists, and rental locations for this permit.
AT Thru-hike FAQ
How do I get a AT Thru-hike permit?
AT Thru-hike is not sold online. The AT thru-hiker permit is a Recreation.gov Activity Pass, not a dated reservation. You buy it up to 30 days ahead, the order step asks only how many you want, and there is no calendar and no daily limit — so it cannot sell out and there is nothing for us to watch. Buy it whenever you are ready. PermitSnag does not send alerts for it — check the official permit page for the current process.
When is the best time to visit AT Thru-hike?
Check with the managing agency for current season dates. Weekdays generally have better availability than weekends.
How competitive is the AT Thru-hike permit?
This permit has a demand score of 5/10, making it moderately competitive.
What if I can't get a AT Thru-hike permit?
On this permit there is no cancellation queue and no alert to set, because nothing is re-released onto a calendar we could watch. Bring backup dates, and check the official permit page for the current process and any closures.
👥Community
Trail Conditions
No active conditions reported
Sign in to report trail conditions.
Questions
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Trip Reports
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Where to Stay
Nearby campgrounds to complete your AT Thru-hike trip
Very HardIn Demand16 sitesAbram's Creek Campground
Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Book campsite
Very HardIn Demand1 sitesAppalachian Clubhouse campground
Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Book campsite
Very HardIn Demand2 sitesCosby Picnic Pavilion campground
Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Book campsite
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