Hiking in the
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Park
Announces Implementation of Backcountry Changes Great Smoky
Mountains National Park officials announced that changes to its current backcountry
reservation and permitting process will take effect on February 13, 2013. The
changes include a $4 per person, per night fee for backcountry camping.
The fee will be used to provide increased customer service for backcountry
trip planning, reservations, permits and the backcountry experience. A
park-specific reservation and permit system, to which users will have 24/7
access, will allow backcountry campers to make reservations and obtain
permits online from anywhere internet access is available. Reservations may
be made at any time up to 30 days in advance, allowing maximum flexibility
for those making last minute plans. Backcountry users will no longer be
required to call the Backcountry Office to obtain reservations. However,
reservation and permit requests will also be accepted in person at the
Backcountry Office, which is located at the Sugarlands
Visitor Center. Starting February 13, backcountry reservations and permits
will be available at www.smokiespermits.nps.gov. For more
information about the changes, please visit the Park’s website at www.nps.gov/grsm and
follow the Management link on the left side of the page or call the Park’s
Public Information Office at 865-436-1207. For general backcountry
information or backcountry reservations, call the Backcountry Office at 865-436-1297.
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