For through-hikers crossing the park.
Other permits in Great Smoky Mountains National Park we can check
“Traverse Great Smoky on the AT Thru-hike.”
Plan your Great Smoky Mountains National Park trip here, then get your permit from the agency.
Plan your trip
How to get AT Thru-hike
The AT thru-hiker permit is a Recreation.gov Activity Pass with no daily limit, so it cannot sell out. Buy it up to 30 days ahead, whenever you are ready.
Official permit pagePlanning another trip? See the permits we alert on.
When it opens
- 30 days
- First come, first served from 30 days before your entry dateYou book on Recreation.gov.
Source: recreation.gov
How to get an AT Thru-hike permit
- Type
- Thru-Hike
- Location
- TN
Step 1: Create a Recreation.gov account
Sign up at Recreation.gov if you don't have an account. Have your payment info ready.
Step 2: Know the release schedule
Permits release on a rolling basis. Check the release time for your dates.
Step 3: Be ready when permits drop
Log in a few minutes early. Have your dates, group size, and payment ready to go.
More on AT Thru-hike: Live availability activityWhen AT Thru-hike permits open up
How much an AT Thru-hike permit costs
AT Thru-hike permit fee: $44.50.
When to hike AT Thru-hike
Weather Forecast
Trailhead (5,000 ft)
Backcountry Tips
- Day 5: Start early. Be below treeline by noon due to lightning risk.
- Day 5: 76% chance of precipitation. Pack rain gear.
- Day 6: 68% chance of precipitation. Pack rain gear.
Today
67°
51°
Wed
71°
56°
Thu
76°
58°
Fri
78°
57°
46%
Sat
70°
60°
76%
Sun
62°
60°
68%
Mon
60°
47°
42%
AT Thru-hike rules, gear and safety
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.
Gear Checklist: Required and recommended gear for AT Thru-hike · Shuttle Services: Trailhead transportation options · Guide Services: Experienced wilderness guides
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AT Thru-hike FAQ
How do I get a AT Thru-hike permit?
AT Thru-hike is issued directly by the agency. The AT thru-hiker permit is a Recreation.gov Activity Pass with no daily limit, so it cannot sell out. Buy it up to 30 days ahead, whenever you are ready. Bring backup dates and check their page for the current process.
When is the best time to visit AT Thru-hike?
Season dates are on the agency's page. Weekdays 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?
The agency awards this permit directly. Bring backup dates and check the official page for the current process and any closures.
AT Thru-hike trail conditions and trip reports
Trail Conditions
No active conditions reported
Sign in to report trail conditions.
Questions
No questions yet
Be the first to ask about AT Thru-hike.
Trip Reports
Write ReportAlternatives to an AT Thru-hike permit
Where to stay near AT Thru-hike
- Spence CabinGreat Smoky Mountains National Park
- Appalachian Clubhouse campgroundGreat Smoky Mountains National Park
- Elkmont CampgroundGreat Smoky Mountains National Park
- All Tennessee campgrounds
Plan the full trip, not just the permit
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