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Outdoor Recreation Participation Report: Camping and Backpacking Continues to Decline

Friday, July 25, 2014

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The Outdoor Foundation is reporting that a record number of Americans participated in at least one outdoor activity in 2013, with nearly 50% of all Americans ages six and older taking part in at least one of the 43 outdoor activities, according to the latest Outdoor Recreation Participation Report. That percentage equates to 142.6 million American outdoor participants. Although the number of participants rose, the percentage of participants fell slightly from 49.4% in 2012 to 49.2% in 2013, due to population increase.

Compared to 2012, participation in outdoor activities increased or remained flat among youth and young adults - signaling a positive trend in America's inactivity crisis. The participation rate among children ages six to 12 rose one percentage point to 64%. Participation among young adults ages 18 to 24 also rose one point to 58%, while hard-to-reach adolescents, ages 13 to 17, remained flat at 60%.

Below are a few stats of interest:

* Participation in day hiking remained relatively flat again for the second year in a row. However, the latest figures don't reflect the strong growth in the outdoor pursuit in recent years. Compared to 2006 (the first year of the study), hiking is up 15.1%. Compared to 2010, participation in hiking has increased by 5.8%.

* Though backpacking has seen an increase in the number of participants over each of the last 2 years, the average number of outings per backpacker has dropped off sharply. As a result, backpacking has dropped out of the top 5 favorite outdoor activities for adults (ages 25+), based on the frequency of activity.

* Camping (within a 1/4 mile of a vehicle or home) continues to decline: down 11% when compared to 2011, and down almost 18% since 2006.

* Participation in adventure racing and triathlons saw the largest increases over the past three years. Adventure racing increased by 28%, while off-road triathlons increased by 25% and road triathlons increased by 10%.

In 2013, the top 5 most popular outdoor activities for adults (ages 25+), based on participation rates were:

1. Running, Jogging and Trail Running - 16.2% of adults
2. Fishing - 14.8% of adults
3. Bicycling (Road, Mountain and BMX) - 13.1% of adults
4. Hiking - 11.4% of adults
5. Camping (Car, Backyard and RV) - 10.6% of adults

The top 5 favorite outdoor activities for adults (ages 25+), based on frequency of activity were:

1. Running, Jogging and Trail Running - 81.4 average outings per runner
2. Bicycling (Road, Mountain and BMX) - 51.7 average outings per cyclist
3. Birdwatching - 37.7 average outings per birdwatcher
4. Wildlife Viewing - 25.2 average outings per viewer
5. Hunting - 24.2 average outings per hunter

The report is based on online and household surveys of more than 19,000 Americans ages six and older, and covers 43 different outdoor activities, making it the largest survey of its kind. To download a complete copy of the 2014 Outdoor Recreation Topline Participation Report, visit The Outdoor Foundation website.



Jeff
HikingintheSmokys.com
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Big South Fork Celebrates National Park Week With Free Camping

Wednesday, April 16, 2014

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Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area will be observing National Park Week from Saturday, April 19, through Sunday, April 27. Everyone is invited to celebrate all that America's more than 400 national parks have to offer with the theme "National Park Week: Go Wild!"

National Park Week will kick off with free backcountry camping permits as well as free camping at Alum Ford Campground for Saturday, April 19, and Sunday, April 20. Then join the park for the 14th Annual Spring Planting Day as well as National Junior Ranger Day on Saturday, April 26, with activities taking place at Bandy Creek.

From diverse wildlife and iconic landscapes to vibrant culture and rich history, our National Park System has something for everyone. For more information on the BSF, please click here.


Jeff
Hiking in the Smokies
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Tennessee State Parks Announce New Campground Reservation System

Friday, March 22, 2013

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Tennessee State Parks has unveiled a new customer-friendly campground reservation system, which will offer visitors the ability to reserve campsites at 35 state parks up to one year in advance of their planned stay. Reservations can be made online, by visiting the park's office, or by calling an individual park during regular business hours.

“Traditionally, campers have had to rely on obtaining their favorite camping spot on a first come, first served basis,” said Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation Commissioner Bob Martineau. “With the new reservation service, visitors will be offered more ease and convenience when it comes to their park stay.”

To check availability and reserve campsites online or via phone, visit tnstateparks.com/reservations for a complete list of available campgrounds and phone numbers or visit the online site directly at tnstateparks.itinio.com/. Campers can select the state park they wish to visit, arrival/departure dates, and their preferred campsite. Visitors may reserve up to five sites per reservation. The online system features a campground map, offering photos and prices for each individual campsite. Tennessee State Parks’ campsites are very popular, so campers are encouraged to check availability through the new online system or by calling the park before departing on a trip.

Tennessee State Parks implemented the program using a phased approached, beginning in late 2012 to ensure the appropriate training could take place and any issues or concerns could be addressed before formally launching the new reservation system. Over the course of the last several months, state parks have been gradually added to the roster. The new campground reservation system joins several new initiatives launched by TDEC over the last two years for park visitors on the go, including the Tennessee State Parks 75th Anniversary microsite, a Geographic Information System (GIS)-based recreation “finder,” and the new Tennessee State Parks Pocket Ranger® mobile phone application.

Hill added that online reservations for inns and some cabins have been available for visitors for several years, but adding the campground system was one that required a bit more effort in terms of program design and operations. After a competitive bidding process, Arizona-based Rev’d Up, Inc. was selected to build and host the new campground reservation system and will continue overseeing the project as part of a five-year contract. A minimal $3 reservation fee (per campsite reserved) was added as part of the overall implementation and will help offset costs of the new system.


Jeff
Hiking in the Smokies
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The American Camper Report

Monday, October 29, 2012

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The Outdoor Foundation recently published the American Camper Report, a detailed analysis on camping trends throughout the United States. The report presents information on overall participation, preferences, buying behavior and the future of camping.

The chief takeaway, if we are to believe the headline intro, is that camping participation is growing: "Camping is a true American tradition, and it is gaining in popularity.". The Outdoor Foundation cites that 42.5 million Americans — or 14.9% of the US population over age six — went camping in 2011. This participation rate is up from 39.9 million, or 14.1% of the population, in 2010. However, when viewing participation data over the last several years, based on a graph included with the report, participation has clearly flat-lined since 2006 (the first year data is available). By insinuating a growing trend, I think the Outdoor Foundation has jumped the gun with their overall conclusion. As an indication that the flat-line trend will likely remain in place, the report cites that the average camper went on 4.97 camping trips last year. However, campers are planning an average of only 4.33 camping trips next year, an indication that participation rates may show a decline in the next report.

The American Camper Report does show some pretty interesting trends, however. While conventional tents are still available to traditional campers, many campsites are evolving to more modern tastes, providing amenities such as indoor bathrooms, washers and driers and free Wi-Fi. Others have gone a step further by offering heated pools, waterslides, zip lines, golf carts and a calendar full of activities. KOA Campgrounds provides deluxe cabin rentals with flat screen TVs and air conditioning for customers who want to experience the outdoors with all the conveniences of home.

But is this really camping?

Some of the other key findings from the report that I found interesting, include:

• In 2011, campers spent an impressive 534.9 million days camping, an average of 12.6 days per person.

• Almost all age brackets added participants, except the adolescent group.

• The Mountain Region has the highest camping participation rate, while the South has the lowest.

• State parks are by far the most popular camping destinations.

• Hiking is the most popular activity to participate in while camping.

To read the entire report, please click here.


Jeff
Hiking in the Smokies
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Forest Service Closes Shining Rock and Graveyard Fields to Camping

Thursday, October 18, 2012

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The U.S. Forest Service announced yesterday that it is closing the Shining Rock Wilderness and Graveyard Fields areas to overnight camping due to ongoing bear encounters with humans.

The areas will be closed to dispersed camping until further notice. The agency will monitor conditions to determine when it is safe to reopen the areas.

On Monday night, a bear damaged a tent and food bag. Two people were in the tent at the time of the encounter, but no injuries were sustained. The encounter is the latest in a series of bear encounters in recent weeks.

Questions regarding the camping closure can be directed to the Pisgah Ranger District, 828-877-3265.


Jeff
Hiking in the Smokies
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No can opener? No problem!

Monday, May 14, 2012

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Have you ever arrived at your campsite, got a nice cooking fire going, and then realized that you forgot your can opener! No problem! This short video offers a technique that could come in handy some day:




Jeff
HikingintheSmokys.com
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Caring for Your Sleeping Bag

Wednesday, March 28, 2012

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The following is a guest blog from Sport Chalet:

Curling up in warm, comfortable sleeping bag every night is one of the fun parts of camping! To keep your sleeping bag in top condition you must learn the appropriate cleaning and care storage tips. Whether you camp once a month or once a year, a clean sleeping bag is a must for any outdoor adventure.

Washing Your Sleeping Bag
How you clean your sleeping bag will be depend on the size, style, and type of bag you own. Every sleeping bag must be cleaned on a regular basis due to dirt from the camping site and normal dirt and oils from your body. Think of your sleeping bag like the sheets on your bed. To keep your bed and sheets clean you must wash them from time to time and the sleeping bag is no different.

Today, you will find many sleeping bags crafted with down or synthetic materials. Down bags must be treated with care and can often require hand washing depending on the outside materials. To hand wash your sleeping bag place the item in a larger plastic bin or a bathtub. The water should be lukewarm and at a comfortable temperature for your hands. Add an appropriate soap for your type of sleeping bag. The cleaning instructions located on the tag may highlight suggested detergents.

Gently swirl and knead the bag while pushing it in and out of the water. A small soft brush can be used on the exterior to work on any hard to remove stains. Once the bag is cleaned, drain the tub and run clean, warm water all over to remove any remaining dirt or soap. After the sleeping bag is completely clean you can let it air dry or put it in the drying machine. If your standard at-home machine cannot accommodate the item, especially when washing more than one sleeping bag, you can bring take your bag to the nearest Laundromat which will have larger sized washing machines and dryers. Some suggest adding a drying ball or tennis balls along with an anti-static sheet during the drying cycle. Take note of any drying instructions on the bag to avoid damage.

Storing Your Sleeping Bag
Many of the bags available today are sold with bag covers or cases. At home, keep your sleeping bag in a dry and cool area. Many prefer to bundle all their sleeping bags together in one extra-large plastic bin with a cover to avoid any damage from external factors such as temperature or water. The sleeping bag is one piece of camping equipment you will depend on from trip to trip, so ensure its care and storage all year round.



Jeff
HikingintheSmokys.com
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New website for camping in National Forests

Thursday, March 8, 2012

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Old man winter may have made a late arrival in your neighborhood but summer and the family camping season is just around the corner. Camping is known to be a good way for families to reconnect, to help strengthen family bonds, and counter the stressful effects of busy lifestyles. Many national forest campgrounds were designed, developed, and are managed for families, making them outstanding and affordable family vacation destinations. Each year more families are discovering great family vacation destinations in national forest and grassland campgrounds.

ForestCamping.com, the U.S. National Forest Campground Guide website, is a complete and comprehensive guide to developed campgrounds in national forests and grasslands. It provides detailed information to campers looking to experience the great outdoors. In addition to managing a website, Fred and Suzi Dow also self-publish Ebook CDs and downloads of eleven U.S. National Forest Campground Guides, which can be purchased online at their website.

Using ForestCamping.com, with more than 2,400 developed campgrounds in 175 national forests and grasslands scattered across the country in 44 states, families can be assured they’ll find a Forest Service campground with what they want to see, do, and enjoy.

Fred and Suzi Dow, authors and publishers of ForestCamping.com, have devoted 17 years to visiting, personally researching, and providing the public with free, detailed information about 175 national forests and grasslands and more than 2,400 personally surveyed campgrounds.

With up to 55 fields of information in each campground review, lots of camping pictures, and authors who have actually visited the camping locations, this looks to be an extremely useful tool.






Jeff
HikingintheSmokys.com
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Smokies Backcountry Camping Fee Approved

Wednesday, March 7, 2012

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Well this will surely cause a stir - given the ferocious opposition to the original proposal:

Great Smoky Mountains Superintendent Dale A. Ditmanson has announced today that the Park's proposal to begin collecting for the use of the Park's backcountry campsites and shelters has been approved by the National Park Service. This approval clears the way for the Park to move forward with developing an online system to collect fees beginning in 2013 for reserving and use of the Park's backcountry by overnight hikers and equestrians.

The Park developed the plan in order to improve its trip-planning and reservation services to users and to expand its backcountry Ranger presence to better protect park resources through enforcement of food-storage and other regulations and improved visitor education regarding Leave-No-Trace principles.

The proposal was open for public comment last summer and some 230 written comments and two petitions were received during the comment period. According to Ditmanson, the public comments provided a great deal of constructive input on the concerns Park backcountry users had about the fee plan. "Many commenters were under the misconception that the Smokies is legally prohibited from charging user fees. The Park is prohibited from charging a toll or license fee from motorists crossing Park roads, by language in a 1951 deed under which the ownership of some park roads was transferred from the State of Tennessee to the National Park Service. But, we have long been authorized to collect user fees for specific activities such as front country camping, weddings, and commercial filming."

"There was also a significant amount of concern about our initial plan to utilize the same computerized federal reservation system, www.recreation.gov that virtually all national parks use to reserve drive-in sites in front country campgrounds. We acknowledge that some of the policies, such as the lead time for making reservations and cancellations, are not a good fit for more spontaneous backcountry users. We will not use that system unless we are convinced that it can provide the level of service we want to offer, and are exploring the alternative of developing a stand-alone software program tailored specifically to the Smokies. The system developed will also need to be practicable for Appalachian Trail thru hikers whose itineraries evolve from day-to-day."

"Concern was also raised about the range of fee amounts that were under consideration and that the resulting revenues may be diverted to other programs. We have decided to focus our plans around the lowest and simplest of the fees under study: $4 per night per person. Most importantly, 100% of the revenue from this program will be invested in improving back-country services through extended hours of the back-country office, trip-planning assistance, on-line reservations, and protection of park resources through increased ranger staff. "

Now that the proposal has been approved, Park managers plan to provide periodic updates as plans for the reservation system evolve.


Jeff
HikingintheSmokys.com
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Introducing the Hexa Pot

Wednesday, January 11, 2012

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On the surface this sounds like a great idea. The yet to be formerly launched Hexa Pot is a single-use outdoor cookware pot formed from an ultra-light, 100% biodegradable and eco-friendly paper material to be used for picnics, camping, backpacking, and traveling.

The Hexa Pot can be used for boiling water, or for cooking meals such as pasta, soup, chili and ramen noodles. The disposable pots may also come in handy in the event of an emergency situation when sterilizing and disinfecting contaminated water is necessary for making it drinkable.

Energia USA, the manufacturer of Hexa Pot, pitches these selling points on its website:

Hexa Pot can be a blessing on your hands due to it being a single use product, no dish washing is required. You can save time, water, electricity, and money spent on dish washing detergent. Ultra-light and convenient when carried around. It helps save space and time when on the go for outdoor activities. Safe alternative cookware when compared to your traditional stainless steel pots and pans that may produce harmful health effects caused from iron, nickel and chromium.

The Hexa Pot will biodegrade within 24-36 months, when disposed in the right environment. I take this to mean not in a hole dug next to your campsite, or thrown into a fire. So how many people will actually take it home with them?

Right now Energia USA is trying to raise $25,000 by Friday, January 27th, through a Kickstarter Campaign in order to help launch this project.

The Los Angeles based company will also unveil its products at the ASD Las Vegas on March 25-28, 2012.

Here's a short product demo from the manufacturer:




Jeff
HikingintheSmokys.com
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Firestorm building on Smokies Backcountry Fees

Tuesday, December 6, 2011

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A firestorm seems to have erupted over a backcountry fee system Great Smoky Mountains officials proposed back in July.

The controversy has been brewing ever since Great Smoky Mountains managers announced that they were considering a move to make all backcountry camping permits (for all sites) go through Recreation.gov, an online and call-in reservation service. The proposal would cost backpackers between $2.25 and $10.00 to make a reservation for a backcountry campsite (depending on which of three proposals is ultimately adopted).

Since then, John Quillen, a self-employed drug counselor and avid backpacker from Knoxville, and Johnny Molloy, a local hiking book author, have taken up the crusade to fight the proposal.

First of all, I completely empathize with the position Quillen, Molloy and others have carved out. However, I must say, that I am on the fence about the whole issue. But I must also point out that several of the arguments the opposition presents on their website has a few holes in them.

Southernforestwatch.org states that the backcountry fee proposal is effectively an entrance fee and it targets backpackers. That simply isn't true. Just like any other visitor, backpackers are allowed to enter the park for free. As the proposal stipulates, they may have to pay a fee to use overnight facilities in the park in the future, just like front country campers currently have to. The website also laments as to why tax dollars aren't being used to pay for these services. But I would argue that tax payer dollars should never be used to subsidize any recreational activities. There are, afterall, costs involved with maintaining those campsites. As mentioned, the park already charges a fee to camp in the front country, and it effectively charges a fee to rent a bike or a horse in Cades Cove. I do, however, agree that this "is a foot in the door for other entrance fees". As with any other governmental agency, this fee could become the impetus for other fees - the proverbial slippery slope.

One of the reasons the Smokies wants to implement a fee system is due to overcrowding at some sites. The Southernforestwatch website points out that the number of backcountry users peaked in the mid-1990s, and has seen a significant drop since then. Therefore, as the website points-out, there is no need for a comprehensive reservation system. Moreover, the website thinks that the park is misleading the public on this issue. Southernforestwatch states:

Take, for example, a printout from the Park’s own figures for a typical recent year. It shows a total of 72,907 camper nights for 108 campsites. That comes out to 675 campers per site for a full year, or less than two people per night. That’s hardly overcrowded, and the figures would show that the Park is misleading the public in even worse fashion if you remove Mt. Leconte and Appalachian Trail shelters. Over half of backcountry campsites averaged less than ONE CAMPER PER NIGHT.

However, as we all know, statistics can be misleading. Is it possible that most of those bag nights are concentrated in a small group of campsites, thus overcrowding those sites as the park states? I don't know, and simply looking at those statistics certainly doesn't answer that question.

Secondly, the Park states that there is overcrowding of backcountry campsites by non-permitted campers. If this is true, those people aren't being counted in the official statistics cited above.

The Southernforestwatch website also misrepresents the role of Recreation.gov, the firm that would handle the reservation system. They state:

Recreation.gov seems to have some political clout. Owned by Active.com, a CANADIAN company, they are more than ready to outsource Smokies backcountry camping reservations through concession. What do they know about our mountains? Apparently, according to Ditmanson, a considerable amount. Enough to entrust them with all reservations and "trip planning" whatever that entails.

Actually, Recreation.gov, who currently handles reservations for front country camping in the Smokies, wouldn't handle any of the trip planning advice. As a 7/29/11 Press Release states, "The Park would also expand the operations of the Backcountry Information Center to provide quality trip planning advice to help users develop a customized itinerary that best fits their available time and ability."

Southernforestwatch also misrepresents the issue of stimulus tax dollars. "Last year conferred another 64 million EXTRA stimulus tax dollars to build roads and fix horse trails, now he (Superintendent Dale Ditmanson) wants to take more of our money to increase his staff." Unfortunately, those tax dollars were earmarked towards specific projects. They were never meant to go into the general budget. This is not an issue Southernforestwatch should be taking up with Superintendent Ditmanson. If they have a problem with this stipulation they need to address it with the President and Congress.


The problem with the proposal:

The park wants to "hire additional Rangers who would exclusively patrol the backcountry to improve compliance with Park regulations as well as helping to curb plant and wildlife poaching and respond more quickly to visitor emergencies." But with more than 800 miles of trails, and more than 100 backcountry campsites and shelters, how many rangers would the park have to hire to effectively manage the backcountry? To me it seems quixotic.

Southernforestwatch states that the Smokies "backcountry office is only manned a few hours per day" and is "turning away volunteers in droves". If this is true, this is a big problem. If the issue of making a reservation, and receiving trip planning advice can be accomplished through willing volunteers, then the Park, at a minimum, is guilty of mis-management.

Why not implement an online (only) reservation system that could handle the majority of the current phone call load. This would then free up time for the current staff at the Backcountry Information Center, already working three hours a day, to help with trip planning advice. I'll emphasize "online only". Using the call center services to make a reservation at Recreation.gov would drive up expenses, thus increasing costs for backpackers. Why not minimize these fees by employing an online only system, in addition to the three hours of phone service at the Backcountry Information Center. Why not give a system like this a test for a year or two to see if this solves the problem?


Jeff
HikingintheSmokys.com
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Big Savings on Outdoor Gear

Saturday, May 21, 2011

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With Memorial Day Weekend just a week away now, a couple of online outdoor retailers have already launched major sales to help adventurers get ready for the summer hiking, backpacking and camping season.

Through May 30th, REI is running their Anniversary Sale - their biggest sale of the year. Shoppers can save up to 30% on top-brand outdoor gear, clothing and footwear, including tents, packs, sleeping bags, GPS units (such as the Garmin GPSMAP 62S GPS for only $279.99) and more:




REI isn't the only outdoor retailer holding a big sale right now. Backcountry.com is also offering up to 40% off during their Memorial Day Sale. This includes discounts on hiking, camping, paddling and climbing gear, as well as clothing, footwear and travel gear. Backcountry also offers Free Shipping on orders over $50.00:






Jeff
HikingintheSmokys.com
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Shortage of Freeze Dried Camp Food This Summer

Tuesday, May 10, 2011

5 comments
Steven over at My Life Outdoors posted a report yesterday, that as a result of economic times and natural disasters, makers of freeze dried foods, like Mountain House and Backpacker’s Pantry, are currently experiencing shortages due to high demand. The shortages, according to his report, are likely to persist through the summer hiking season.

Steven even went so far as to check in with his local Mountain House retailer in Midland, Texas, and found the shelves bare.

But backpackers and campers don't despair, it looks like both REI and Amazonstill have plenty of freeze dried meals from which to choose from.



Jeff
HikingintheSmokys.com
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New Outdoor Gear Partnerships

Tuesday, August 24, 2010

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HikingintheSmokys.com is proud to announce a brand new partnership with Altrec Outdoors and Backcountry.com in order to provide you with all the latest and greatest hiking and outdoor gear.

I think you’ll find shopping for gear and clothing from HikingintheSmokys.com to be much easier now. In addition to far better navigation tools, you’ll find a much wider selection of the best gear from the top brands like The North Face, Patagonia, Black Diamond, Petzl, Mountain Hardwear, Arc'teryx, Nike, Outdoor Research and more – at very competitive prices.

Bargain shoppers should note that both sites have “Outlet Stores” that sell overstock, closeouts, and items from last year at even much lower prices.

In addition to hiking gear, you can find backpacking, mountaineering and camping equipment, as well as gear for a variety of other outdoor pursuits.

Of course you can still find a wide selection of books and maps related to the Smokies and the surrounding Southern Appalachian region from our Amazon Affiliate program.

Anything you purchase through this website helps support HikingintheSmokys.com so that we can continue to provide you with free trail information as well as the latest news on what’s going on in the Great Smoky Mountains and beyond.

You can visit our store by clicking here, or, to go directly to one of our new partners, you can just click on one of the following logos:






Thanks again!

Jeff
HikingintheSmokys.com
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Save on outdoor gear and apparel

Sunday, December 13, 2009

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Amazon is offering great deals on all your outdoor gear and apparel needs for this holiday season. Some of the best prices can be found on Amazon, such as the Columbia Ballistic II Windproof Fleece Jacket, or a Kelty Grand Mesa 2-Person Tent, or Leki Trail Trekking Poles. You can even save 50% on the popular Teton Sports Fox 75+10L Internal Frame Backpack.

Click on the logo below for more information on all the outdoor products Amazon offers:




* Amazon offers FREE Super Saver Shipping on eligible items totaling more than $25.


Jeff
HikingintheSmokys.com Detailed information on trails in the Smoky Mountains; includes trail descriptions, key features, pictures, video, maps, elevation profiles, news, and more.

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Backcountry campsite changes in Smokies

Thursday, January 1, 2009

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There are a few backcountry campsite closings, relocations and new sites in the Smokies you should be aware of that take effect starting today. I just found out about this information from an excellent resource for backcountry camping in the Smokies:

http://www.cs.utk.edu/~dunigan/gsmnp/camp.php

The changes are as follows:

EFFECTIVE JANUARY 1, 2009 BACKCOUNTRY CAMPSITES CLOSED PERMANENTLY:

Campsite #4 and campsite #7 on Ace Gap Trail
Campsite #21 on Sugarland Mountain Trail
Campsite #26 on Miry Ridge Trail

NEW BACKCOUNTRY CAMPSITES OPEN:
By reservation #21 on Huskey Gap Trail
By reservation #26 on Middle Prong Trail
By reservation #46 on Indian Creek Trail
Non-reservation #51 on Deep Low Gap Trail

Relocation of #26 may be delayed.

The Park Trail Map will be updated on the Park website in February and printed maps will be revised and available in July 2009.

SUGARLANDS PERMIT OFFICE WILL BEGIN SENDING VISITORS TO THE NEW SITES AS THEY ARE READY FOR USE.

The closed campsites will continue to have a sign post and cable systems until the trail maps have been updated and are in use since some visitors familiar with the park will undoubtedly complete permits at self registration and camp in the old sites.

This information will be posted on the backcountry permit stations when the new campsites are ready for use.


Jeff
HikingintheSmokys.com Detailed information on trails in the Smoky Mountains; includes trail descriptions, key features, pictures, video, maps, elevation profiles, news, and more.

Smoky Mountain Day Hikers Store Quality gear and apparel from some of the best outdoor brands.
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