The ATC is doing a lot to encourage hikers to disperse, to bolster the infra structure such as the new campground near the Hawk Mountain shelter, and to add helpful caretakers and ridgerunners to supplement the Georgia Appalachian Trail Club’s ambassador program. The amount to trail hardening in Maine is amazing.

Nevertheless, I fear that the day will come when permits will be required to hike in Georgia during NOBO season and perhaps in limited places elsewhere.

With the present emphasis on capacity control, I don’t know how much longer that happy situation can last. Since I don’t want to contribute to the problem, and since it would be wasted on me (I’m already on board with the program!), I’ve resolved not to hike anywhere that people are turned away for being too numerous. No Grand Canyon rafting for me – people go for years without winning the permit lottery.

Fortunately, there is plenty of less-popular hiking out there. In wonderful places that happen to be less famous. And I’ll take your advice and not be too specific about where. 🙂

Cars cross for free because the highway predates the park, and keeping the highway open was one of the terms of the agreement that created the park in the first place.

Isn’t there a fee for all overnight-use permits in GSMNP?

Hmm…While I certainly agree that it is odd that a car is allowed for free, and hikers have to pay, an online permit is awesome. Much easier than the archaic system still found in many national parks. Perhaps I should add that issues *getting* a permit are almost non-existent esp compared to other routes or trails (Homegrown ones, JMT, SHR, CDT, etc).