Backcountry fee in the Smokies. 2013 has brought a fee for backcountry camping in the Smokies and although it has, surprisingly, not had the negative response expected, it has its glitches. Some hikers have printed a receipt thinking they had a permit. The requirement to print your permit through your email is to protect your personal info, I am told. The bottom half of your permit with your entry date is to go in the thru-hiker box which is located 30' up the trail from the trailhead (after crossing the dam). Many times rangers are there to check permits.
For section hikers (all back country campers other than thru-hikers), who plan to spend at least one night, a $4.00 fee per night is required for ANY campsite or shelter.
Keep hiking, carl aka greybeard.
