Another Government Fee!

Great Smoky Mountains National Park will implement changes to its current backcountry reservation and permitting process early next (this) year.

http://www.nps.gov/grsm/parkmgmt/index.htm

Short version:  $4/night/person...but, Thru hiker's permit will be $20 good for 38 days (most do it in 5 days).  Sure hope I can make the 72 miles in the 38 days.  If not, I may have to change my plans for the summer!


Personally, I have no problem with the fee itself, but think that it may cost more to administer than it collects! If 2,000 thru-hikers enter the park, that's $40,000. You can't do much for that! And, two less permits per shelter cuts into the weekender fees collected! But I guess this is done all in the name of fairness!

H