THE PERMIT SYSTEM -
Permits are required for camping only on weekends and holidays during the period May 1 through October 31. Permits will not be required during the period November 1 through April 30. Permits will not be required for visitors who do not stay overnight. Free permits may be obtained at the District Ranger's Office in Marion, North Carolina, Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. Walk-in permits, for the current week only, are available at the Linville Gorge Information Cabin, located on Kistler Memorial Highway. The cabin is open April-October, seven days a week, 9:00 a.m. through 5:00 pm. Reservations are taken on a first come, first serve basis, beginning the first working day of each previous month. For example, reservations for wilderness camping permits for the month of July will be accepted beginning the first working day of June, etc. And don't forget to get your pepermint treat!

Practice No-trace Camping
Your challenge is to leave no evidence of your visit so the next person can enjoy a natural scene. Tread lightly so nature can endure and replenish.

No Trace Tips

• Avoid holidays and weekends.
• Avoid popular areas.
• Never cut standing trees and vegetation or pull plants.
• Pick up every trace of litter and remove it from the forest.
• Avoid using campsites that are obviously overcamped.
• Pack out all garbage.
• Use existing fire rings. Build new ones only when absolutely necessary. Remove all evidence of new rings.
• Replace and scatter twigs and leaves cleared for sleeping area.
• Bury human waste 6 inches deep and at least 100 feet from water.
• Drown your campfires -- stir the ashes -- destroy fire rings.
• Use small backpackers stove for cooking.
• Don't cut switchbacks on the trails.

We are strong believers in taking No-Trace a few steps further and practicing NEGATIVE TRACE camping and hiking. Negative Trace camping and hiking means taking litter bags with you into the woods and actively seeking out the mess left behind by inconsiderate slobs who don't respect the wilderness. You get a real good feeling when you leave with a WHOLE LOT MORE stuff than you took with you. And the wilderness will surely thank you - we know!