Feel for heat with your hand above the ashes to ensure the fire is out. Remove unburned foil and plastic and pack them out. If you used an existing fire ring, scatter the ashes and camouflage the burned area with organic matter. Finally, scatter unused firewood you gathered in the forest. Permits and Regulations You do not need a permit to walk the A.T. Overnight camping permits, however, are necessary in Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Shenandoah National Park, and parts of the White Mountain National Forest, and registration is required in Baxter State Park.
Permits are available without fees upon arrival at park or forest ranger stations.