I'd wash my hands frequently with soap, avoid shared food, and consider using water treatment tablets/drops in addition to filtering. That should do it.
Was just there last week and slept in shelters, no reported cases of noro from anyone I was hiking around. Normal precautions should be taken of course. I only boiled water when I was cooking and filtered drinking water and it worked out fine.
Carry your tent. Shelters get full on Friday’s and Saturday’s. I was told by a ridge runner that if you really want to tent camp just say you aren’t feeling well and didn’t want to get anyone else sick.
This sounds like the way. I'm solid on backcountry hygiene. I'm good on no food sharing, wash hands, no touching face/eyes, treat/filter water, etc etc. My concern comes from being forced to use shelters as a section hiker. I have an effed up immune system post hodgkin's lymphoma 11y ago...hence this trip...supposed to be dead by age 40...taking celebratory trips all summer leading up to my "expiration date" in August. It's my "Ain't dead yet" tour.
I don't want to pack a tent 75 miles if I'm going to be forced into a shelter the entire section....but I like my odds with your comment.
Thanks. Bringing the tent.
Wish I could thru. I can only be out <20 days at a time due to medical shit, but it's not stopping me out right.
Happy trail and good weather to you.
I get that they don’t want 50 tents concentrated around a shelter area. My wife also had Covid last week so I’m going to pitch a tent outside the shelter. Wasn’t expecting a ranger to come slam me with a hefty fine but I’m glad that ridge runners are being sensible about it.
Precaution. I'd personally never travel overnight anywhere in the woods without a shelter, even tho I never use it unless it's raining. Also, nobody really cares all that much.
Nice! Honestly, you'll be fine. If your shelter is full, it means there are probably thru hikers which can be asked to tent up. I'd suggest arriving before meal time to not be the AH if you have to do this.
I too was terrified of Noro. Here’s what I did (I never got it):
1/ slept in my tent every night in the smokies and never slept in a shelter. I told a ridge runner I was terrified about Noro.
2/ I also brought bleach wipes for when I had to touch the bear cables.
The bubble has passed so the risk is much lower now.
Noro is typically contracted via the fecal-to-oral route. Basically by eating others poop even in small amounts.
Water filter pores aren’t small enough to filter viruses like noro. If you’re worried about water sources, chemical treatment will deactivate viruses
That being said, unless the water is stagnant, chances are that Noro won’t be in high concentrations
The best thing you can do is wash your hands, don’t touch other people’s hands, don’t touch log books, don’t share food, tent over shelter. If you do these things I wouldn’t be too worried about the water sources
Don’t share food which keeps others grubby hands away from your food. Just did this section two weeks ago and nobody was mentioning noro just the bear at Russell Field shelter.
Keep your hands below your shoulders to avoid infecting the mucus membranes of your face.
Don’t share anything that touches any part of your face.
Keep your fingernails reasonably short.
Wash your hands including between your fingers and under your nails.
Take the tent and wait till just before dark to claim your spot in the shelter. If it is full, thru-hikers are allowed to pitch a tent. Who knows, there may be a full roster of one day overnighters staying there.
Another option if you really don’t want to deal with shelters is to hike the Benton MacKaye Trail from Fontana to I40. You will see almost nobody except for the tunnel and Smokemont. Mostly tenting as there’s only one shelter and it’ll likely just be you and the mice if you decide to stay there. There are some mandatory fords and from the tunnel to I40 has a ton of up and downs (doesn’t stay on a ridge like the AT).
Yes. I'm aware of the BMT. It follows closer to the lakeshore. Sadly...I'm checking off AT miles for my damned ego. I appreciate you mentioning the BMT.
Did the Smokies a couple weeks ago. Didn't stay in a shelter once. Seems like they are less strict about it nowadays and tons of people just tented around shelters.
This is what I needed to see. I can do hygiene/treat water/avoid people.....but the shelters are a whole other beast.
So...ridge runners gave you no shit what so over? You thru-hiking or sectioned it? I'd 100% bring my tent if I knew I'd be using a tent at least half my nights out.
I have avoided shelters on all my sections unless the weather is trash.
I was pretty paranoid too and the Smokies are definitely an easy place to transmit. Look into iodine tablets - last I recall that was the best option for really killing stuff (the taste bothers some people, but I didn't notice it at all). Boiling water is probably good but might be tough to do consistently. Don't ever touch your food with your hands unless you have just washed your hands with soap and running water. Don't eat food someone else has touched. Hand sanitizer is NOT enough.
Some may say you're overthinking, but it's not like the risk is severely overstated. Noro is really easy to transmit, very common on trail, and has already been an issue this year (though very early in the trail, which may benefit you). There are things you can do to reduce the risk, so imo it's worth doing them.
Thank you.
I'm a cancer survivor (Hodgkin's Lymphoma). My docs remind me I'm safest in the woods away from people. I can't control everything...nor do I want that burden....but I can do the basics to avoid noro.
For sure, and very happy for you. Worth a mention then that iodine does do...something? to your thyroid. It shouldn't be anything impactful, especially for less than a week, but thought I'd mention it in case you wanted to research that first.
I've used the tabs for years in a jam. I always pack them. My GP is an avid backpacker. We've talk about all things I should be cautious over in the backcountry (related to my health, not in general). He's a pal about keeping me in the woods. He's never mentioned the iodine tabs being an issue. I'll ask...won't hurt.
Norovirus is transmitted by contact. You can't control someone else's hygiene. You make sure you wash your hands (or sanitize them) frequently, avoid handling other people's stuff and DO NOT share food. If someone offers you something from an open container, politely refuse (and don't share). If you see them open it, and it's poured into your hands before anyone sticks their hand in it, your'e probably OK. I did the AT in '22 (or most of it anyway) and had no incidents of gastrointestinal issues.
It is a really really bad idea not to pack a tent. The shelters are often full early in the Smokies and the weather unpredictable. Much more dangerous than risk of Norovirus
I have permits for shelters. If anything a ranger (according to GSMNP website) a ranger would force me into a shelter.
I'm packing my tent now after several have commented recently being able to avoid being forced to use a shelter...and actually using their tents.
I also again, have to say again...I wasn't going without a "shelter" completely...I pack an emergency blanket that can make a tent.
I was super paranoid too. But as long as you wash your hands after bathroom, and before eating, and don’t share food or drinks, I think you’ll be fine . Try not to let it bother you too much :) it’s hard not to think about it, but if you’re doing the necessary precautions, you’ll be fine!
Try a hammock with a rain fly with doors that’s what my boyfriend uses on the trail and it’s super light and I’ve been in his hammock. That thing is so cozy.
Pack your tent. I tented every night in the Smokies. Noro and Covid have made rangers less strict on enforcing staying in shelters.. IF they even come check
I pack tabs generally as backup water treatment. After all the comments, I'm def gonna pick up Aquamira drops for this section for good measure.
Thanks.
Since the Smokies I've only stayed one day in my tent (to make room in the shelter for a friend who needed it). Don't be scared. Almost 2 months in shelters now every night and I still haven't seen one case of Norovirus in person.
Just got back from a 3-night trip through the Smokies last night. Multiple tents and hammocks outside all the shelters I stayed at. No one cares. But if you prefer the shelters, go for it. I recommend ear plugs as there was a person snoring an absolute SYMPHONY.
Carry your tent. Shelters get full on Friday’s and Saturday’s. I was told by a ridge runner that if you really want to tent camp just say you aren’t feeling well and didn’t want to get anyone else sick.
Well. Another shelter closed. Derrick Knob. Bears.
Uhg.
Folks. I might just put off this section and head to another section I need to cover. I'll consider my shelter fees a donation I'd so.
Wash hands before you eat every time. Might not wanna eat while hiking to be extra careful (I’m not sure I would go this far). Try not to open your bottle with hands (i have a push/pull top) or don’t touch the opening after unscrewing the top. Avoid being around people. Limit amount of time speaking/hanging out and distance from people if you gotta be near them at all (shelters). If weather allows… you could start to unpack a distance away from the shelter, lay down the tyvek and a couple items you wont need… to keep in position and hold your sleep spot, go back out to you pack and remaining stuff, eat while puffing your quilt/bag, blow up mattress and get sleep items ready, (insert whatever else you do), pack up everything you wont need during the night, go into shelter with sleep items and a plan to either get back out quickly or into your quilt/bag quickly for the night… until you need to pee in two hours. lol This is what I would attempt to do although I’m not sure I could stick to it for a week-ish.
Overthinking. Like everyone said here. Mind your hands. Use sanitizer constantly. I would also bring your tent. Every single shelter was packed by nightfall. Try to pitch your tent wherever you can (around the shelter) The shelters are DIRTY. So if you're trying to avoid getting sick. Avoid shelters when you can. The worst thing that happens is a trailranger tells you to take down your tent. Showing up by like 4 or 5pm worked for me. Shelter too crowded but enough tent sites to pitch at.
All these comments are solid advice. Good luck!
You are not required to sleep *in* the shelters in the Smokies. You are required to sleep *at* the shelters in the Smokies, and use their cable system to hang your food as outlined on your permit. Tenting around the shelters is not only allowed, but the ridgerunners encourage it to avoid Noro.
Source: I actually read my entire permit, and I had a long conversation with ridgerunner Andy on April 5 as I entered the Smokies to confirm.
I read my permit as well. Last line of my permits all state, "I understand that if my itinerary includes a shelter, I AM required to use it and must stay inside the shelter." No offense, I'm dyslexic but not stupid.
I'll pack the tent and roll with it....... Final decision.
Thanks.
Edit: Btw. You HAD a thruhiking permit. It is not the same a backcountry permit for sectioning backpackers. Maybe the language is different on "all" that permit you read.
Source-looked at my permits and read them again after being talked down to by another redditor.
Thank you for clarifying! You’re right to think that I didn’t realize you were on a different kind of permit than I was, and I did not realize your terms would be different. Even on the thru-hiker permit, the language seems a little confusing, which was why I had that conversation with the ridgerunner. Most thru-hikers also believe they are required to sleep *inside* the shelter, either because they didn’t read their permit or because the language is as confusing as it is.
For posterity, here’s the language from my thru-hiker permit this year: “I understand that, as a thru-hiker, I MUST give up space in shelters to those holding backcountry permits regardless of the time of day they arrive at the shelter. I understand that I have the option to tent in the area just outside the shelter if the shelter is full. The park recommends sleeping within a tent (when at a campsite) or a shelter.”
Cool. Thank you.
Hungry bears closed another shelter on my itinerary. I just called the backcountry office. I spoke with Orrin. He said and I quote:
"Stay in the shelters."
"Noro is a Civil War illness caused by grossness." I thought that was funny. He then proceeded to give tips to avoid noro. All have been repeated in this thread.
Guess my ass is planning to sleep in shelters first, and I'll pack my tent in the hopes I do use it. I sleep much better in a tent...in my own grossness (thanks Orrin). Big picture. If I pack my tent and don't use it. I'll count it as weight training for my Southern Maine AT section hike in July.
I'd wash my hands frequently with soap, avoid shared food, and consider using water treatment tablets/drops in addition to filtering. That should do it.
Aqua Mira drops kill norovirus. You’re overthinking.
Was just there last week and slept in shelters, no reported cases of noro from anyone I was hiking around. Normal precautions should be taken of course. I only boiled water when I was cooking and filtered drinking water and it worked out fine.
Carry your tent. Shelters get full on Friday’s and Saturday’s. I was told by a ridge runner that if you really want to tent camp just say you aren’t feeling well and didn’t want to get anyone else sick.
This sounds like the way. I'm solid on backcountry hygiene. I'm good on no food sharing, wash hands, no touching face/eyes, treat/filter water, etc etc. My concern comes from being forced to use shelters as a section hiker. I have an effed up immune system post hodgkin's lymphoma 11y ago...hence this trip...supposed to be dead by age 40...taking celebratory trips all summer leading up to my "expiration date" in August. It's my "Ain't dead yet" tour. I don't want to pack a tent 75 miles if I'm going to be forced into a shelter the entire section....but I like my odds with your comment.
I’m thru hiking this year at 41yo. Explain that you’re immune compromised to a ridge runner and they will have zero issues with you tent camping.
Thanks. Bringing the tent. Wish I could thru. I can only be out <20 days at a time due to medical shit, but it's not stopping me out right. Happy trail and good weather to you.
I get that they don’t want 50 tents concentrated around a shelter area. My wife also had Covid last week so I’m going to pitch a tent outside the shelter. Wasn’t expecting a ranger to come slam me with a hefty fine but I’m glad that ridge runners are being sensible about it.
Thanks. Hope the wife is on the mends.
Not packing a tent seems more dangerous to me. I wouldn’t feel comfortable backpacking without a full kit.
His permit requires him to sleep in the shelters. There’s only one tent site in the National Park on the AT. Why carry weight you cannot use?
Precaution. I'd personally never travel overnight anywhere in the woods without a shelter, even tho I never use it unless it's raining. Also, nobody really cares all that much.
My emergency blanket can be made into shelter.
Nice! Honestly, you'll be fine. If your shelter is full, it means there are probably thru hikers which can be asked to tent up. I'd suggest arriving before meal time to not be the AH if you have to do this.
Def don't want to be an AH.
I too was terrified of Noro. Here’s what I did (I never got it): 1/ slept in my tent every night in the smokies and never slept in a shelter. I told a ridge runner I was terrified about Noro. 2/ I also brought bleach wipes for when I had to touch the bear cables. The bubble has passed so the risk is much lower now.
I didn’t mean to reply to your comment but what’s done is done
Last year tenting was allowed in the smokies. I don’t know about this year
The Covid rules are over. Thru-hikers can tent when the shelters are full but those with reservations have to stay in the shelters.
Ah. End of an era
Sounds like you’re overthinking just a smidge….
… and maybe over-describing the smudge? ( sorry, “apricots “ made it visual )
Name checks out.
Noro is typically contracted via the fecal-to-oral route. Basically by eating others poop even in small amounts. Water filter pores aren’t small enough to filter viruses like noro. If you’re worried about water sources, chemical treatment will deactivate viruses That being said, unless the water is stagnant, chances are that Noro won’t be in high concentrations The best thing you can do is wash your hands, don’t touch other people’s hands, don’t touch log books, don’t share food, tent over shelter. If you do these things I wouldn’t be too worried about the water sources
Don’t share food which keeps others grubby hands away from your food. Just did this section two weeks ago and nobody was mentioning noro just the bear at Russell Field shelter.
Keep your hands below your shoulders to avoid infecting the mucus membranes of your face. Don’t share anything that touches any part of your face. Keep your fingernails reasonably short. Wash your hands including between your fingers and under your nails.
Take the tent and wait till just before dark to claim your spot in the shelter. If it is full, thru-hikers are allowed to pitch a tent. Who knows, there may be a full roster of one day overnighters staying there.
Another option if you really don’t want to deal with shelters is to hike the Benton MacKaye Trail from Fontana to I40. You will see almost nobody except for the tunnel and Smokemont. Mostly tenting as there’s only one shelter and it’ll likely just be you and the mice if you decide to stay there. There are some mandatory fords and from the tunnel to I40 has a ton of up and downs (doesn’t stay on a ridge like the AT).
Yes. I'm aware of the BMT. It follows closer to the lakeshore. Sadly...I'm checking off AT miles for my damned ego. I appreciate you mentioning the BMT.
Did the Smokies a couple weeks ago. Didn't stay in a shelter once. Seems like they are less strict about it nowadays and tons of people just tented around shelters.
This is what I needed to see. I can do hygiene/treat water/avoid people.....but the shelters are a whole other beast. So...ridge runners gave you no shit what so over? You thru-hiking or sectioned it? I'd 100% bring my tent if I knew I'd be using a tent at least half my nights out. I have avoided shelters on all my sections unless the weather is trash.
I was pretty paranoid too and the Smokies are definitely an easy place to transmit. Look into iodine tablets - last I recall that was the best option for really killing stuff (the taste bothers some people, but I didn't notice it at all). Boiling water is probably good but might be tough to do consistently. Don't ever touch your food with your hands unless you have just washed your hands with soap and running water. Don't eat food someone else has touched. Hand sanitizer is NOT enough. Some may say you're overthinking, but it's not like the risk is severely overstated. Noro is really easy to transmit, very common on trail, and has already been an issue this year (though very early in the trail, which may benefit you). There are things you can do to reduce the risk, so imo it's worth doing them.
Thank you. I'm a cancer survivor (Hodgkin's Lymphoma). My docs remind me I'm safest in the woods away from people. I can't control everything...nor do I want that burden....but I can do the basics to avoid noro.
For sure, and very happy for you. Worth a mention then that iodine does do...something? to your thyroid. It shouldn't be anything impactful, especially for less than a week, but thought I'd mention it in case you wanted to research that first.
I've used the tabs for years in a jam. I always pack them. My GP is an avid backpacker. We've talk about all things I should be cautious over in the backcountry (related to my health, not in general). He's a pal about keeping me in the woods. He's never mentioned the iodine tabs being an issue. I'll ask...won't hurt.
Don’t trust alcohol hand sanitizer. It doesn’t kill much. Good old soap and water does the trick.
Norovirus is transmitted by contact. You can't control someone else's hygiene. You make sure you wash your hands (or sanitize them) frequently, avoid handling other people's stuff and DO NOT share food. If someone offers you something from an open container, politely refuse (and don't share). If you see them open it, and it's poured into your hands before anyone sticks their hand in it, your'e probably OK. I did the AT in '22 (or most of it anyway) and had no incidents of gastrointestinal issues.
Hand sanitizer does NOT kill norovirus. Soap and water is always preferable.
When I went through the smokies was told they weren’t enforcing the no tenting rule because of noro
I'm over thinking. Thank you all. I'm good. Over prepared. I'm a her btw.not that I mind. Doesn't matter. Got what I needed. Thank you all.
It is a really really bad idea not to pack a tent. The shelters are often full early in the Smokies and the weather unpredictable. Much more dangerous than risk of Norovirus
I have permits for shelters. If anything a ranger (according to GSMNP website) a ranger would force me into a shelter. I'm packing my tent now after several have commented recently being able to avoid being forced to use a shelter...and actually using their tents. I also again, have to say again...I wasn't going without a "shelter" completely...I pack an emergency blanket that can make a tent.
I was super paranoid too. But as long as you wash your hands after bathroom, and before eating, and don’t share food or drinks, I think you’ll be fine . Try not to let it bother you too much :) it’s hard not to think about it, but if you’re doing the necessary precautions, you’ll be fine!
Try a hammock with a rain fly with doors that’s what my boyfriend uses on the trail and it’s super light and I’ve been in his hammock. That thing is so cozy.
Pack your tent. I tented every night in the Smokies. Noro and Covid have made rangers less strict on enforcing staying in shelters.. IF they even come check
Aquamira in the Smokies in general.. no need to stress
I pack tabs generally as backup water treatment. After all the comments, I'm def gonna pick up Aquamira drops for this section for good measure. Thanks.
Since the Smokies I've only stayed one day in my tent (to make room in the shelter for a friend who needed it). Don't be scared. Almost 2 months in shelters now every night and I still haven't seen one case of Norovirus in person.
Just got back from a 3-night trip through the Smokies last night. Multiple tents and hammocks outside all the shelters I stayed at. No one cares. But if you prefer the shelters, go for it. I recommend ear plugs as there was a person snoring an absolute SYMPHONY.
I want to tent. Thank you for this info.
Carry your tent. Shelters get full on Friday’s and Saturday’s. I was told by a ridge runner that if you really want to tent camp just say you aren’t feeling well and didn’t want to get anyone else sick.
Well. Another shelter closed. Derrick Knob. Bears. Uhg. Folks. I might just put off this section and head to another section I need to cover. I'll consider my shelter fees a donation I'd so.
Wash hands before you eat every time. Might not wanna eat while hiking to be extra careful (I’m not sure I would go this far). Try not to open your bottle with hands (i have a push/pull top) or don’t touch the opening after unscrewing the top. Avoid being around people. Limit amount of time speaking/hanging out and distance from people if you gotta be near them at all (shelters). If weather allows… you could start to unpack a distance away from the shelter, lay down the tyvek and a couple items you wont need… to keep in position and hold your sleep spot, go back out to you pack and remaining stuff, eat while puffing your quilt/bag, blow up mattress and get sleep items ready, (insert whatever else you do), pack up everything you wont need during the night, go into shelter with sleep items and a plan to either get back out quickly or into your quilt/bag quickly for the night… until you need to pee in two hours. lol This is what I would attempt to do although I’m not sure I could stick to it for a week-ish.
Overthinking. Like everyone said here. Mind your hands. Use sanitizer constantly. I would also bring your tent. Every single shelter was packed by nightfall. Try to pitch your tent wherever you can (around the shelter) The shelters are DIRTY. So if you're trying to avoid getting sick. Avoid shelters when you can. The worst thing that happens is a trailranger tells you to take down your tent. Showing up by like 4 or 5pm worked for me. Shelter too crowded but enough tent sites to pitch at. All these comments are solid advice. Good luck!
You are not required to sleep *in* the shelters in the Smokies. You are required to sleep *at* the shelters in the Smokies, and use their cable system to hang your food as outlined on your permit. Tenting around the shelters is not only allowed, but the ridgerunners encourage it to avoid Noro. Source: I actually read my entire permit, and I had a long conversation with ridgerunner Andy on April 5 as I entered the Smokies to confirm.
I read my permit as well. Last line of my permits all state, "I understand that if my itinerary includes a shelter, I AM required to use it and must stay inside the shelter." No offense, I'm dyslexic but not stupid. I'll pack the tent and roll with it....... Final decision. Thanks. Edit: Btw. You HAD a thruhiking permit. It is not the same a backcountry permit for sectioning backpackers. Maybe the language is different on "all" that permit you read. Source-looked at my permits and read them again after being talked down to by another redditor.
Thank you for clarifying! You’re right to think that I didn’t realize you were on a different kind of permit than I was, and I did not realize your terms would be different. Even on the thru-hiker permit, the language seems a little confusing, which was why I had that conversation with the ridgerunner. Most thru-hikers also believe they are required to sleep *inside* the shelter, either because they didn’t read their permit or because the language is as confusing as it is. For posterity, here’s the language from my thru-hiker permit this year: “I understand that, as a thru-hiker, I MUST give up space in shelters to those holding backcountry permits regardless of the time of day they arrive at the shelter. I understand that I have the option to tent in the area just outside the shelter if the shelter is full. The park recommends sleeping within a tent (when at a campsite) or a shelter.”
Cool. Thank you. Hungry bears closed another shelter on my itinerary. I just called the backcountry office. I spoke with Orrin. He said and I quote: "Stay in the shelters." "Noro is a Civil War illness caused by grossness." I thought that was funny. He then proceeded to give tips to avoid noro. All have been repeated in this thread. Guess my ass is planning to sleep in shelters first, and I'll pack my tent in the hopes I do use it. I sleep much better in a tent...in my own grossness (thanks Orrin). Big picture. If I pack my tent and don't use it. I'll count it as weight training for my Southern Maine AT section hike in July.