Hiking In Smoky Mountains National Park With A CCW

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[ARCHIVED THREAD] - Hiking In Smoky Mountains National Park With A CCW

Posted: 8/11/2014 12:44:29 PM EDT

To start out I have a Fl. CCW permit. What's the law now about CCW's in National Parks?
I ask because at a trail head last week in the Smoky Mountains National Park I saw a sign that said no firearms.
TIA,
Nick

Posted: 8/11/2014 9:06:28 PM EDT

[#1]

I could have sworn a ruling in the past couple years legalized the carrying of firearms in national forests. But I have nothing to back that up, and my memory can be a little spotty from time to time.

Posted: 8/11/2014 10:32:56 PM EDT

[#2]

Quote History

Quoted:
I could have sworn a ruling in the past couple years legalized the carrying of firearms in national forests. But I have nothing to back that up, and my memory can be a little spotty from time to time.

View Quote

This, but I don't know if applies to
out of state permit holders.

I just sent a text to a fed friend
who should know the answer.
I'll let you know what he says
when he responds.

***Edit to add***

He said yes you can, but you have
to comply with all of the NC requirements.

John

Posted: 8/12/2014 7:10:51 AM EDT

[#3]

Quote History

Quoted:

This, but I don't know if applies to
out of state permit holders.

I just sent a text to a fed friend
who should know the answer.
I'll let you know what he says
when he responds.

***Edit to add***

He said yes you can, but you have
to comply with all of the NC requirements.

John

View Quote View All Quotes

View All Quotes

Quote History

Quoted:

Quoted:
I could have sworn a ruling in the past couple years legalized the carrying of firearms in national forests. But I have nothing to back that up, and my memory can be a little spotty from time to time.

This, but I don't know if applies to
out of state permit holders.

I just sent a text to a fed friend
who should know the answer.
I'll let you know what he says
when he responds.

***Edit to add***

He said yes you can, but you have
to comply with all of the NC requirements.

John

Thanks John. I thought I'd also ask over on the Tennessee HTF .

Posted: 8/12/2014 8:28:31 AM EDT

[#4]

National Parks follow state law for firearms carry.

But you cannot carry in buildings.

Posted: 8/12/2014 8:47:50 AM EDT

[#5]

Quote History

Quoted:
National Parks follow state law for firearms carry.

But you cannot carry in buildings.

View Quote

Really? Because you can at Kennesaw National Battlefield Park here in GA.

Posted: 8/12/2014 10:34:56 PM EDT

[#6]

Quote History

Quoted:

Really? Because you can at Kennesaw National Battlefield Park here in GA.

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Quote History

Quoted:

Quoted:
National Parks follow state law for firearms carry.

But you cannot carry in buildings.

Really? Because you can at Kennesaw National Battlefield Park here in GA.

Yeah, but that that's "Kenne-freakin-saw, everybody has to carry" Ga!

I like the way they think!! I once drove up there from
Atlanta just so I could say I had been there!

John

Posted: 8/12/2014 11:07:07 PM EDT

[#7]

If I remember correctly if your in TN your good to go. NC portion your a no go. Been a few years since I've been there so things may have changed.

Posted: 8/13/2014 6:41:12 AM EDT

[#8]

Quote History

Quoted:
If I remember correctly if your in TN your good to go. NC portion your a no go. Been a few years since I've been there so things may have changed.

View Quote

Not anymore.....The rules changed a few years ago.

The forest service put out this a couple of years ago. It is posted at a lot of the ranger stations that I have been to.

See This

I've printed this out, laminated it, and stuck a copy in my backpack for hiking trips.

ETA: Just saw you were asking about national parks.....they are fine to carry in as well here in NC. Just stay out of buildings owned my the .gov

Posted: 8/13/2014 10:32:23 AM EDT

[#9]

In February of 2010 all National Parks were mandated to adopt relevent State law as related to firearms. This was a huge deal, since before then, you could have a gun seized for mere possession - and hope that the US Magistrate gave it back eventually. I've seen it happen.....

In ALL NPS jurisdictions firearms are prohibited in "buildings regularly frequented by US gov employees". Visitor Centers etc. They have to be signed and the stickers should have all gone up in 2110. Firearm "use" other than defensive is still prohibited.

The main issues I deal with in regards to CCW are:

Failing to inform. No we won't usually yank you out and shoot your dog.
Concealed in a vehicle w/o a valid permit
Alcohol/drug use while carrying
Leaving your piece in the shitter. Yes, you will get a ticket/court appearance.

cheers,

Posted: 8/13/2014 10:45:09 AM EDT

[#10]

I'm here today.

IIRC, you are good to go now. Prior, if you were even driving through to Gatlinburg from Pigeon Forge, you had to break down and stuff it in the trunk for the trip, because a few dick law enforcement rangers might stop you and then there'd be you a felony charge.

In TN, if your state has reciprocity, you can carry like we do. You can carry pretty much anywhere you're gonna find in the woods.

The sign issue, I swear was that they didn't have the money to go around and upgrade them to reflect new legislation. I offered to just pull them down or put a bumper sticker on them. It fell upon deaf ears.

Shawn

Posted: 8/13/2014 10:48:36 AM EDT

[#11]

I live here in the Smoky Mountains, just hike away.

Just keep your gun concealed. Other than the few through hikers, the majority of people in the park are tourist and many from up north and places were guns are not common. There's a ton of day hikers especially near the falls and sights. Just don't flash a lot.

That being said, I carry about three to four times a month in the park and never have an issue. Heck, I even carry while on my motorcycle which they even do road checks on us. They may be park rangers but most of them are originally from around here.

Tj

Posted: 8/15/2014 3:40:56 PM EDT

[#12]

I believe the Feds removed federal restrictions and said follow the state law. I open carried and CCW'ed in Yellowstone and the Tetons

Posted: 8/18/2014 3:14:33 AM EDT

[#13]

Isn't there an Cherokee reservation you drive through when going from Gatlinburg to NC while still in the Natl Park? Does the reservation allow concealed carry?

Posted: 8/30/2014 2:06:35 PM EDT

[#14]

I'm curious about Cherokee too. Is the whole area there a part of the reservation or is it separate from the tourist trap. I miss the bear zoo.

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Posted: 9/12/2014 12:55:57 PM EDT

[#15]

Hell, I work w Cherokee PD often, but have no idea. I've always assumed that they followed NC state statutes in regards to firearms. I'll ask around.

Edit: The Rez is a completely separate jurisdiction than the park. There are some Fed officers under the BIA but that's mostly in the form of agents and CO's. The bulk of the police work is done by the PD. You do have to pass thru the Rez to enter the Oconaluftee/Hwy 441 area of the park.

cheers,

Posted: 10/4/2014 12:37:05 PM EDT

[#16]

My family carry in Cherokee all the time but not sure if that's 100% legal. It's kinda hard not to when you live next door and have different affairs in and around Cherokee everyday.

[ARCHIVED THREAD] - Hiking In Smoky Mountains National Park With A CCW

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