Hot Springs to Davenport...or D to SP?

[rockbel]

Hey everyone, a friend and I are planning on our first AT experiance this week. We want to hike between Hot Springs and Davenport Gap. This might be a silly question, but we were wondering if it's a better/easier hike if you start in Hot Springs or start in Davenport Gap- or if it's great from both directions? We are in reasonably good shape; but this will be our longest hike yet! We're very excited and just trying to cover all the bases.

[SouthMark]

Just hiled from Hot Springs to Davenport gap in May. Was a great trip. Most hikers I met northbound complained about the first climb up Snowbird. Curtis Owen at Standing Bear Farm said it was easier starting in Hot Springs and hiking south. Eaither way its a great section with Max Patch in the middle and there are tough climbs both ways.