4 day from Tennessee

[beas]

I am in a group of 6 that will be doing a 4 or 5 day in late April. We have 1 experienced hiker that rest are rookies. We will be coming from West Tennessee. We are kinda wanting to avoid huge crowds so does anyone have advice for a section in Georgia or Tennessee.
Will bears be a big issue in these areas?
Thanks
BEAS

[Jack Tarlin]

Beas:

1. The stretch between Erwin TN (The Nolichucky River) and Route 19E
is very nice, and takes most folks 4-5 days.

2. Janet Hensley in Erwin is a reliable local shuttler; she also runs a great
hiker hostel. This would also be a good place to safely leave your
vehicle while you hike. Call her at (423) 743-1932 for more information.

3. You'll be in Bear country....most of the Trail is in bear country.....but it's
nothing to be worried about.

[SGT Rock]

Unless you hike wearing bacon.

But jack is on it. Get with Ms Janet. She can give you some excellent tips - just give her a a mileage per day estimate though.

[mweinstone]

also,.. there will be no bears while you are sleeping. ( nancys hausband at the hike inn at fontana.)

original question asked by clothspin, aka jullieann......." what if a bear comes while im sleeping"