Gonna hike this section the end of April with a friend as a long day hike. Can anyone tell me the trail conditions and whether there's water along the way (we're planning on taking enough but just wanted to know). (and aside from the adjacent bear activity)

Steve

Trail goes up & down, left & right. Well marked and water flowing. Lots of trees leafing out. Hordes of hikers.

There is usually water at Jarrad Gap to the left of the trail. Then some just before climbing Blood Mtn.

Also on the Freeman Trail if you go around Blood.

Thanks

steve

There are two very reliable water sources on the route and two not so reliable.

The reliable ones are
at Jarrod Gap Trail junction (left down trail)
at Slaugher Gap trail junction (crosses trail)
The not so reliable ones are
at the Woods Hole Shelter (usually running in April/May, but not during dry summer)
at Byrd Gap (left down trail. usually only reliable during or day after heavy rain)