Number of streams along the trail?

[fiddlehead]

Don't know if the OP is worried about the number of streams ONLY so he can write a paper on something.
But, I for one, rarely, get my water from streams.
Small seeps is my first choice.
Piped springs second

If and when I do have to get water from a stream, that's the only time I treat it (with chlorine), and like I said: that's rare.

Now. How many small seeps and piped springs are on the trail? thousands.

[RockDoc]

Yes, a good GIS Specialist could get that number for you in about 10 minutes. But the number of individual drainage basins might be a more useful parameter? Some areas have streams every 10 feet...

[Tennessee Viking]

Consider doing a day hike or small weekend section between Max Patch to Hot Springs on the AT or MST along the parkway. That will give a gauge of how much collection you will be doing.

[ATaBoy]

I am planning a late March start from Springer. I know temps can go subfreezing at that time. Is there any viable risk of water source(spring/stream etc) freeze up along the way ?to Neels Gap?to Hiawassee?Franklin? That is to say can access to water be impaired or compromised?