O.K. Although my hopes are set for a Labor day hike from Springer Mountain to Neels Gap (which may be to optimistic ), I have been hiking 5 miles a day(weeki-ends)_ with my backpack in the blazing sun at times just to see how hot and nasty it can get. Please tell me that a good portion of this part of the trail will be shaded. I hike on open roads as it is so I can not escape the sun.
I think my other concern would be water.