Originally Posted by
Trail head
I have hiked this section at least three times. It has some great views from snowbird mountain and max patch. Standing bear hostel is worth stopping by, but it is only about 3-4 miles up the trail. The first section from davenport gap to max patch is a tough hike, but from max patch to hotsprings is typical AT. From hot springs to erwin is typical up and down, some tough climbs, but nothing tougher than the climbs in the smokies.
The shelter in between snowbird and max patch is in a valley, so I have always found the spring to be reliable when I have stopped there. The first shelter after max patch has been known to have active bears around, but I have not personally spent the night there. There is great food to be had at the diner in hot springs and plenty of places to stay for a night.
I have hiked this section a couple years ago at this time, and water was scarce. Plan on carrying a little more water than usual, and try to fill up at lower elevations. I had to night hike to the next shelter one night due to not having any water where I had planned on stopping.
As far as your sleeping bag goes, kinda depends on how true the rating is. If it is a marmot, montbell, western mountaineering or other higher end bag, you should be fine. If it is a cheaper untested brand, I would be sure to bring some extra warm clothes just in case. You can find other tips and ideas about how to sleep warmer on other threads on white blaze. If you are concerned about the cold, take your tent and sleep at lower elevations at night which will always be warmer and less exposed.
Enjoy this section, there are some of the best views from the balds and should probably see some straggling southbouders also.