My very first section hike is now over, and we made pretty good time for first timers I think.
We did Hot Springs, NC to the NOC in 9 days. The guidebook lists this hike as being 134 miles. I was looking ahead to the next section hike and I was thinking that it might be a good idea to hike from Amicalola SP to Springer Mtn, and then on to the NOC. I think the guidebook lists that section as being 143 miles.
My questions are directed to those who have done that section as well as the section I just completed:
How do the views compare with those in the GSMNP?
Are there shelters that you have to stay in, or are there ample places to tent camp?
What is the elevation profile compared to the run from Hot Springs to the NOC (in other words, would you consider it more/less challenging that what we just completed?)?