Howdy! I'll be starting a solo hike from Newfound Gap to Erwin, TN this Saturday, 10/29/11. I've hiked solo 3-4 times before, but there have always been plenty of other hikers around. I'm sure there will be hikers in the Smokies, but I'm wondering whether there will be others on the trail once I'm outside of GSMNP. I don't mind hiking all alone, but I do really enjoy meeting other people on the trail and it does make me feel safer. Any thoughts on if I'll see others out there would be much appreciated...