I just finished a mini-section hike from Cosby to Newfound Gap in the Smokies, and am planning to do Newfound Gap to Fontana later this month. I'd like to do it when snow is in the forecast, since I live in south Louisiana and rarely see snow.

But a couple natives of the area warned me about hiking the Smokies A.T. during snowstorms in January or February. These are very experienced hikers, and they told me you can find yourself stranded when it snows during that part of the year. For example, they've been on the A.T. when the snow has caused the rhododendruns to collapse over the trail under the deep snow, making it impossible to proceed. And of course, temps can go below zero up high and I only have a 20 degree bag and liner.

Anyone have experience hiking the Smokies section of the A.T. in the winter, particularly during strong snowstorms? And if so, how did you fare?