A small group of us (45-50 yr-olds) are wanting to do a SOBO through the GSMNP on the AT in late April, early May. I have not hiked in the Smokies before. We have planned a relatively non aggressive 7-day hike. Physically we have recently hiked Amicalola to Springer (November, 4 days) and Damascus to Dennis Cove Rd (January, 4 days) without much issue, to give you some idea. I hike kinda slow but I get there.
Here is the tentative plan:
1. Tues Apr 28 - Davenport Gap to Cosby Knob Shelter 8M
2. Wed Apr 29 - Cosby Knob Shelter to Tri-Corner Shelter 8M
3. Thur Apr 30 - Tri-Corner Shelter to Icewater Spring Shelter 12M
4. Fri May 1 - Icewater Spring Shelter to Doublespring Gap Shelter 14M
5. Sat May 2 - Doublespring to Derrick Knob Shelter 7M
6. Sun May 3 - Derrick Knob shelter to Mollies Ridge Shelter 12M
7. Mon May 4 - Mollies Ridge to Fontana 11M
Comments about the itinerary, about the shelters listed, or any short side trails, or anything else are appreciated. Would we see many NOBOs during that time? I suspect most would most already be past.