Blazing is not allowed in wilderness areas (or the Smokies) and includes Rich Mountain area, Big Frog, Little Frog, Cohutta, Joyce Kilmer/Citico Creek
SGT Rock is nearly finished with an updated version of the guide so hopefully it'll be out soon.
I had to bushwhack (more like plow my way through, getting scratched all to heck) at the height of summer when vegetation was overgrown and taller than myself...see photos. Don't know if it's true, but my impression is that trail maintenance has increased in the past year so you may not have the same experience. The trail can also be difficult to follow after the leaves have fallen.
Have a great trip.
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