About This Route
The 71-mile Appalachian Trail through Great Smoky Mountains NP from Fontana Dam to Davenport Gap hosts 200+ species, including Bicknell's thrush at high balds like Gregory Bald. Prime spots: Spence Field, icewater Spring Shelter for cerulean warblers. Spring neotropical migrants abound; check eBird hotspots. NPS mandates bear canisters; no food bags.
Safety Considerations
Bears aggressive; attacks reported 2019. Black bears everywhere; counter assaults with spray. Venomous snakes (pigmy rattlers) at 5,000 ft. Extreme weather: 70 mph winds, flash floods on streams. Ticks/rodents carry hantavirus; filter water. Bearproof all (REI canister). Crowded Spence Field; reserve sites.
Essential Gear
Leupold BX-1 binoculars, Ursack bear bag (if allowed), Altra Lone Peak trail runners for mud.
Emergency Tips
Clingmans Dome tower has phone; SAR via helicopter. Bear maul: fight with sticks. Flood: head high ground.