My initial itinerary has me doing the approach trail and getting in to Neel’s Gap for a resupply on day five. For most it is a four day hike if the approach trail is included, but I do not want a 15 mile day up and down Blood Mountain. There are also reports of bear problems around Blood Mountain, which means bear cans are being required to camp near there. So the options are to buy an expensive bear can to use for just one night, or to skip the area by stopping short and hiking through the next day, as I intend to.
Week one to neels gap
Day one
Approach trail to Springer Mountain
8.8mi
Stay at black gap shelter or springer mountain
Day two
hawk mountain shelter
8.1mi
Day three
gooch mountain shelter
7.7mi
Day four
Camp at lance creek
Optional trip to store in Suches GA, 2 mi off trail
8.5mi
Day five
Neels Gap
Stay at hostel or hike on to Bulls Gap
7.4mi
Need five days of food
4 breakfast
5 lunch
4 dinners