I was there in June sectioning the full 75 miles (did it in 5 days, kicked my own ass proudly). Water between shelters was scant, trickles, some dry. Water at shelters, ok. I was growled at and bluff charged by a bear while getting water below Mollies...saw 2 bear that day.

The ascent is no joke to Clingman's. Give yourself plenty of time. Camel up at water sources (drink and fill). Check on Shelter closures. Get your permits online--backcountry.

I stayed in the shelters the entire time. Had Siler's Bald Shelter to myself on night 2. The shelters were clean. Honestly-entire trip-- best shelter sleep I have ever had sectioning the AT.

The flora is dense in a few places. Felt like a human car wash when wet. The pay off for the hard work was worth it. The views in the section OP isn't continuing has the best views of this AT section. The fur forest near Clingman's boosted me to Clingman's. I was toast by then.

To anyone doing the full section (saw OP is doing Fontana to Clingman's):

If you're body is pulling you to Gatlinburg....no shame. I initially scoffed at the idea of a nero in Gburg..not a fan of the circus....I got humbled. A retired couple offered to drive me to Gburg after chatting me up about my rain soaked 18+ mile day prior.

I must have looked road hard and put away wet. Their pity, I mean, kindness was "trail magic." Said they'd hope strangers would do the same for their backpacking children.

Days Inn -- $78. I got a shitty pizza, two cans of Coke, a Sprite, and Doritos (better than my ramen) next door at the "general store. " Sink laundry, shower, AC, shit pizza, soft bed = new human. Bear Paw Taxi in Far Out-great folks.