This section climbs from the Nantahala Outdoor Center (great place to re-supply and re-fuel yourself) and heads northwest to NC highway 143 (Stecoah Gap). Only one shelter along this section about halfway - Sassafras Gap Shelter.<br />
Recommend parking spot: "NC 143 (Stecoah Gap)" lat=35.3583760086, lon=-83.7178448659
From Bryson City, head west on US 19 to the Nantahala Outdoor Center. Look for the trail crossing nearby.
http://www.tripleblaze.com/trail.php?c=3&i=618