What to say, what to say. The general consensus among my fellow thruhikers is that everyone is happy to be out of the park. For good reason, the weather is harsh & unpredictable (snow, ice, fog, rain, below freezing weather). Also the Smokies are the only place where paid permits are required &
the $20 permits don't seem to benefit the hikers, overnighter are given priority and everyone's on edge about getting harassed by rangers & written tickets for one of the dozen rules set in place.
That being said I personally enjoyed the smokies! The weather was great compared to what it could've been! I was lucky enough to get a handful of clear views, even through the snow covered terrain! And I will always remember the smokies with a smile.
