Smokies on May 10, Bivy or Net Tent

I think the trailstar is a great tarp for the Smokies because it rains so often. It would be nice to have some room to move around in while you are in the rain.
With regards to bugs, I never seem to have significant bug problems in the Smokies. In summer I bring a head net but never seem to use it. Hazel Creek may be buggier since you are low and on the water.
I use a tarp smaller than the trailstar typically with no bivy-just a headnet in case the mosquitos show up.

I went there late last June/early July and the bugs were pretty bad. Might not be as bad in May but I would definitely take a net tent or bug bivy. I would personally take the Trailstar since that is what I did take :) Temps shouldn't be too cold by then. I was over in Bryson City a few weeks back and lows were high 40s.

I am planning on carrying a few comforts when I head back in July of this year. You probably already knew this but you can rent a two wheeled cart from the marina and they will carry it over on the boat for you. Trails are relatively easy too.

I hiked through Hazel Creek on April 14th. Bugs weren't a problem at all then, but now that it is a little later in the season, you may want some bug protection. Since most of the Hazel Creek area is lower lying and close to water, bugs are probably a real possibility.

Or, you can check the forecast, and if there's no chance of you could just bring a head net with you and your bivy. I have a Titanium Goat Raven bivy with full net hood. I slept in that with the net hood over my face, but honestly I would have been fine cowboy camping or with the face open and no bug net.

I have never made it that far into NC, but on the Tennessee side, I've never really had a problem with bugs. Longlegs always are around though. I was in the Big Creek area two weeks ago, and had zero problems with bugs. It was also an unusually dry smokies experience as well.

The bugs will be out, but won't be in full force until June when it really heats up during the day & it's not so cool at night. Personally, I would go with a head net and some bug spray. The head net is cheap, light insurance.

Ryan