Hanging on the AT - What length tree straps?

[Smashtorrent]

Hi all.....I'm planning a section hike of the Appalachian Trail this summer. I'll be hiking from Nantahala Outdoor Center to Clingmans Dome. This will be the first time on the AT and to be perfectly honest it will be the first time I've spent more than a weekend on a trial. Any advice about this section would be greatly appreciated, but here's my question:

Since I'm from Arizona and I'm not familiar with the the wilderness in NC and TN I'm wondering what length tree straps I'll need. In AZ the I can get away with 5' straps, but I'd hate to find out my hanging options will be severely limited in the Great Smoky Mountains with 5' straps. What length tree straps do you AT regulars use?

[Youngblood]

There will be more trees than you will know what to do with. Whatever you are using will work fine along the AT.

[KP]

So far, 6 foot straps have always worked for me. On rare occasions you may need to look a little harder to find the right trees that are also the right distance but like I said I haven't had any issues that couldn't be worked around. More often than not my issue is finding trees at the right distance that are clear of a bunch of brush etc., under and around my site. Since I've never slept at a shelter I can't speak for the trees there.

[JaxHiker]

I carry 12' straps but that's usually a lot of overkill. Down here, though, I've run into trees I could barely get around and still reach the hammock.

[Cannibal]

There will be more trees than you will know what to do with.

Yep! Especially that section.

[WLMiller54]

Just got off the AT in GA. There are some pretty big trees in certain locations. I use a extension strap for my 5' normal strap without issue.

Bigger problem I found is that Poison Ivy is so abundant that I had a hard time avoiding trees with vines crawling up them.

[Doctari]

Mine are (usually) only 8', never have had any issues. AND: My pack leash is 4' of Spectra, & my belt is one of my original tree huggers, so IF I really need to I can easily add about 3' to each end (Or 6' to one end) to get around a tree or to span the gap if I pick a site poorly OR I just MUST hang there for the view.

Except in tests; So far I haven't used my "Extensions" for anything but their usual designation, but they are there if need be.

[Smashtorrent]

Thank you all for the info! I'm excited and can't wait to explore that side of the country.