So more like 5-7 mile hike in after the dogs?

Thanks. On the 1-2 miles- what kind of terrain. In other words if you are at the base of the smokies and the bear runs parallel to the base- you are just runing through the woods but if you need to be up high to find any bears and it's 2 miles up and down a mountain- big difference.
The reason I ...

I know- anywhere from a few hundred yards to 20 miles BUT on average (if there is an average) how far does a bear run before treeing or being bayed? You do follow on foot? Vehicle?

You used to be able to buy m-80 smoke bombs- might come in handy. Agricultural (feed & Grain) stores used to have them.

Thanks all. I may take you up on the tag along bear hunt. I've stand hunted bears and what really draws me to the bear hunt is the chance to just be part of it, to tag along and be in on everything. That has to be some experience. If someone else kills the bear- that's fine with me. I was planning ...

I live in Florida but hunt and fish all over, mostly the southeast. Glad to join. Three questions:
1. On bear hunting in the smokies, what is the average distance you must follow the dogs? Do you run, drive back roads? Hills or mountains? Or is there no way to know for sure?
2. What is a "good read ...