My husband rode the whole thing, including the Chief Ladiga part (which goes into Alabama) in February. You can see the journal he wrote here. Granted he is a guy but I would have had no problem riding with him. Travel with someone and you will be fine.

http://www.crazyguyonabike.com/doc/S...hiefLadiga2009

He did not ever feel unsafe and he stealth camped a couple of nights.