550 cord is a standard 550 pound strength paracord. I will start with what I would think to be lower impact touring, Erie Canal, C&O/GAP, and other rail trails. I think of them as lower impact as there is no major climbing. Are bears a concern on the C&O? I read different things. There are certainly more bears around in general in the burbs in the northeast than their used to be.
Raccoons are probably more of an issue.