AT help

“First time overnite-hiker. Have done day hikes in Grand Canyon, Yellowstone, Glacier etc..., Wanting to take it slow and easy maybe 10 miles aday. I'm used to hot, humid, low country, but not sure how to plan for a 3 or 4 day hike on the AT. Will be dropped of somewhere in route from Atlanta to Bat Cave, NC and need to end somewhere closest to Bat Cave. Where should I start? Have maps but trail geography is my concern. In short, I need a starting point for a 30mile hike that will end closest to Ashville,NC.”

“follow the white blazes”

“10 miles per day is reasonable on the AT - but the terrain is rather rugged - it's not 'easy' hiking, but then it's not terribly difficult either.

I'd do a shake out trip with your gear on an easy overnight just to get accustomed to using the tent, stove, etc in the field.

You'll be suprised at what you learn that first night out.

have a blast!”

“Closest option of about 30 miles "end closest to Asheville" is the Mountains to Sea: 1) US 276 to French Broad river 2) NC 127 (Mt Mitchell access) to Folk Art Center.

Thirty miles closest to Atlanta is Foothills trail; Table Rock to Sassafras then spur to Ceasars Head

3. Any combo of trails in Pisgah RD

These are the closest non AT options to Asheville or south/west

If AT then Jerry Cabin shelter to Hot Springs. Access shelter via trail from Big Creek. To make it easy go from Devils Fork Gap, its a little longer, 35 miles or so.”