I'm not familiar with NC (I live and hike in Ohio, Kentucky, and Indiana, with the occasional Isle Royale or VA AT trip.)

The Roan Highlands on the AT always gets thumbs up, according to one of my buddies. However, I'm not sure that's what you're looking for.

Here's something to consider: pick a state park you like, and go there. Camp in the public campground - most have a tent-only area where it will be quieter and less "illuminated." ("Lit up" referring to both the area and the neighbors.) You may even find a park with a walk-in campground a quarter or half mile in (just as good as 3 miles, for what you want.)

Arrive around mid-day, and put your packs on, loaded for the weekend. Lock the car. Now go hike a 2 or 3 mile loop that ends up back at your campsite. Using what's in your packs, set up camp, eat supper, and go to bed. The next day, pack everything up and go hike all day (6-10 miles - don't worry about the exact length; you're trying to figure out how far you can comfortably hike in a day at your current fitness level. Start low, and add miles as you can. End up at your car again - and repeat the previous night (set up, cook, etc.) In short, simulate a backpack trip with a good safety net. Also, use the campground bathrooms and water spigots - you can practice filtering water while you hike, and you can dig cat holes, etc., but you don't have to rely on those as your only options - again, you're practicing.

I was a Scoutmaster, and this was exactly how I introduced 12 - 14 year olds to backpacking. (At least one went on to thru-hike the AT) I still simulate backpack trips this way, particularly if I'm trying out new gear. Just because the car's there, doesn't mean you have to use it to camp - but, if things do go catastrophically wrong, it's there.

Do a few of these trips and you'll be ready to try those AT trips. You do have some beautiful country down there.

Send me a Private Mail (PM) if you have any specific questions you don't want to post here. (By the way, we all believe there are no dumb questions. We all started from scratch, too, and had the same questions you have, so don't be embarrassed to post them here for all to see.)