Oregon was right on with everything. A comfortable day pack is a great pack for what you will need. A water bottle, maybe those chlorine water purification tabs, perhaps a mini med kit, and you will be all set plus whatever creature comforts you would like to have on the trail.

Enjoy! Tennessee is a beautiful state. Did some backpacking in the Smokies and loved every minute of it. I can not wait to get back.
_________________________
"To me, hammocking is relaxing, laying, swaying. A steady slow morphine drip without the risk of renal failure." - Dale Gribbel