Habitat for humanity

Slacks and a long sleeve dress shirt are pretty safe for day 1. A sports coat is a good extra touch.

The odds are between 0 and 100%. Roughly.

You could fly from Charlotte to Charleston on a budget airline, like Spirit, if you have flexibility...for about $100+/-.

Try Albert Mountain near Franklin NC. There is a Forest Service like road (Ball Creek road) with a parking area that will get you within about 500' for the fire tower...

There is a big (free) parking area at Clingmans Dome and at the lookout at 441. I’ve parked at both of these before without issue.

Fontana dam also has a big free parking area.

At the north end, parking off Waterville Rd, I 40 or even the Big Creek Ranger stations has become more problematic (break-in’s and catalytic thefts). Standing Bear hostel is the best option, though I think they charge.

I pretape my blister prone areas with leukotape, try to swap socks and air out my boots when I stop. Darn tough socks have good passing, dry (relatively quickly) and seem pretty odor resistant. I've also swapped my inserts (one with more heel cup) and modified my boot lacing to minimize my foot sliding around. I think the combo all have minimized my blisters.

A few protein heavier options first, some other alternatives below: Somebody mentioned the chicken packets, spam (liked by some,disposed by others) also available in singles packets. Summer sausage and aged cheeses hold up in cooler temps. Peak refuel meals. Mountain house sells dehydrated chicken...unfortunately, I think it's only in large (#10) cans...not real trail friendly, but may be useful if your diy-ing meals. Also, if you're diy-ing/dehydrating, there are options for ground beef and bacon.

Other favs (not protein heavy, but a nice change of pace) - Justin's flavored Nut butters, nutella, tortillas make everything better and portable., gummy bears.

I've not tried it, but I've been contemplating farm fresh (unwashed) eggs...the powdered stuff can be doctored up to be edible (adding dehydrated veg and cheese helps).

If you have a a tent, are feeling good and not coordinating with others, I'd push past you daily goals. You may be able to take or need (weather) another zero day near the end of week 1.

Most upscale men's clothing stores (that have a staffed suit sales fitting) or suit specialty store historically have offered measurements. (E.g. Brooks brothers, Jos a banks, men's warehouse). I don't know about cost, long ago it was free, give one near you a call to check on price or verify.

I've never had a problem digging a 6-8" deep hole.

My boot heel or on occasion a stout stick. Occasionally, under a rock or under a log if the ground is rough...

Ursack or dry bag. Hang it nightlightly. It should hang at least 4', further is better, from the trunk.

If you have to hang out in a shelter, use one of the handy rodent resistant methods...

Maybe simulate hills if you have a stadium (e.g. high school, college) or high rise...plan circuit that includes the stairs or reps of stairs and some flats...

If you don't have any decent elevation inclines, like stairs at a stadium, stop periodically and add a bunch of reps like squats, lunges, etc with the pack...

BTW- unless you're doing the full trail or section hiking it, don't worry about the miles. Get it good shape, and enjoy the hike.

Find a trail near you, load up a pack with at least 30 pounds and see how you feel after 10 miles...ideally, a trail with hills or mountains...a shakedown hike will give you an indication. YMMV.

A few more parameters would help...

What time of year? What sort of elevation (gain/loss) can you handle with a pack? How many miles do you think you would cover (avg/day)?

It's doable, but you best be in shape. It’ll Likely be closer to 78 miles. (https://www.atdist.com/at/atdist)

An alternate, if you're just looking to section hike: Park at NF42 (mile 1), leave your gear at the car, sobo to springer and then head north, picking up your pack at parking lot at FS42.

Most shelters have water nearby.

Apart from the fire ring and state law responses, self contained stoves aren't an issue, even when there are burn restrictions.

Lastly, be forewarned, it's generally difficult to find much dead wood within about 1/4 mile of any shelter. I wouldn't plan on having regular evening fires at shelters...

I use a light dry rub or a game seasoning, but S&P is good too. Unlike venison, the fat of elk is unxious (like beef), so it really shouldn't be trimmed.

I sear on the outdoor grill, but keep it rare or MR as others have said.

A compound butter is the chefs kiss, given how lean the meat is.

Blisters-pretape prone areas with leukotape

Toes slamming/sliding in shoes - could indicate they aren't sized or secured properly

Trekking poles make a big difference, especially on down hills.

Pack- you want the weight to be distributed between your hips and shoulders. I favor more like 75-85% weight on my hips... Part of this is the pack, part the fit and adjusting the hip belt, chest straps and load lifters.

As for the asthma - conditioning (train with a weighted pack) and management. This time of year with all the pollen pollen lit didn't help.

Grocery stores are occasional, maybe with a zero day near bigger towns.

My strategy would be DIY- dehydrate your own meals and use mail drops. You'll also need to plan for snacks that work for you (jerky, dried fruit, custom trail mixes).

Figure out/inventory what typical convenience, qsr type and/or fresh items you can eat and use those as treats/supplement.

Fat and carbs were my craving.

Fruit juice and a breakfast biscuit (like a Bojangles chicken biscuit or similar) first thing in the morning were great.

Sports drink (like Gatorade) or beer were great for drinks. Something (like pizza) to eat at the Trailhead and something portable (light but calorie dense) to take on the trail also a win.

Not sure, but might Pickleroll might be an option...?