Since you've done the AT through the Smokey Mts, the Pinhoti (AL Section) will make you think of the AT. Granted the Pinhoti doesn't have the elevation of the Smokey Mts, however, the feel of the trail is very AT like with great shelters and varied terrain. Your best bet to get even more of a feel for the beautiful Alabama Pinhoti would be to go to
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http://www.pinhotitrailalliance.org/
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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pkyWq32cMFA (follow the video complilation)
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https://jbensblog.wordpress.com/ (my blog - Pinhoti reports in "Jtrail & INGO hikes)(you may need to scroll down to the bottom of the page to see a full list of reports)
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http://purebound.com/trails/pinhoti/
These links should give you a good jumping off point in re to Trail characteristics. I'm sure there are more.
Good Luck with your prep.
JBEN