We are doing our first hike on the AT in mid October and are planning to go from Winding stair Gap north to Nantahala Outdoor Center over 3 days. We are just starting to plan. I have a few questions...
1. Gear advice for that length of time and weather?
2. Where do we fly in to? (we are from Tampa, Fl area and don't have enough extra time off to drive there)
3. Where should we park?
4. A short list of absolutely need to knows or must haves for our first hike starting with nothing?
5. Do we need to reserve shelters or can we use tent/ what is the sleeping situation? Do we need any other type of permit or anything for this?

Thanks for any advice,
Bonnie