I'm planning on being dropped off at the visitors center after driving up from Tally. Not sure if I want to pay for a night at the Hike Inn which the driver wants to do. I will hike up to springer and camp up there somewhere, so I can get right onto the AT on the 24th.
For your situation, I would recommend taking a train up to Gainesville, then find a shuttle to either a hostel or Amicalola.