The 1st week of May will be doing my first week long hike. Any recommendations for the easiest parts of the AT in the Northern Va, W. Va, Md., Pa. area? Did an overnighter last weekend & started off at Walkersville Rd (?) in Md. to Annapolis Rocks. With 35lbs in my pack & pouring rain it started with a 400 foot steep climb. About half way up I almost said forget this. Yes, I've learned my lesson about pack weight, but still for my 1st time would like something a little smoother then steep hills & rocks. Thanks.