Regarding rafting trip at NOC - yes very wussy but so relaxing. Hiked to the NOC for lunch, then took an afternoon rafting trip. After feeling so gravity bound from hiking, it was so lovely to float and be cooled off. Also to look up at the mountains and think - I don't have to climb any of those for the rest of the day.
I think doing a rafting trip in the am and then hiking out might be kind of a drag, though.
In 2009 I ended my section in Gatlinburg and took Cherokee transit from Newfound Gap $5.
http://www.cherokeetransit.com/
This year I'm starting my section at Newfound Gap and getting a shuttle from A Walk in the Woods. For Gatlinburg, they recommended the Hilton Garden Inn or the Bearskin Lodge. I was considering the Hilton (~$130) because a co-worker had stayed there for spring break with her family and recommended it. Then I realized I could use my free night from hotels.com and decided on the Quality Inn Creekside.
Have fun!