18 day section hike... which section?

[Kitecop]

I will be doing an 18 day section hike with my dog. I was planning to go in Oct but decided Sept would be better. I was planning on starting just north of the GSMNP, maybe in Hot Springs and try to make it to Damascus. Is this a good section, keep in mind i will need to end in a place where i can get a ride back to my starting point. Should i start further north? Is the scenery better in S VA or N NC? From my research its about 190miles from Hot Springs to Damascus... does this sound right? Anyone have a good map that has trail miles on it for NC and VA?

[Cookerhiker]

Hot Springs-to-Damascus is a nice hike - 193 miles - and you can get shuttles in Damascus back to your car although you may want to store your car in Damascus and hike to it.

Good maps are available from the ATC.