Looks like I'll have a professional meeting in Charlotte next March. Thoughts on getting to/from the trail from that location? What are "normal" (not like this year) trail conditions like? Still snowing at elevation? Alternatively, I may end up driving down there from MA and can pick and choose where I hike.
Cosmo
Charlotte's closest trail access is either Hot Springs or Sam's Gap. Both are about 3 hours of driving, each way, depending on what part of Charlotte you're starting from.
In March the weather in Charlotte will probably be awesome, with blooming trees and flowers everywhere. Along the AT it will still be winter, which is to say, trees not leafed out, below freezing at night, and up in the 50s or 60s during the day. There may be a little snow, but normally there's no snow pack, and the snow melts off during the day.
I go hiking almost every weekend. If you end up flying in and out of Charlotte, PM me and I can get you to the Trail.