Pennsylvania AT section hike recommendations

[skypenguin]

My boyfriend and I are planning a thru hike in 2013. We will be in North Carolina for a few days in October and was thinking of hiking some of the AT trail on the way back up to NY to get an idea of what to expect in parts. We had read that Pennsylvania had some challenging rocky terrain.

Can anyone recommend a start point on the Pennsylvania AT that we can hike for a day or two (camping overnight if needed) that will give us a good sense of the terrain there?

Also, any outfitters from North Carolina on up that might be good to stop by?

Thanks!

[Penguinman]

Ijust got back from to Fl from Pa. Wanted to test my Vibrams on the Pa rocks. Went NOBO from Pa Rt 309 to Lehigh Gap. This section covers Knife Edge and Bake Oven Knob. Be advised, that as of Sept 14 the 3 springs at Bake Oven Shelted were dry. The Spring 1/2 mile down the comm tower access road (ashfield Rd at Lehigh Furnace Gap) was fine.

[skypenguin]

Great! Thanks for the recommendation!