So, over the last 3-4 months I have started getting some serious wanderlust and have finally convinced my wife to let me start working up to a series of section hikes on the AT. To get back in shape (And not the current pear shape I am now) I have started working on day hikes (6-8 miles) and I am planning on doing a few three day, then week hikes. My first long trip will be the Virginia Creeper from Abingdon to Whitetop Mountain (34.3 mountains, fairly flat). Since I am leaving in late January, will I run into a problem where the campgrounds are closed due to the time of year? Camping in the cold doesn't bother me (Growing up in North Pole, Alaska helped with that). Just trying to get an idea as to what I am looking at for a decent 2 or 3 day hike. I really don't want to be stuck staying in towns because they have closed camping during the winter.

Thanks in Advance
Moose