I've done day hikes in SNP from Thornton Gap but never multi-day. Are we able to leave vehicles in the parking lots and do they charge for how many days you're in the park when you leave? If I can park outside the park and save a little cash it would be a bonus but no biggy if you can't avoid it.
The goal is to do a 3-day loop somewhere in the central SNP section and try to hit as many vistas and points of interest as possible. It looks like you can hit a lot of that on the AT itself. I haven't settled on where to start but it would be nice to end on the last day at a campground so we can shower and relax for a couple hours before hitting the road to drive home (6hr drive). Only other issue I see is the lack of water at higher elevations and I really don't want to hull 8 liters of fluid but I may have to. If anyone can share some advice on the parking and possible side trails I'd appreciate any help!