Originally Posted by
Blissful
For a first backpacking trip, this is what I would do if you have the time and to take it easy. Take two nights. Start out in the late afternoon, early evening from Tye River Gap and hike the easy 2.5 to Harpers Creek shelter. Plenty of sites to pitch your tent, then cross the creek to visit other hikers.
Next day hike up Three Ridges (which is a tough climb) to Maupin Field shelter. Again tenting sites close by the shelter. Stop and see the views along the way.
Third day, go down the Mar Har trail back to your car.
If you only have one night though, then go to Maupin on day one and back via Mar Har the next. That is a tougher hike if you are not used to backpacking (but you are also young, so that is advantageous)