Two friends are looking to do a 75 mile hike on the AT in mid-summer starting or stopping in Damascus VA.
Hikers are middle aged, very fit, with some (but not a lot of) backpacking experience.
Which section would you recommend?
Damascus to the I-81 crossing NE of Atkins VA (75 miles north)
or
Damascus to the US19E crossing between Elk Park NC and Roan Mtn TN? (75 miles south)
or
Some other 75 mile stretch of the AT (south of NJ)
TIA