I'm an AT virgin.....

I'll be spending three days on the AT in early May with my sis and a few friends. We plan on doing between 27-30 miles. Is there a particular section that is "can't miss?" Looking for somewhere between Fontana Dam and Damascus. And shelters...how important is it that I make reservations? That just sounds annoying....

Although I'm generally do not camp out in the Smoky Mountains, which you will hike through, on the AT if you are starting at Fontana to Damascus. You might have to make some reservations at the campsites in the Smoky Mtns.

I believe you can do it online now. Here is a link that might explain more.

http://www.nps.gov/grsm/planyourvisit/feesandreservations.htm

I forgot to add two more things. One link has numbers for NC, TN and VA to talk to about camping out. The other link is a downloadable PDF map of the trails and shelters in the GRSM.
Hope this helps!

Lodging:
http://www.nps.gov/grsm/planyourvisit/lodging.htm

Maps:
http://www.nps.gov/grsm/planyourvisit/maps.htm