Congrats on your big plans to live large. I'm surprised you don't think you'll be with others. The AT is an Interstate of like minded dreamers wanting adventure and escape and natures beauty. Please read more journals to help with your frets. All who start have them, but as your "cityness" gives way to wilderness, you'll be strong and your few frets will drop from your heart like the weight from your body. Use the shelters as a distance strategy and you'll have conversation, community and an easier go of it...no need to be by yourself in the middle of the woods with a tent. The wacko's from town don't like hiking up to mountain ridgelines with backpacks. The biggest danger are the cars paying no right-away when you do your errands.
Best to you on your grand journey, may your dry sock days outnumber the wet ones. ~ Postcard
_Postcard_