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I've done the lower three states and plan to hike it beginning to end when I retire. This summer I plan to do a 120 mile loop that takes me through Joyce Kilmer national park, which is one of two remaining virgin forests in the eastern US.
Invest in the trail book and plan. It tells what is at each stop, where the water is and how to resupply while on the trail.
Also, invest in the best water pump and take at least 4 1 quart collapseable bottles. Pay attention to pack weight. Only take cloths that are appropriate for the season and have cloths mailed to strategic points at specific times. The trail planning book gives the information you need to plan and even pre-box what you want sent.
If you like to read take a Kindle, don't carry books. Krocs make great camp shoes and don't add weight, and you will want camp shoes to air your feet. Stove, small pot, cup and spoon is all you need for a kit. After 5 days you will stop caring about anything other than water, hiking, eating and sleeping so don't worry about entertainment.
Keep a daily journal, you will have feelings and thoughts worth recording and are unique to the experience. Going back later and reading the journal brings the memories back so you can relive it with others.
At first tents sound exciting, but after 5 days you will not want to bother with setup and will prefer the shelters. I recommend a light hammock tent because there will be times you want to be alone. There are plenty of other hikers on the trail so there is plenty of social time and trail stories. There are story boards on the trail that through hikers use to pass messages so take a pencil.
Have fun.
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