We did the whole thing. People said taking the dog would ruin it. He did not. He was never on a leash, and never slept in the tent. I truly think he believed it was the “best day ever” every single day. I joked that both he and Linda made the hike a little more difficult, but a lot more fun...
My place in the mountains is near Tellico Gap, so I want to start at the Georgia trail head and walk to my cabin. No dogs allowed in the national park areas of the trail, which won't affect the portion I plan to hike. No issues for you?