I did a few sections last year at the beginning and the section along the neuse river N/NE of Raleigh (mid/late summer). For the Neuse river part, I started at Falls Lake Trail Race parking lot and went ~23 miles in a day with my full kit. It's very flat and all paved there. Just make sure to bring plenty of water since there's only 1 park along the way there with water fountains. I wouldn't trust a filter on the neuse unfortunately. I would highly recommend a full brim hat, a bug net, and a long sleeve sun shirt (i like columbia silver ridge or the REI sahara). Huge sections have no shade and the whole thing has these irritating swarms of gnats that follow you. You could probably go even further without pack set up for a 5 day trip.