That area is where the balds are: Max Patch due west of Asheville, Big Bald, and further north Roan Mountain. It's one of the few areas on the AT where you'll want sunscreen and maybe a hat if you are follicly-challenged. The balds are amazing. If you are looking for hikes, contact the local trail club [Carolina Mountain Club - http://www.carolinamtnclub.com/ ] or use the hike-finder tool at their website.

As long as you stay on the AT, you'll be seeing a good amount of traffic. All the thru-hikers will be rolling through in waves. Max Patch is at about the 300-mile mark, so the folks you meet will be those who have a good chance of going all the way to Maine. The Nantahalas and the Smokies further south send home about 75% of those who start.

Just water and a basic 10 essentials kit should do you fine. I'm sure you know what that is, but hey, this is a survival forum so let's spell it out.

Map
Compass
Signal (whistle)
Extra food
Extra clothing
Headlamp
First aid kit
Firestarter
Matches
Knife

Mom's Cafe Serves Everyone Extra Helpings of French Fries, Mustard and Ketchup.

If you want wilder, the Pisgah NF is south of Asheville, and once you get away from the Blue Ridge Parkway it's supposed to have some really nice wilderness areas that don't get nearly as much traffic.