I've hiked it all and based on your request I'd "second" the vote for Max Patch to Hot Springs, NC. Good variety, good views, not too difficult, manageable miles, shelters and campsites galore, hostels and shuttlers at both ends (Standing Bear Farm near Max Patch end) can shuttle you or your car. Hot Springs is a nice little town to end in with lots of hiker services available. One drawback might be that there are not too many options for bailing out if you need.
All that said, hard to go wrong with any stretch of the AT in NC.
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