one thing you did not say, how experienced are you at camping and hiking in general. Are you an avid hiker and can knock out a 20 miler no problem or is hitting the trail still fairly new?
My suggestion is if you are to do this solo as a 1st timer (which I would not recommend) then make sure you tail has a few bail out points if you cannot make the milage or something happens. As you gain experience and skill then further afield is no issue.
If lacking others to follow your passion is the issue try Meetup.com there is a backpacking group near you doing weekly trips.
Here is a snap shot of groups near you:
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