I started at Elk Garden, made an error and hiked a mile in the wrong direction…opps.  Hiked the AT passed some cattle grazing, including a steer.   I gave them a wide berth.  The trail was well marked and easy to follow.  I hated the boulder steps, but it is what it is.  I hiked to the top and found there were two survey/boundary markers.  I hiked down via the Appalacian Horse trail.  which is rocky for the first 3/4 mile.  After that it is a gradual downhill to the trailhead.  Thus, i avoided the boulder steps on the way down the AT, which my old knees thanked me for.  I chose the Elk Garden trailhead as it saved me a 30 minutes commute each way.