I've not hiked any of the northern AT, but if it's anything like the southern sections venturing too far off trail can get you in trouble quickly. It's not called the Green Tunnel for nothing. I've often said that, at least in the Blue Ridge, Bozo the Clown could be 100 yards off trail, holding a neon sign while riding a pink elephant, and would be unseen by hikers on the trail. Even with strong map and compass skills, you have to be able to see a landmark or reference point to obtain an accurate bearing, and that is much easier said than done in these forests.
