Backpacking and hiking are two complete and different animals. Hiking by itself can be about simple dayhikes or weekend excursions, while backpacking intones and idea of spending a prolonged period in the woods; living, eating, walking.
I have bp'd big sections of the A.T., PCT, and a huge swaths of the MidAtlantic and a piece of Alaska's Tongass Natl. Rainforest. There is no place I'd rather be than mountain tops or lowland swamps....Often, I hike with a group, the trail is the same, but a rousing camp life can be fun after a long day out. It also makes for a safer environment because of the support around you. Traveling solo, for me, is one of the best experiences in bp'ing. When I'm alone however I study maps, water sources, and terrain closer because its me alone without a backup. While the Batona has little varying terrain difficulties can be found in some tough sugar sand and confusing trail splits. Crisscrossing sand trails are the work of the
I think the best idea is to take an 8-10 mile swatch of trail to see how much you enjoy the experience. If you have a good time without trouble pick another piece. Batsto to Lower Forge is a nice 8 miler, or if you feel like you could tackle a couple of extra do the Batona Camp to Pakim Pond, crossing through Wharton in B.Bryne. To get to Pakim Pond from Batona is around 12 miles.