Tweaking the plans

Thanks to Mike at Midatlantic hikes ((you locals really need to check out his site), I have a nice print out of a topo map to use for the hike. I am going to hike Mike's suggested route of climbing White Oak Canyon to Skyline Drive. I'll bypass the Limberlost and Cresent Rock trail as I originally planned. I'll cross Skyline Drive at the Sky land Visitor center and head south on the AT. I'll climb the spur trail there leading to Betty's Rock to gain a summit. Heading back down from Betty's Rock, I'll cross over Skyline drive and make my way back down the mountain along Cedar Run on...well...Cedar Run Trail. This loop makes for about11 miles with about 5,000 ft elevation change over the course of the hike. This will make for my most significant hike this year. I am really excited about it!
I have been pouring over my maps and reading hike critiques for the past couple of days. My plan to pack lighter due to the use of my water filter has failed, due to shipping delays by UPS. It will be frustrating being by water almost the whole way, and not being able to drink it. I will at least be able to splash in some cold water. I will plan on resupplying my water at Sky Land and having lunch there. I contacted the trails manager/ ?Ranger at the Park. The trails are open, with Cedar Run having apparently just been cleared by a trail crew recently. Trails in the park were terribly damaged last November by an ice storm and then again by terrible winds a couple of weeks ago. I feel like I'm prepping for a major backpacking trip! It will be embarrassing what I do to get ready for the back pack in another 2 weeks! I plan on leaving the house tomorrow by 5am if not sooner. White Oak Canyon is a busy trail, and I want to beat the many other hikers likely to be visiting tomorrow. Hopefully not too many.