Where to go in Appalachians near Atlanta over spring break

I'm interested to hear ideas as well – I'm working in Atlanta and would like to know some ideas nearby for weekend hiking or day trips.

Within a two hour drive, the Coosa backcountry loop in Vogel State Park is very nice as are the various hikes that can be linked together in the Cohutta Wilderness. Your summer gear from Colorado should be fine, but snow and freezing temperatures are certainly a possibility through March. Enjoy the Southern Appalachians!

Probably if it is the first time there you might as well do the iconic route and go from Amicalola Falls State Park and head through Springer and get as far as you can on the AT and then get a shuttle back to your car. If not that then you can make a loop out of the AT and BM trails. You can definitely get snow, but it could be in the 60s too. You never know that time of year. Going before the leaf cover comes back will get you some views, but its not going to be like CO :)

I hiked the 13-mile Coosa loop from Vogel State Park last weekend. 50% of the route was in the snow. I imagine most/all of that has melted by now.

Other areas I'd take a look at:
– Standing Indian (near border of NC/GA)
– Bartram Trail in NE Georgia around the Rabun Bald area, with an option to explore around the Chattooga River (seen the movie Deliverance?)

If you can go a wee bit further away: Art Loeb Trail in NC.

There is a great trail right on the the GA/SC border called the Chattooga river trail. It is the where deliverance was filmed. You can do an out and back or there are also likely loops to be had.

Do you guys think it's worth it to get a reservation? Can these be had on short notice?

Also, do you have to stay at a designated site when on the AT? I really don't want to stay in a shelter–I'd rather stay in my tent. (I'm used to the Rockies where there are no shelters).

The Smokies require that you stay in designated sites. Other parts of the AT don't for the most part. You might have some they hikers in the Smokies but you're probably ahead of most of them. It's easy to call and check.
Alternatively, consider Slickrock Wilderness. No permits. No crowds. Camp anywhere. Nice balds with views. Old growth forest. Beautiful streams. And it's even a little closer-just southwest of the Smokies.