Pat lives about 1.0 - 2.0 hours East of Asheville.
Rent with Hertz and rent either a Miata or 350Z.
You'll enjoy it a lot.
IMHO the best route to Greenback from Asheville? or vise versa.
It will not be the fastest but the most fun, take 74 to 129 and enjoy a ride on the Dragon.
Have fun!!