Sounds fantastic Steve.
In addition to the repeaters, I’d definitely try calling on 146.52. Ops in the area are aware of SOTA and you’ll likely get some response.
I did Laurel Top and Kephart as part of the traverse we did a couple months ago. Thatt report is here: SMNP Newfound Gap to Cosby traverse report. Kephart is straightforward as the summit is on the trail. Laurel Top was surprisingly difficult mainly because the most obvious way to the summit, from the east, is probably not how you want to approach. We did it that way but we just scrambled into the AZ and our spot was precarious. I’d try either following the ridge where it intersects the AT north of the summit or from the more gentle sloped west side. In any case, prepare for non-trivial bushwack.
I’ll pack a radio to work on Monday so I’ll be listening for you!
73,
Joe // N0MAP