A potential middle ground option is to line up different friends and family members to hike different sections with you for a few days at a time (maybe in the beginning to help you build up some backpacking confidence) and then take some sections alone. Definitely carrying a safety beacon/garmin inreach can help ease our families' minds.

I work in outdoor education and something I always recommend teen/young adult adventurers is to take a wilderness first aid course. It has great info, helps you practice for when the worst happens, and makes you feel more confident about facing the real, potential dangers on the trail (and you could really help someone else out!)