Is a GPS device necessary?

I know GPS devices are highly recommended for backcountry adventures. However, the AT is not really the same level of wilderness as some other backpacking trips might be + there is a lot of other people on the AT. If I had one of those devices I would bring it for sure, but I don't have one and I don't want to spend hundreds of euros + subscription fees + carry the weight for something that might not be a huge necessity on this journey. Then again, I might be wrong.

Curious to hear your opinions on bringing a GPS device out there.