Haven't done 'Nacoochee', but I have rooted atlanticum x arborescens, which is fairly easy as native azaleas go. I've also successfully propagated piedmonts, both the species and 'Vardadoe Pink'. I'd rate canescens to be about the same difficulty level as the atl x arb cross. Most difficult for me (meaning I have almost no success at all) is R. alabamense. Seed is by far the easier way to go on the tough species, IMO.

Soeur

I agree with Soeur about seed. Any native azalea will grow from seed. I collect seed capsules in Oct/Nov. As the capsules open up the seed falls out. It can be sown either Fall or Spring. I use nursery flat filled with a bark mix, put 1/2" of sphagnum moss on top, wet it down real good and lightly sprinkle seed on top, cover with a piece of glass. Within two weeks you will have hundreds of seedlings.
It may also be possible to collect seed now because some of the capsules may not be completely empty.
Cuttings of selections and hybrids can be taken in June, treated with hormone, stick in 50/50 mix of peat and perlite and place under mist. They should root within 4 to 6 weeks. Pot them up in pints in early August.
If you don't have mist, seed is the way to go.
Sam

How long does it take from seed to bloom?

Fastest I've had is two years from germination to one flower cluster on Rhododendron serrulatum (Hammocksweet Azalea) and on seed from 'Snowbird', a cross between atlanticum and canescens, I believe. Only several plants out of many bloomed, though. Three to four years you get a good bit of bloom on austrinum, canescens, atlanticum, arborescens and the crosses, in my experience.

Soeur

make sure you use and acidic ferterlizer