"This was one really strange hike. I get to the top, and this is a pretty uneventful hike up the fire road. I get to the top and there's an abandoned shack that someone has been squatting in and there was a tv plugged in just like The Ring. Didnt see anyone. " — puddlepirate • Sep 28, 2021

"This was a great peak. Very scenic and the leaves were just starting to change. It is also laid out perfectly, good workout, not overgrown and a perfect day. Big fan of this trail, everyone is across the street and this seems to be a forgotten trail. This is a must do for the area. " — puddlepirate • Sep 27, 2021

"Hiked Occoneechee with my father and step-mother on a warm, humid summer day and then ran up to the towers on my own. Nice, unexpected elevation gain just outside of Durham. Interesting cliffs created by mining with expansive views of the Carolina piedmont. Decently technical trails that are also well-used. " — runshigleyrun • Jul 24, 2021

"Hiked gated road from Wayah Gap up east side to blue-blazed trail to Snowbird Gap, then summit trail to peak. Returned same route. Second ascent this road route, first descent. " — davidensley • Jul 12, 2021

"Black Balsam Knob spent most of the day shrouded in clouds, so we bypassed it on the Ivestor Gap Trail (a gated 4WD road) and took a narrow trail up to the Art Loeb Trail to Tennent Mountain for a snack lunch and a 360-degree view! Black Balsam Knob cleared just long enough to take the Art Loeb Trail and another narrow trail up the ridge to the peak of Black Balsam Knob for another 360-degree view! Bring sunscreen for these trails and peaks." — davidensley • Jun 25, 2021