"Is this the last available flag on the Appalachian Trail? Is the access trail from the Appalachian Trail overgrown? Is there a No Trespassing sign or a fence? First we checked the power line; it is steep, but I took photos looking down from the road. Second we checked the road to the peak; it is gated, but we saw people and cars by the gate. We had other priorities or I would have snagged this flag. Flag or no flag, planning to summit this peak for elevation via Appalachian Trail or, if that route is blocked, via gated road to peak, so if you want the flag, you have been notified." — davidensley • Oct 17, 2020

"Due to covid, they dont open the gate until 11 on Saturdays, so just FYI. Also, anytime the leaves are changing in this area, the Blue Ridge Parkway was overrun with people. " — puddlepirate • Oct 17, 2020

"Recorded 3.2 miles each way on GPS. Took 1 hour 45 minutes to summit from Black Mountain Campground Parking Lot. Return trip took 1 hour 30 minutes. Very few people on the trail despite perfect weather. The hordes were off climbing Mt. Mitchell. I wanted to avoid a busy trail given COVID 19." — tlannin • Sep 5, 2020

"Started from parking lot , Deep Gap Trail. Trail muddy beyond words but still doable. Not normal, but alot of rain in this area the past few days. Great views . 1st of 3 peaks on the ridge for today. " — puddlepirate • Sep 3, 2020

"Mt. Buckley was a much easier side trip along the A.T. southbound from Clingmans Dome (150' less elevation drop). As along the northbound section, there were only a few lookout points. This side of the A.T. also was a bridle path in years past, paralleling the state line between North Carolina and Tennessee for quite a distance. Met some through hikers along the way on this side. The parking lot was understandably packed by the time I left, around 11am. On to Mt. Mitchell!" — SteveM_StickMan • Jun 26, 2020