I'm looking to get out Memorial Day weekend, and depending on the weather forecast, thought I might check out either the Black Mountains Crest Trail from Mt Mitchell north, or the Art Loeb trail to Shining Rock and maybe Cold Mt via the Black Balsam loop. Wondering how the hanging is along the BMCT in particular, and would like to hear from those who've done that one. Are the trees substantial enough at Deep Gap? I figure I shouldn't have an issue on the Shining Rock trail, but would like to hear from those who've done that and know of good spots, especially near water.

If the weather isn't supposed to be clear (understood the higher elevation is a little bit of a crapshoot), then I'll probably do a lower elevation AT hike south of Franklin, or GA somewhere. Any ambitious hikers are welcome to join. Thinking I'll do Sat-Mon.