In 2000, when I went thru, I didn't even wave when I passed Elk Park and Roan Mtn. I had heard such horror stories of the animosity toward hikers. Well, last week, I did a short stretch with a buddy who is thru hiking this year. We stopped at Mountain Harbour near Elk Park which is only 0.3 miles from the trail. This is a lovely 1903 vintage house that has been turned into a B&B and hiker hostel. Every amenity that you can imagine and a breakfast to die for. Mary and her husband have been providing this service for 8 years and they have it down to a science. What once was a "no no" stop has become one of the best.