According to the National Forest Service French Broad Ranger District, camping on the summit of Max Patch is forbidden. Although I understand the appeal and temptation to camp on the summit (I would have loved to do so when I hiked over it), it is vital that all of us obey the rules and regulations which are designed to protect sensitive areas such as Max Patch from damage or overuse. Please pass this information along. I hope the day never comes when the AT is re-routed away from Max Patch because hikers and backpackers choose to create their own rules.