Bill I think the trash issue is what bothers me about most of the fire sights I come across. If they are not used as trash bins OK but most I've seen have been. Farther off the trailhead is not usually an issue but broken glass around a fire sight could end some ones day on a really bad note.. Last outing I dispersed one at an AT sight. The rules, in that area at least, were to use the communal fire at the hut but sure enough right in the middle of a nice tent area was a redundant ring. Another roaring fire was made by yet another party just down the hill from us. Soon it becomes more like a campground than a trail experience. But that may be one of the differences in two areas of BPing. Easy access to the AT is great for some quick local weekenders but unfortunately it comes with a price.

jimmyb