Our main objective was Mutton Mountain and we were not sure about the snow level at Noble Knob TH, so we started the hike from Deep Creek Trail and parked the car at the end of FR 7170. There's very little space of parking, so it's probably better to park at Deep Creek TH.
The trail was littered with old blowdowns. Intermittent snow patches started from 5,000ft. There's more consistent snow coverage at the trail junction but there's never any need for snowshoes and spikes (we carried both). The summit was mostly snow free and seemed to be a great destination for winter snowshoeing.
Decided to check out Noble Knob as we had more time. Similar conditions at Noble Knob that made this trip more straightforward than we expected. Met few hikers at Noble Knob and we're informed that the trailhead was still accessible by car as of 11/9.
Stats: 12.2 mi total, 3,900ft gain total, 8:35, leisurely pace.
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