I would concur with everything the previous review said. We didn’t see a ton of trash- but the trash we saw would fit into one plastic grocery bag and it was in the fire pits. I agree that it’s the locals hanging out here, that’s been confirmed. But this is a sweeeeet spot. We hike this bird knob trail all the time and usually end it by swimming across emerald pond. It’s the perfect temperature (in July and august when we’ve done it). We hang a hammock and let the kids play. There’s wild blackberries everywhere. Got our bellies full. I don’t want other people to find out how great this swimming hole is and ruin it.