I visited the letterbox at Max Patch, NC today, April 25, 2001. The
box is there. Only about 6 or 8 people have signed it in the last 3
years.
As regards getting there, if not hiking the AT, take Hwy 209 north
from I-40. Stop for further directions at the BP/store in Trust, NC
for further directions. There is only 5 miles of excellent gravel
road to the parking lot only a short hike from the summit.