Take exist 24 off i40, climb to max patch by gravel road, once at the parking, just a short hike to one of the most incredible views. Hike a scenic alternate route to the ultrapopular max patch mountain. When you turn toward the summit, the real upward action begins. Max patch trail hiking the appalachians near asheville, n.
Today, its a 350acre tract of open land on a high knob with 360degree views. Hiking to the very top of a mountain bald in north carolina is fulfilling for many reasons. Mitchell on the east to the great smoky mountains on the south. Our trip back to max patch which was one of my favorite areas of the appalachian trail and probably my favorite bald. Forest service, appalachian trail conservancy and others will reveal a. It is one of the largest maintained balds in the southern appalachian mountain range and boasts incredible 360degree views of equally beautiful surrounding mountains. This easy and beautiful hike at max patch should be added to your north carolina winter bucket list this year.
Some call it the crown jewel of the appalachian trail, the famous footpath which crosses it. But, for those that enjoy long mileage days, it sure makes for a great day hike too. The appalachian trail crosses the summit of max patch, about 20 miles west of hot springs at mile 251. Hiking trails near max patch mountain hiking project. These cozy romantic honeymoon cabins are nestled in the western nc mountains, surrounded by pisgah national forest, just off the appalachian trail near lemon gap and max patch. The unaka, black, great balsam, plott balsam, and great smoky mountain ranges are home to the highest peaks in the east and can all be seen from max patch. All cabins are secluded on our 100acre farm, with a mountain stream stocked with trout, great for fly fishing.
I need to finish up a section between max patch and davenport gap. The manmade meadow on top of the mountain was once home to large herds of grazing cattle. We had the amazing crew over at bluff mountian outfitters in hot springs, nc shuttle us to the top of max patch. Max patch mountain, madison county, north carolina. Coronavirus leads forest service to close appalachian. Hike max patch trail in winter for great views in north. Hike a section of the famous appalachian national scenic trail or a. With easy access, a short but steep hike, incomparable vistas, and excellent campsites, max patch is not just one of those rare, special spots that ranks on par with higher, wilder peaks. The hike departs from the trailhead on a gravel forest service road, roughly an hour and a quarter northwest of asheville view maps and driving directions. At approximately 20 miles in distance with a couple of shelters along the way to hot springs, this is a popular section for backpackers.
After a good nights sleep in the rain, i head to the privy, where the mornings entertainment is an earthworm crawling across the wall. It is known for its 360degree views of the surrounding mountains, namely the bald mountains in the immediate vicinity. Max patch weather forecast 1411m mountain forecast. Where is this and where is the camping at state line branch. View max patch is a highland bald with a 360 degree view of western nc, the great smoky mountains, and eastern tennessee. Want to climb a mountain and see the top max patch fulfills that and more.
Consider things such as access and accommodation at the base of max patch, as well as the logistics of climbing to the summit. Hike max patch mountain, max patch mountain trailhead. Hike profile the hike is a loop that tracks along a number of trails but primarily follows the appalachian trail and the buckeye ridge trail. As well, most of the hike was downhill, except for a short climb up to the top of walnut mountain. This is one of those trails that is harder to drive to than it is to hike. Max patch mountain via brown gap pisgah national forest. The appalachian trail crosses right over the summit running north and south. Max patch in pisgah national forest gets national trails. This beautiful bald lies on the nctn border and is a favorite spot amongst at thruhikers. Its also perfect for the entire family even the dog can come along. If weather permits i would recommend this location to anyone as an ideal day hike or even an better place to camp but be sure to practice leavenotrace guidelines as this is a very popular. It is a major landmark along the tennesseenorth carolina section of the appalachian trail, although its summit is located in north carolina.
Please submit any useful information about climbing max patch that may be useful to other climbers. While this mountain isnt naturally bald it was cleared for grazing in the nineteenth century, its certainly naturally beautiful. Day hiking a top 10 favorite on the appalachian trail. Max patch mountain, a summit located in madison county, north carolina. This is a steep forest trail with rock outcrops and tight switchbacks. The mountain views from the more barren patch are spectacular. The view was stunning in the morning when we were up there. Max patch mountain at 4,629 feet is not close to being the tallest peak in the region, but you are surrounded by countless 5,000 and 6,000foot peaks in every direction.
Alternatively, you could drive about 5 miles further past max patch parking area to reach lemon gap parking and start there and hike to max patch eat lunch on top of the world and hike back or to share just the views with those of ages 7 to 70 you could just hike the 1mile loop trail. See photos and hiking guide for max patch bald mountain along the appalachian trail near hot springs and asheville north carolina in pisgah national. Now this 4600ft bald mountain is a 350 acre tract of open land providing 360 degree views. Areas nc west and mountains pisgah national forest. Rising 4629 feet, max is a rolling, sprawling stretch of mountain meadow that offers plentiful sunshine, incredible views, and an ontopoftheworld feeling. With little elevation gain and a short distance it is also very family and dog. Max patch, great smoky mountains, appalachians, united states mountain weather forecast for 1411m. Max patch mountain is called a bald mountain due to the fact it was cleared back in the 1800s. Max patch mountain, simply known as max patch, is hands down one of the most beautiful summits in the southeast. Max patch mountain part of the pisgah national forest is a bald mountain roughly equidistant from knoxville, tn and asheville, nc about a 1. It is one of the most spectacular views i have ever seen. Max patch hike hiking virginia, maryland, west virginia. Make a weekend trip from max patch to hot springs n.
With spring wildflowers and fall leaf peeping, the max patch trail is an easyto moderate hike on the appalachian trail near asheville, n. But a very nice hike into the wilderness from there, including an overnight rest stop at one point. Max patch is a 4,629foot tall bald mountain with an incredible 360degree mountain vista just 20 miles from hot springs. However, with the snow covering the groundtrail, the low temperatures and the constant wind, it made the few miles a bit longer than normal, but. Honeymoon cabinromanticmax patch, biltmore, asheville.
For those in great hiking shape who want a wonderful appalachian trail day hiking experience, this is a perfect route to take. Thinking about hiking south, i see in the data book there is camping at davenport gap to stay the night before and possibly park the car. Good places to hike on the appalachian trail in north. There are miles and miles of twisting mountain roads, do not show up on an empty gas. I finished up my hike in 1998 at mountain mommas and cant. The sundrenched, domed summit is home to broad, grassy meadows filled with abundant wildflowers and enormous, epic views in every direction. In between the soaring mountains of the great smokies and the rolling hills of hot springs the a. Can be used to summit max patch over a much more difficult route than the. Standing bear to hot springs, nc coronavirus update. Max patch loop via appalachian trail north carolina alltrails. This particular loop branches just off of the appalachian trail at. From the parking area at max patch, the trail starts off going north.
About 15 minutes into the hike you will come to a sign that indicates the at to the left and the climb to the top of max patch to the right. Max patch is a bald, the southern appalachian name for a hilltop without a single tree. The experience of the hike itself, combined with the views along the way and from the summit, and the overall accomplishment make the effort. Dogs are also able to use this trail but must be kept on leash. Its a grassy mountaintop thats feverishly loved by thruhikers on the epiclength at and day hikers alike. Hiking max patch max patch is just one of those hikes that everyone should try to do at some point in their life. Max patch short loop hiking trail, marshall, north carolina. Max patch mountain is one of the most visited, most photographed, and most wellloved mountaintops on the appalachian trail in the south. This amazing area was cleared and used historically as a pasture for cattle and sheep back in the 1800s. Follow the appalachian trail from lemon gap, climbing through a mossy. Hike the appalachian trail at max patch, a grassy, bald mountain thats covered in wildflowers, and one of north carolinas most popular at hikes. Max patch mountain hot springs, north carolina hiking.
Take exist 24 off i40, climb to max patch by gravel road, once at the parking, just a short hike to one of the most incredible views you will ever see. Rusty and sara booth, of ohio, take in the 360degree mountain view from max patch march 26, 2017. Max patch mountain in nc boasts a 360degree view of the appalachian mountains including the blue ridge and the smokies. Max patch loop via appalachian trail north carolina. Sitting on the border of north carolina and tennessee, max patch features 360 mountain range views and sits along the appalachian trail. Roan mtn and mt mitchell are also visible in the ultimate distance. Max patch has been on my places to hike, and photograph, for a while now.
This dog friendly and family friendly hike is great for picnics, star gazing, and is accesible year round. The appalachian trail follows the crest of the appalachians along the north carolina and tennessee state line. Nice hike along a treeless summit of rolling hills. Zach robbins max patch mountain, simply known as max patch, is hands down one of the most beautiful summits in the southeast. Mitchell to the east and the great smoky mountains to the south. After max patch, i head down to roaring fork shelter where i run into the beatles, spotter, and muon, sign of.
The hike trails to the northeast, skirting the mountain and beginning a continuous, moderate climb. Hikes are moderate to easy there is something for everyone easy access to trails great fishing pond it. Max patch hot springs 2020 all you need to know before. Topo maps, latitude and longitude coordinates, and address for max patch mountain. At 4629 feet elevation, max patch is not the highest summit in its immediate vicinity, but this grassy bald. This is an incredible, relatively easy hike with the reward at the end being hot springs on the french broad river. Detailed 6 day mountain weather forecast for climbers and mountaineers. The bald, wide, rolling expanses of the mountain rise to the east. Theres something about them that helps me detox the routine of everyday life and connect to the world around me. The carolina mountain club maintains the popular hiking area, max patch, a large grassy bald near the north carolinatennessee border. Max patch is one of the most popular hiking areas in our region.
There are two other view spots on the meadow on buckeye ridge that afford a great view of max patch from the base of the knob. Hiking on top max patch mountain with my fiance and my puppy. Max patch hiking trail asheville the adventure collective. The trail is primarily used for hiking, walking, and nature trips and is best used from april until october. Max patch mountain was once cleared for pasture land, leaving an expansive flat summit that now serves as the ideal location for a picnic hike, flying a kite, or laying in the sun surrounded by the great smoky mountains. On top youre standing on a bald mountain so be prepared for a breeze. There is a reservationonly horse group camping area along cold springs creek. This is max patch, a popular, iconic, almost idyllic bald summit on the appalachian trail thats beloved by hardcore at thruhikers, casual day hikers and frisbeeflingers alike. Im trying to decide whether to hike south or hike north. The trails on max patch are fairly wellsigned, although a few confusing spots do exist so bring a map and pay attention. Max patch is a bald mountain on the north carolinatennessee border in madison county, north carolina, and cocke county, tennessee.