The appalachian trail crosses the top of the grassy bald. The view from max patch really cannot be beat it offers 365 degree views of the mountains in all directions, including all the way into smokey mountain national park. With spring wildflowers and fall leaf peeping, the max patch trail is an easytomoderate hike on the appalachian trail near asheville, n. Today, its a 350acre tract of open land on a high knob with 360degree views. While max patch isnt naturally this way it was cleared for grazing in the 1800s it still makes for a more than idyllic getaway. Sitting on the border of north carolina and tennessee, max patch features 360 views and sits along the appalachian trail this 4,600 foot mountain bald offers acres of wide open clearings. The main focus here is the trail magic, and the mountain is there for those who wish to make an overnighter of it. Appalachian trail lemon gap to max patch north carolina duration. Of course, the hike is straight up, but one can endure anything for 20 minutes. Max patch hot springs 2020 all you need to know before you. This 4,600 foot mountain bald offers acres of wide open clearings with amazing, unobstructed views of surrounding mountains. Hike the appalachian trail at max patch, a grassy, bald mountain thats covered in wildflowers, and one of north carolinas most popular at hikes.
The best backpacking trails in north carolina rei coop. Dogs are also able to use this trail but must be kept on leash. Mitchell on the east to the great smoky mountains on the south. Max patch camping while camping is usually prohibited at the summit, several large backpacking campsites lie in a shady grove of trees just northeast of the summit. Mar 28, 2020 popular access sites are affected by these changes include max patch and roan mountaincarvers gap, both in the cherokee and pisgah national forests, lovers leap in hot springs, and wayah bald and. Max patch mountain via brown gap pisgah national forest, nc. 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. However, no camping or fires permitted on max patch. Max patch is one of the famous balds of the southern appalachiansa gently sloped mountaintop covered in grass, shrubs, and wildflowers, with no trees to obstruct the view. Have a picnic on one of the southeasts biggest balds. It was once forested, but legend has it that indians burned it, apparently for visibility. While camping is usually prohibited at the summit, several large backpacking campsites lie. In between the soaring mountains of the great smokies and the rolling hills of hot springs the a.
Then go 6 miles up a passable dirt road to the max patch parking lot. Even after traveling to the maldives, hiking through the agafay desert in morocco, and summiting schrecksee in the german alps max patch still stands out amidst those magical spots. Sitting just inside north carolina along the boundary with tennessee, the mountain is considered by some to be the crown jewel of the appalachian trail. It is known for its 360degree views of the surrounding mountains, namely the bald mountains in the immediate vicinity. The pastoral setting atop 4600 max patch is widely considered as the prettiest spot. The trail is primarily used for hiking, camping, nature trips, and backpacking and is best used from march until november. Its a grassy mountaintop thats feverishly loved by thruhikers on the epiclength at and day hikers alike. Sitting on the border of north carolina and tennessee, max patch features 360 views and sits along the appalachian trail. Max patch to hot springs posted on january 14, 2015 by stick last thursday morning a buddy that i have been talking to for the last several months about backpacking made his way to my house around 8 am. Max patch is a mountain on the tennessee north carolina border. In a region home to almost 40 peaks over 6000 feet, max patch stands a humble 4629. Max patch is popular for winter hikes, but dont attempt one without being sure that the roads are passable in your vehicle. Camping at max patch, north carolina all you need to know max patch is still one of the most magical places ive visited. Max patch mountain is one of the most visited, most photographed, and most wellloved mountaintops on the appalachian trail in the south.
See photos and hiking guide for max patch bald mountain along the appalachian trail near hot springs and asheville north carolina in pisgah national forest. It is a 6 mile drive down a maintained but bumpy u. Also, for backpackers, camping is allowed along the appalachian trail just. Max patch to hot springs on the appalachian trail david m allen.
Sep 15, 2019 so, if youre thinking about visiting max patch, even if its a 6hour drive away from you, do it. To get here you just have to drive on a gravel road for a bit, but once you get to the parking lot, its only a little over a mile to get up to the summit of max patch mountain where youll get gorgeous 360 degree views of. Some balds are naturally occurring areas in the mountains where. Hikes are moderate to easy there is something for everyone easy access to trails great fishing pond it. Apr 19, 2016 in fact, one of the best spots for stargazing is max patch mountain, a 4,629foot bald summit on the north carolinatennessee border called the crown jewel of the appalachian trail. There are numerous undeveloped campsites along the forest roads leading to the peak. Either way, once you are done enjoying the view, head back down the appalachian trail to the trailhead. Those hiking the at will need to go farther to reach acceptable camping spots.
Avoid the usual weekend crowds at the max patch trailhead and hike this scenic alternate route to the viewpacked mountain bald. The hike up to the top is more than worth the spectacular view. It is 300 acres of a grassy bald that is 4,629 feet at its highest point, and from which, on clear days, one can see mount mitchell to the east and the great smokies far off in the west. The sundrenched, domed summit is home to broad, grassy meadows filled with abundant wildflowers and enormous, epic views in every direction. Max patch mountain via brown gap pisgah national forest. Intersecting at the top, max patch is referred to as a bald, a southern appalachian term to refer to a hilltop without a single tree. A short hike from the parking area takes you to the top. At 4629 feet elevation, max patch is not the highest summit in its immediate vicinity, but this grassy bald is certainly one of the prettiest. Max patch is an iconic, grassy bald near the north carolinatennessee border reached by an easy hike up the last bit of the mountain from a forest service parking lot or via the appalachian trail, which crosses the bald.
Its one of the most spectacular settings youll experience in the blue ridge. With little elevation gain and a short distance it is also very family and dog. Max patch is a bald, the southern appalachian name for a hilltop without a single tree. Max patch loop via appalachian trail north carolina alltrails. Max patch trail hiking the appalachians near asheville, n. Max patch bald, nc max patch, camping in north carolina. Opensky camping across north carolina our state magazine. Wildflowers bloom there in the spring and fantastic leaf color can be seen in the fall. Visit max patch on your trip to hot springs or united states.
At 4,629 feet this bald offers 360degree vistas of mount mitchell to the east and great. Coronavirus leads forest service to close appalachian trail. On my most recent adventure, i drove to max patch mountain to camp overnight and this place did not disappoint at all. If you have a pdf copy of the supervisorregional forester order detailing these camping restrictions assuming they exist, might you be able to forward me a copy.
The best backpacking trails in north carolina rei coop journal. Max patch mountain, simply known as max patch, is hands down one of the most beautiful summits in the southeast. The appalachian trail crosses right over the summit running north and south. At an elevation of 4,629 feet, max patch boasts a 360degree view of the appalachian mountains including the blue ridge and the smokies. Hidden in north carolina is a beautiful slice of nature called max patch. From the max patch parking lot its a quick and easy hike up to the bald. With a 300acre field of masters tournamentquality grass capping its rounded, 4,629foothigh summit, max patch begs for loungers. Max patch short loop hiking trail, marshall, north carolina. Max patch, pisgah national forest carolina outdoors guide. Max patch is a grassed bald with amazing 360 degree views into the great smokies, a great place for a sunset picnic or the jumping off point for a day hike along the appalachian trail. This one might seem obvious, but every time ive spent the night on the top of max patch, 50% of the people are gone right after sunset. Max patch is one of western north carolinas best kept secrets, and it is located about 40 miles north of asheville in the hot springs area.
Coronavirus leads forest service to close appalachian. Well worth the detour, the hike to the top is part of a small loop that is well marked. But here are a few tips to make the most of your trip. The trail to the left is a nice gradual ascent to the top of the bald. For a sunset, a sunrise, and stars like youve never seen them, camp here.
The massive grassy bald is meticulously maintained by mowing and prescribed burns to preserve stunning 360 views of the tallest appalachian peaks. Rising 4629 feet, max is a rolling, sprawling stretch of mountain meadow that offers plentiful sunshine, incredible views, and an ontopoftheworld feeling. The appalachian trail crosses max patch and is three miles away as the crow flies, about a 1520 minute drive. The manmade meadow on top of the mountain was once home to large herds of grazing cattle. The main focus here is the trail magic, and the mountain is. Hike a section of the famous appalachian national scenic trail or a. Sep 28, 2016 however for now, a place like max patch was perfect and i recommend it for anyone out there wanting to try solo camping. Max patch is a littleknown scenic place in north carolina. May 17, 2017 day hiking a top 10 favorite on the appalachian trail. To get a few more miles in, walk the nearly 3mile loop that starts at the top of the bald. Max patch is a bald mountain on the north carolinatennessee border in madison county, north carolina, and cocke county, tennessee. Hike max patch mountain, max patch mountain trailhead. This particular loop branches just off of the appalachian trail at. The temperature can be a good 1015 degrees cooler than in asheville on this windy hilltop, so bring a windbreaker in addition to your camera.
It is a major landmark along the tennesseenorth carolina section of the appalachian trail, although its summit is located in north carolina. Max patch is one of the most popular hiking areas in our region. Its one of the most spectacular settings youll experience in the blue. At thruhikers often oblige, saying its one of the finest rest spots on the entire trail, and so do readers like michael wright, who hikes the 2.
Regardless, it is one of the mostvisited peaks in the area. Max patch weather forecast 1411m mountain forecast. Even after traveling to the maldives, hiking through the agafay desert in morocco, and summiting schrecksee in the german alps max patch. This hike follows the at southbound from lemon gap, exploring a wildflowerfilled creek valley and visiting the roaring fork shelter. Max patch is well worth the 3 hour trip from charlotte, nc. The appalachian trail follows the crest of the appalachians along the north carolina and tennessee state line. Jun 29, 2016 max patch tnnc border the appalachian trail white blazes you right over the top of max patch mountain and across this delightful bald. Max patch is a bald mountain on the north carolinatennessee border in madison county. Heavy rain total 43mm, heaviest during wed morning.
The bald is not an entirely natural phenomenon, however. Feb 14, 2017 with a 300acre field of masters tournamentquality grass capping its rounded, 4,629foothigh summit, max patch begs for loungers. Camping is allowed in nearby areas but is prohibited on the summit itself. Want to climb a mountain and see the top max patch fulfills that and more. Very mild max 14c on mon night, min 8c on wed morning. Max patch is a local favorite in the southwest mountains of north carolina. Feb 28, 2016 this video is about our trail ride to max patch in nc. The carolina mountain club maintains the popular hiking area, max patch, a large grassy bald near the north carolinatennessee border. No camping is allowed within 100 feet of a water source but you may camp anywhere else, as long as it is not on a trail. Max patch is a grassy summit at an elevation of 4629 feet. According to the national forest service french broad ranger district, camping on the summit of max patch is forbidden. From max patch, you can choose to either hike an outandback to the high point of max patch mountain or hike the full loop around the bald on the max patch short loop.
National forests in north carolina max patch usda forest service. Day hiking a top 10 favorite on the appalachian trail. The summit of max patch is a baldessentially a mountaintop meadowof more than 300 acres and, contrary to popular belief and the practice of scofflaws. Also, for backpackers, camping is allowed along the appalachian trail just not on the summit itself. When you turn toward the summit, the real upward action begins. Several balds exist in the chain, and all offer exceptional vantage in every direction. And the forest provides a great picnic spot on warmweather summertime days. Popular access sites are affected by these changes include max patch and roan mountaincarvers gap, both in the cherokee and pisgah national forests, lovers leap in hot springs, and wayah bald and. We want to acknowledge and thank the past, present, and future generations of all native nations and indigenous peoples whose ancestral lands we travel, explore, and play on. I only wish i could be there for every sunrise and sunset. Max patch is a 4,629foot tall bald mountain with an incredible 360degree mountain vista just 20 miles from hot springs. Max patch is one of the most easily accessible and therefore most visited. See more ideas about max patch, appalachian trail and places to go.
The summit of max patch is a bald essentially a mountaintop meadowof more than 300 acres and, contrary to popular belief and the practice of scofflaws. United states north carolina nc north carolina mountains. Max patch to hot springs on the appalachian trail david. Cities in north carolina north carolina mountains half moon bay camping max patch nc mountains way to heaven camping spots luxury camping go hiking max patch hike, nc see photos and hiking guide for max patch bald mountain along the appalachian trail near hot springs and asheville north carolina in pisgah national forest. The summit of max patch might be the best picnic spot for a blue ridge sunset. Although i understand the appeal and temptation to camp on the summit i would have loved to do so when i hiked over it, it is vital that all of us obey the rules and regulations which are designed to protect sensitive areas such as max patch from damage or overuse. 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. Since then there has been homestead, a logging mill, and an air strip on the mountain. In fact, one of the best spots for stargazing is max patch mountain, a 4,629foot bald summit on the north carolinatennessee border called the crown jewel of the appalachian trail. Max patch mountain part of the pisgah national forest is a bald mountain roughly equidistant from knoxville, tn and asheville, nc about a 1.