Max patch short loop hiking trail, marshall, north carolina. Most visitors, hike up an old roadtrail that leads from the triboard in the parking area. Coronavirus leads forest service to close appalachian. Hikes are moderate to easy there is something for everyone easy access to trails great fishing pond it. For hikers this is a relatively easy destination for those starting from carvers gap, located on state route tn143 and nc261, which connects the towns of roan mountain, tennessee and bakersville, north. Nice hike along a treeless summit of rolling hills. Some call it the crown jewel of the appalachian trail, the famous footpath which crosses it at the top.
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. 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. We decided that if i wanted, i could do max patch bald today before i left since it was the shortest of the 3 hikes that we had planned for this trip a 1. For a small fee barnstormers would take tourists for a brief flight above the bald. Aside from the gsmnp, this section of the appalachian trail was some of the most enjoyable. Then go 6 miles up a passable dirt road to the max patch parking lot.
The sundrenched, domed summit is home to broad, grassy meadows filled with abundant wildflowers and enormous, epic views in every direction. The appalachian trail crosses over the manmade bald, which was cleared in the 19th century for. Max patch on the appalachian trail in madison county, north. 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. Hikers can take an easy stroll along the doe river, or take a challenging hike up to a ridge that offers panoramic views.
Max patch hot springs 2020 all you need to know before. Roan highlands hiking to grassy ridge bald on roan mountain. Max patch is still one of the most magical places ive visited. This is an incredible, relatively easy hike with the reward at the end being hot springs on the french broad river. The carolina mountain club maintains the popular hiking area, max patch, a large grassy bald near the north carolinatennessee border. We are drawn to the majesty of max patch a gorgeous bald in madison county, 4,600 feet above sea level, where forest ends and 350 acres of open land begin to gather lifechanging memories. Day hiking a top 10 favorite on the appalachian trail. With spring wildflowers and fall leaf peeping, the max patch trail is an easytomoderate hike on the appalachian trail near asheville, n. Max patch is a yearround favorite among hikers and those seeking a high. Max patch is a local favorite in the southwest mountains of north carolina. Oct 19, 2019 hike the appalachian trail at max patch, a grassy, bald mountain thats covered in wildflowers, and one of north carolinas most popular at hikes. Sitting on the border of north carolina and tennessee, max patch features 360 views and sits along the appalachian trail. Now this 4600ft bald mountain is a 350 acre tract of open land providing 360 degree views.
It is known for its 360degree views of the surrounding mountains, namely the bald mountains in the immediate vicinity. The trail to the left is a nice gradual ascent to 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. Just a short hike to the top youll swear you can hear julie andrews singing the hills are alive when to visit. In the 1920s there was an air strip on top of the bald. The hike, located in pisgah national forest, was only an hour drive west of where we were staying in asheville. 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. Camping at max patch, north carolina, all you need to know. Although nobody is certain about the origin naked mountaintops aboriginal practice of fire ecology, ice damage, invasion by gall wasps, and grazing pressure by bison. This particular loop branches just off of the appalachian trail at. You can make it a short loop hike by descending a similar trail on the other side. Hike a short section of the famous appalachian national scenic trail on top of max patch mountain. Places like blood mountain, wayah bald, the smokies and the roan highlands, but there is one more places that easily fits on that listmax patch.
The massive grassy bald is meticulously maintained by mowing and prescribed burns to preserve stunning 360 views of the tallest appalachian peaks. I finished up my hike in 1998 at mountain mommas and cant. The best backpacking trails in north carolina rei coop. 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. I hiked a hot 7 miles to max patch, a huge grassy bald with 360 degree views. At 4,926 feet, max patch gives visitors a panoramic view of the southern appalachian mountains. If you just want to hike to the summit of max patch and you do. Hike the appalachian trail at max patch, a grassy, bald mountain thats covered in wildflowers, and one of north carolinas most popular at hikes. Where is this and where is the camping at state line branch. Rising 4629 feet, max is a rolling, sprawling stretch of mountain meadow that offers plentiful sunshine, incredible views, and an ontopoftheworld feeling. Jun 04, 2019 max patch mountain is called a bald mountain due to the fact it was cleared back in the 1800s. Getting there wasnt bad until we got off the interstate. Apr 11, 2016 in the 1800s, this area was cleared and used as pasture, creating the bald, and fortunately for us today, the amazing view.
Part of the appalachian trail passes through max patch. Max patch mountain, simply known as max patch, is hands down one of the most beautiful summits in the southeast. The experience of the hike itself, combined with the views along the way and from the summit, and the overall accomplishment make the effort thrilling in more ways than one. Today, its a 350acre tract of open land on a high knob with 360degree views. It is a major landmark along the tennesseenorth carolina section of the appalachian trail, although its summit is located in north carolina. White blazes are painted on fence posts to lead the way across this huge bald. On top youre standing on a bald mountain so be prepared for a breeze. Max patch is a 4,629foot tall bald mountain with an incredible 360degree mountain vista just 20 miles from hot springs. Max patch on the appalachian trail in madison county. A section of the appalachian trail crosses right over the bald so keep an eye out for rugged looking looking backpackers who are tackling the at trek. Max patch mountain is one of the most visited, most photographed, and most wellloved mountaintops on the appalachian trail in the south. They say its not fair, and that fresh air and hiking are good during these stressful times.
In a region home to almost 40 peaks over 6000 feet, max patch stands a humble 4629. Visit max patch on your trip to hot springs or united states. 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 appalachian trail follows the crest of the appalachians along the north carolina and tennessee state line. If there was a top 5 hike list, the walk to max patch should be on it. Today, its a 350acre tract of open land where you can hike the loop trails, enjoy a picnic or the wildflowers. Mitchell to the east and the great smoky mountains to the south. Hike a section of the famous appalachian national scenic trail or a. The appalachian trail crosses right over the summit running north and south. Max patch loop via appalachian trail north carolina alltrails. Max patch mountain part of the pisgah national forest is a bald mountain roughly equidistant from knoxville, tn and asheville, nc about a 1. Either way, once you are done enjoying the view, head back down the appalachian trail to the trailhead. Take the at in either direction and youll find places to camp without going more than a mile or two.
Feb 05, 2019 aside from the gsmnp, this section of the appalachian trail was some of the most enjoyable. I also share some of the history that i just learned about some of the origins. After leaving the national park, north bound thru hikers will travel by memorable places including pigeon river, snowbird mountain, max patch, bluff mountain, lovers leap rock, camp creek bald, blackstack cliffs, big firescald knob, big butt, shelton graves, frozen knob, big flat, high rock, big bald, little bald, high rocks, nolichucky river. Dogs are also able to use this trail but must be kept on leash. Regardless, it is one of the mostvisited peaks in the area.
Hike max patch trail in winter for great views in north carolina. The hike trails to the northeast, skirting the mountain and beginning a continuous, moderate climb. Mar 28, 2020 they say its not fair, and that fresh air and hiking are good during these stressful times. The trail offers a number of activity options and is accessible yearround. Max patch hot springs 2020 all you need to know before you. Some say this mountain, that lies 10 miles southwest of the town of hot springs, is the most picturesque spot between the smokies and the roans.
Max patch is a bald, the southern appalachian name for a hilltop without a single tree. Make a weekend trip from max patch to hot springs n. Max patch loop via appalachian trail north carolina. Our trip back to max patch which was one of my favorite areas of the appalachian trail and probably my favorite bald. May 17, 2017 our trip back to max patch which was one of my favorite areas of the appalachian trail and probably my favorite bald. You can drive close to the summit on the gravel sr 1182, which is popular but sometimes. The summit elevation is just a little over 4,600 hundred feet, and the appalachian trail crosses right over it. While this mountain isnt naturally bald it was cleared for grazing in the nineteenth century, its certainly naturally beautiful. Long climbs in and out of gaps will test your hiking legs in this popular section of the at. Max patch mountain is called a bald mountain due to the fact it was cleared back in the 1800s. Its a grassy mountaintop thats feverishly loved by thruhikers on the epiclength at and day hikers alike. In the 1800s, this area was cleared and used as pasture, creating the bald, and fortunately for us today, the amazing view. Grassy ridge, along the eastern flank of roan mountain, is the longest stretch of grassy bald in the appalachian mountains. This route turns left at the intersection, following the max patch loop away from the nearby parking area and hiking southeast.
I stopped at the top and made lunch next to some fresh groundhog dirt mounds and kicked off my shoes in the sunshine. Hike max patch trail in winter for great views in north. This 4,600 foot mountain bald offers acres of wide open clearings with amazing, unobstructed views of surrounding mountains. Max patch hiking hot springs, nc blue ridge mountain life. In the 1920s, there was even a landing strip for airplanes offering thrill rides. The bald was cleared and used as pasture for grazing sheep and cattle in the 1800s.
But a very nice hike into the wilderness from there, including an overnight rest. The trail enters the great smoky mountains national park from the south at fontana dam. In between the soaring mountains of the great smokies and the rolling hills of hot springs the a. This amazing area was cleared and used historically as a pasture for cattle and sheep back in the 1800s. While max patch isnt naturally this way it was cleared for grazing in the 1800s it still makes for a more than idyllic getaway.
It was the only high elevation, open bald hiking we would have for the entire trail until we got to. There are spots on the southern at appalachian trail that are cant miss. Forest service, have put in 3,000 hours since february to. See photos and hiking guide for max patch bald mountain along the appalachian trail near hot springs and asheville north carolina in pisgah national. May 29, 2012 max patch is well worth the 3 hour trip from charlotte, nc. Jun 10, 20 by the time we finished breakfast, the rain had lessened to a light drizzle. The bald, wide, rolling expanses of the mountain rise to the east. Buy photo rusty and sara booth, of ohio, take in the 360degree mountain view from max patch march 26. May 02, 2014 i hiked a hot 7 miles to max patch, a huge grassy bald with 360 degree views. The appalachian trail on max patch max patch is a 4,629foot tall bald mountain with an incredible 360degree mountain vista just 20 miles from hot springs. Take exist 24 off i40, climb to max patch by gravel road, once at the parking, just a.
Members of the carolina mountain club, the oldest hiking and maintaining club in wnc, working with the u. Max patch mountain via brown gap pisgah national forest. The trail is primarily used for hiking, camping, and backpacking and is accessible yearround. I need to finish up a section between max patch and davenport gap. 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. 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 maybe its because its the spot michael and i spent our first anniversary of a marriage, the time we met new friends and shared a meal under the.
Hiking to the very top of a mountain bald in north carolina is fulfilling for many reasons. Please practice handwashing and social distancing, and check out our resources for adapting to these times. 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. Max patch is well worth the 3 hour trip from charlotte, nc. 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. Aug 27, 2016 what is max patch and how to get there. Coronavirus leads forest service to close appalachian trail.
Hike max patch mountain, max patch mountain trailhead. This also means there is potential to campbackpack this area, although not on the max patch bald itself. Max patch trail hiking the appalachians near asheville, n. Although camping isnt allowed on max patch, you may camp just prior to the bald or just after the bald on the appalachian trail. Max patch in pisgah national forest, appalachian trail get.
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. About 20 minutes to the top by the short trail, 2530 on the longer loop elevation gain. 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. This 311 mile section of the appalachian trail features many scenic vistas and a spectacular walk along a ridgeline in great smoky mountains national park. Make sure you have good directions, dont think your gps will work here.
There are also many campsites along the forest roads that lead to max patch. Max patch hiking hot springs, nc 1 comment located about 40 minutes from hot springs, nc is max patch mountain, located in pisgah national forest. Nov 27, 2019 this easy and beautiful hike at max patch should be added to your north carolina winter bucket list this year. Im trying to decide whether to hike south or hike north. As i was eating, a kid with a huge beard and a kilt came over and asked if i wanted to make a kite with him. Making blue ridge memories on max patch our state magazine. With spring wildflowers and fall leaf peeping, the max patch trail is an easyto moderate hike on the appalachian trail near asheville, n. The summit and surrounding area on max patch is the highlight of this hike. Take exist 24 off i40, climb to max patch by gravel road, once at the parking, just a short hike to. Mitchell on the east to the great smoky mountains on the south. Max patch is a littleknown scenic place in north carolina. Max patch, at hike hike a section of the famous appalachian national scenic trail or a. Its one of the most spectacular settings youll experience in the blue. The manmade meadow on top of the mountain was once home to large herds of grazing cattle.
As i was eating, a kid with a huge beard and a kilt came over and asked if i. Max patch, a longtime favorite with at thruhikers and regional folks wanting to escape for a few sunny hours, is a superb example of that appalachain anomoly the grassy bald. Roan mountain state park has roughly 12 miles of hiking trails as well as 2. Max patch mountain is a 4,600 foot bald that provides 360 degree views of the surrounding blue ridge and smoky mountains. From the parking area at max patch, the trail starts off going north. Max patch is one of the most popular hiking areas in our region. Max patch mountain via brown gap pisgah national forest, nc.