Its a grassy mountaintop thats feverishly loved by thruhikers on the epiclength at and day hikers alike. Today, its a 350acre tract of open land on a high knob with 360degree views. Max patch hot springs 2020 all you need to know before you. May 02, 2014 i hiked a hot 7 miles to max patch, a huge grassy bald with 360 degree views.
Coronavirus leads forest service to close appalachian. Sep 15, 2019 so, if youre thinking about visiting max patch, even if its a 6hour drive away from you, do it. For a small fee barnstormers would take tourists for a brief flight above the bald. Fishing in max patch pond, madison county, north carolina if you are planning a day trip to the max patch bald on the appalachian trail, toss your fishing pole in the trunk and take a brief detour to throw a line in. Sitting on the border of north carolina and tennessee, max patch features 360 views and sits along the appalachian trail.
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. In the 1800s, this area was cleared and used as pasture, creating the bald, and fortunately for us today, the amazing view. Max patch is a bald, the southern appalachian name for a hilltop without a single tree. Forest service, have put in 3,000 hours since february to. Max patch is a 4,629foot tall bald mountain with an incredible 360degree mountain vista just 20 miles from hot springs. 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. The massive grassy bald is meticulously maintained by mowing and prescribed burns to preserve stunning 360 views of the tallest appalachian peaks. The only problem is that its hard, compacted dirt and turns to. Max patch trail hiking the appalachians near asheville, n. With spring wildflowers and fall leaf peeping, the max patch trail is an easytomoderate hike on the appalachian trail near asheville, n. Very mild max 19c on sat afternoon, min 12c on thu night. Mar 28, 2020 they say its not fair, and that fresh air and hiking are good during these stressful times. A short hike from the parking area takes you to the top. Take exist 24 off i40, climb to max patch by gravel road, once at the parking, just a short hike to.
The manmade meadow on top of the mountain was once home to large herds of grazing cattle. Max patch mountain is one of the most visited, most photographed, and most wellloved mountaintops on the appalachian trail in the south. Long climbs in and out of gaps will test your hiking legs in this popular section of the at. Max patch is a local favorite in the southwest mountains of north carolina. Part of the appalachian trail passes through max patch. This amazing area was cleared and used historically as a pasture for cattle and sheep back in the 1800s. Jun 04, 2019 max patch mountain is called a bald mountain due to the fact it was cleared back in the 1800s. Take the at in either direction and youll find places to camp without going more than a mile or two. Mitchell to the east and the great smoky mountains to the south.
This route turns left at the intersection, following the max patch loop away from the nearby parking area and hiking southeast. Max patch in pisgah national forest, appalachian trail get. Hikes are moderate to easy there is something for everyone easy access to trails great fishing pond it. Our trip back to max patch which was one of my favorite areas of the appalachian trail and probably my favorite bald. Fishing in max patch pond, madison county, north carolina. Then go 6 miles up a passable dirt road to the max patch parking lot. Aside from the gsmnp, this section of the appalachian trail was some of the most enjoyable. Hike max patch mountain, max patch mountain trailhead. See photos and hiking guide for max patch bald mountain along the appalachian trail near hot springs and asheville north carolina in pisgah national. This is an incredible, relatively easy hike with the reward at the end being hot springs on the french broad river. Max patch loop via appalachian trail north carolina alltrails. Make sure you have good directions, dont think your gps will work here. Aug 27, 2016 what is max patch and how to get there. 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 via brown gap pisgah national forest, nc. 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. The summit elevation is just a little over 4,600 hundred feet, and the appalachian trail crosses right over it. Camping at max patch, north carolina, all you need to know. Then, walk over max patch and as soon as you leave the bald and get back in the woods theres camping for about at least 20 tents. Roan highlands hiking to grassy ridge bald on roan mountain. Beautiful drive up to the parking lot for max patch and then a short. Max patch mountain is a 4,600 foot bald that provides 360 degree views of the surrounding blue ridge and smoky mountains. Day hiking a top 10 favorite on the appalachian trail. Hike max patch trail in winter for great views in north carolina.
Its one of the most spectacular settings youll experience in the blue ridge. While this mountain isnt naturally bald it was cleared for grazing in the nineteenth century, its certainly naturally beautiful. Rising 4629 feet, max is a rolling, sprawling stretch of mountain meadow that offers plentiful sunshine, incredible views, and an ontopoftheworld feeling. About 20 minutes to the top by the short trail, 2530 on the longer loop elevation gain. The trail offers a number of activity options and is accessible yearround. Max patch is a bald mountain on the north carolinatennessee border in madison county, north carolina, and cocke county, tennessee. In between the soaring mountains of the great smokies and the rolling hills of hot springs the a.
I stopped at the top and made lunch next to some fresh groundhog dirt mounds and kicked off my shoes in the sunshine. With spring wildflowers and fall leaf peeping, the max patch trail is an easyto moderate hike on the appalachian trail near asheville, n. It was the only high elevation, open bald hiking we would have for the entire trail until we got to. Max patch weather forecast 1411m mountain forecast. 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. Coronavirus leads forest service to close appalachian trail. Mitchell on the east to the great smoky mountains on the south. It is known for its 360degree views of the surrounding mountains, namely the bald mountains in the immediate vicinity. 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.
This 4,600 foot mountain bald offers acres of wide open clearings with amazing, unobstructed views of surrounding mountains. They say its not fair, and that fresh air and hiking are good during these stressful times. Getting there wasnt bad until we got off the interstate. Its one of the most spectacular settings youll experience in the blue.
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. Some call it the crown jewel of the appalachian trail, the famous footpath which crosses it at the top. Feb 05, 2019 aside from the gsmnp, this section of the appalachian trail was some of the most enjoyable. The carolina mountain club maintains the popular hiking area, max patch, a large grassy bald near the north carolinatennessee border. Well worth the detour, the hike to the top is part of a small loop that is well marked. Hike a section of the famous appalachian national scenic trail or a. The trail enters the great smoky mountains national park from the south at fontana dam. Please submit any useful information about climbing max patch that may be useful to other climbers. But here are a few tips to make the most of your trip. Members of the carolina mountain club, the oldest hiking and maintaining club in wnc, working with the u.
Regardless, it is one of the mostvisited peaks in the area. I hiked a hot 7 miles to max patch, a huge grassy bald with 360 degree views. 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. It is a 6 mile drive down a maintained but bumpy u. In the 1920s, there was even a landing strip for airplanes offering thrill rides. Hikers can take an easy stroll along the doe river, or take a challenging hike up to a ridge that offers panoramic views. Located about 40 minutes from hot springs, nc is max patch mountain, located in pisgah national forest. I also share some of the history that i just learned about some of the origins. 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. In the 1920s there was an air strip on top of the bald. Good places to hike on the appalachian trail in north. On top you re standing on a bald mountain so be prepared for a breeze. If there was a top 5 hike list, the walk to max patch should be on it. This particular loop branches just off of the appalachian trail at.
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 hiking hot springs, nc blue ridge mountain life. Forest service, have put in 3,000 hours since february to rehabilitate max patch, said. The trail is primarily used for hiking, camping, and backpacking and is accessible yearround. Max patch is well worth the 3 hour trip from charlotte, nc. Max patch mountain is called a bald mountain due to the fact it was cleared back in the 1800s. Hiking to the very top of a mountain bald in north carolina is fulfilling for many reasons. Max patch hot springs 2020 all you need to know before. As i was eating, a kid with a huge beard and a kilt came over and asked if i. Roan mountain state park has roughly 12 miles of hiking trails as well as 2. Jun 10, 20 by the time we finished breakfast, the rain had lessened to a light drizzle.
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. Max patch short loop hiking trail, marshall, north carolina. Now this 4600ft bald mountain is a 350 acre tract of open land providing 360 degree views. Consider things such as access and accommodation at the base of max patch, as well as the logistics of climbing to the summit. 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.
Max patch is one of the most easily accessible and therefore most visited. The summit and surrounding area on max patch is the highlight of this hike. It is a major landmark along the tennesseenorth carolina section of the appalachian trail, although its summit is located in north carolina. View max patch is a highland bald with a 360 degree view of western nc, the great smoky mountains, and eastern tennessee. An abundance of ferns and grasses blanket the bald, making it perfect for picnics. The appalachian trail follows the crest of the appalachians along the north carolina and tennessee state line.
You can drive close to the summit on the gravel sr 1182, which is popular but sometimes. Nov 27, 2019 this easy and beautiful hike at max patch should be added to your north carolina winter bucket list this year. The hike, located in pisgah national forest, was only an hour drive west of where we were staying in asheville. The appalachian trail crosses right over the summit running north and south. 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. Winds decreasing fresh winds from the s on thu night, light winds from the nne by sat afternoon. Max patch mountain part of the pisgah national forest is a bald mountain roughly equidistant from knoxville, tn and asheville, nc about a 1. Max patch is a yearround favorite among hikers and those seeking a high. Max patch mountain via brown gap pisgah national forest. This also means there is potential to campbackpack this area, although not on the max patch bald itself. Take exist 24 off i40, climb to max patch by gravel road, once at the parking, just a. From the parking area at max patch, the trail starts off going north. 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.
National forests in north carolina max patch usda forest service. 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. Just a short hike to the top youll swear you can hear julie andrews singing the hills are alive when to visit. Yep hiking north you can grab water just after you cross the road and start up max patch. It is well worth the hike up take rest breaks and enjoy the scenery. Max patch loop via appalachian trail north carolina. On top youre standing on a bald mountain so be prepared for a breeze.
After a 12mile hike, you crest at max patch which has beautiful views of mountains. In a region home to almost 40 peaks over 6000 feet, max patch stands a humble 4629. Very mild max 17c on sun night, min 7c on mon night. Jun 07, 2018 members of the carolina mountain club, the oldest hiking and maintaining club in wnc, working with the u.
Hike max patch trail in winter for great views in north. Dogs are also able to use this trail but must be kept on leash. 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. 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. At an elevation of 4,629 feet, max patch boasts a 360degree view of the appalachian mountains including the blue ridge and the smokies. 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. 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. Max patch is a bald located on the tennesseenorth carolina line in the pisgah national forest. Visit max patch on your trip to hot springs or united states. Buy photo rusty and sara booth, of ohio, take in the 360degree mountain view from max patch march 26. The bald is not an entirely natural phenomenon, however. 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. 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 the top of the grassy bald.
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