Max patch mountain in nc boasts a 360degree view of the appalachian mountains including the blue ridge and the smokies. So, if youre thinking about visiting max patch, even if its a 6hour drive away from you, do it. At 4,600 max patch is not a particularly high mountain, yet the views from the top are highly acclaimed. Max patch is a 4,629foot tall bald mountain with an incredible 360degree mountain vista just 20 miles from hot springs. Max patch hot springs 2020 all you need to know before. The views infamy comes from its grass covered, summit stage, which offers long range views in every direction. See also hump mountain farther north on the at for a similar 360 degree view bald. The massive grassy bald is meticulously maintained by mowing and prescribed burns to preserve stunning 360 views of the tallest appalachian peaks. Take exist 24 off i40, climb to max patch by gravel road, once at the parking, just a short hike to. Coronavirus leads forest service to close appalachian trail. The manmade meadow on top of the mountain was once home to large herds of. Catch a gorgeous sunrise, sunset or afternoon picnic on this moderate two mile loop with stunning 360degree views and seemingly endless sunshine. However, no camping or fires permitted on max patch.
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. Stunning views of the smokies and surrounding mountains, easy walk. Max patch mountain via brown gap pisgah national forest, nc. The trail offers a number of activity options and is accessible yearround. 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. Hike a scenic alternate route to the ultrapopular max patch mountain. Max patch is at the top of the mountain with 360 panoramic views and the at crosses through it. 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 was once forested, but legend has it that indians burned it, apparently for visibility. But here are a few tips to make the most of your trip. On my most recent adventure, i drove to max patch mountain to camp overnight and this place did not disappoint at all. The pastoral setting atop 4600 max patch is widely considered as the prettiest. Amazing camping max patch is for sure my favorite place to go and camp because no matter what time of year it is you can always enjoy the absolutely beautiful view from the top.
Max patch short loop hiking trail, marshall, north carolina. Day hiking a top 10 favorite on the appalachian trail. The max patch loop trail encircles the base connecting to the sr 1182 parking lot and the buckeye ridge trail 304. 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. Say goodbye to max patch, graveyard fields, looking glass rock and mountains to sea for the summer. May 07, 2018 this is a vlog of me and the boys going to max patch in north carolina and we camp. The at and max patch trail continue straight climbing the mountain. Pisgah national forest shuts down many trails, camping, roads. This dog friendly and family friendly hike is great for picnics, star gazing, and is accesible year round. Max patch mountain, simply known as max patch, is hands down one of the most beautiful summits in the southeast.
Although camping isnt allowed on max patch, you may camp just prior to the. The bald, wide, rolling expanses of the mountain rise to the east. Also, for backpackers, camping is allowed along the appalachian trail just not on the summit itself. Max patch to hot springs on the appalachian trail david m allen. 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. Today, its a 350acre tract of open land on a high knob with 360degree views. 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.
Max patch weather forecast 1411m mountain forecast. Max patch mountain in nc boasts a 360degree view of the appalachian. Mitchell on the east to the great smoky mountains on the. In the mountains of north carolina, you dont have to climb very high to see the stars. Campgrounds near max patch mountain, north carolina rei. Max patch hike the appalachian trail at max patch, one of north carolinas most popular at hikes, on a grassy, bald mountain thats covered in wildflowers. Photos graphics templates web themes fonts addons 3d. Many visitors come to max patch to camp, fly kites and walk the appalachian trail.
Since then there has been homestead, a logging mill, and an air strip on the mountain. The hike trails to the northeast, skirting the mountain and beginning a continuous, moderate climb. Would it be okay to park at the parking lot for max patch and camp on top or is that a no no. 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. Find all the information you need to plan a camping trip to max patch campground, including campsite details, nearby hiking trails, nearby mountain biking trails, and nearby climbing areas. Davenport gap to max patch road or other waterville, north carolina hiking trails. Hike the appalachian trail at max patch, a grassy, bald mountain thats covered. But a very nice hike into the wilderness from there, including an overnight rest stop at one point. Camping at max patch, north carolina, all you need to know. Shortly after passing through this intersection the at leaves the forest behind and climbs up log stairs on the way to the summit. 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. The appalachian trail runs through it, and there are 360 degree views of the surrounding blue ridge mountains. And great for star gazing, camping and wildflowers. Those hiking the at will need to go farther to reach acceptable camping spots.
All visitor centers, campground areas and picnic shelters at north carolina state. Sitting on the border of north carolina and tennessee, max patch features 360 mountain range views and sits along the appalachian trail. The idea is to set up camp mabye 12 mile from the car the wife likes the woods, but not that much. There are many unpaved roads in the area that are not signed. Max patch trail hiking the appalachians near asheville, n.
Sir william goes camping with friends max patch nc. The weather on max patch tends to not be as severe as higher nearby peaks. This particular loop branches just off of the appalachian trail at. 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. As part of the rei coop family, were dedicated to making websites and mobile apps that help outdoor enthusiasts connect, share information and get out into the places they love to play. There are numerous undeveloped campsites along the forest roads leading to the peak. 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 north carolina and tennessee. This is a vlog of me and the boys going to max patch in north carolina and we camp. Hike max patch mountain, max patch mountain trailhead. Hey guys, we are heading to the smokies in a few weeks and would like to do some modified car camping. Moderate rain total 19mm, heaviest on thu morningfreezethaw conditions max 14c on thu afternoon, min 0c on tue nightwinds increasing light winds from the w on wed afternoon, gales from the sse by thu morning.
The trail is primarily used for hiking, walking, and nature trips and is best used from april until october. The view was stunning in the morning when we were up there. The mountain views from the more barren patch are spectacular. Max patch is a part of the appalachian trail and is something else to say the least. Max patch mountain s 360 degree views offer exceptional sky watching as well when the weather is clear. Max patch loop via appalachian trail north carolina alltrails. National forests in north carolina max patch usda forest service. Max patch campground, cove creek, north carolina rei. The appalachian trail crosses right over the summit running north and south. Max patch mountain part of the pisgah national forest is a bald mountain roughly equidistant from knoxville, tn and asheville, nc about a 1. Dogs are also able to use this trail but must be kept on leash. Max patch is a mountain on the tennessee north carolina border. It can be a absolutely gorgeous winter hike after a snow. Opensky camping across north carolina our state magazine.
Pisgah national forest shuts down camping, many trails. With little elevation gain and a short distance it is also very family and dog. Mitchell to the east and the great smoky mountains to the south. Rocky bluff recreation area this developed camping and picnicking area provides a nature trail to spring creek. Find a campground in max patch mountain, north carolina, explore nearby outdoor activities, and get inspired for your next trip using rei s camping directory. Mar 28, 2020 popular access sites are affected by these changes include max patch and roan mountain carvers gap, both in the cherokee and pisgah national forests, lovers leap in hot springs, and wayah bald and. Camping on max patch mountain highquality stock photos. Directions since max patch is deep in pisgah national forest, dont rely on your gps. Max patch is a 4,629foot tall bald mountain with an incredible 360degree. However for now, a place like max patch was perfect and i recommend it for anyone out there wanting to try solo camping. According to the national forest service french broad ranger district, camping on the summit of max patch is forbidden.
Hike a section of the famous appalachian national scenic trail or a. We met up with brittany, adam and aj in the parking lot and hiked up the mountain to take them to our spot. Max patch mountain is an amazing open bald located about an hour outside of asheville and hot springs, north carolina. Some call it the crown jewel of the appalachian trail, the famous footpath which crosses it at the top. When you turn toward the summit, the real upward action begins. Want to climb a mountain and see the top max patch fulfills that and more. While camping is usually prohibited at the summit, several large backpacking. Make sure you have good directions, dont think your gps will work here. Apr 19, 2016 max patch madison county near hot springs. Take along a jacket, since its usually at least 10 degrees cooler on max patch than in asheville. Follow the appalachian trail from lemon gap, climbing through a mossy, creekfilled forest to exceptional summit views from the grassy, sunny mountain 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. While this mountain isnt naturally bald it was cleared for grazing in the nineteenth century, its certainly naturally beautiful. Max patch is a bald mountain on the north carolinatennessee border in madison county. Saw this pretty large elk a few days while camping on max patch mountain from lemon gap on the at. Aug 10, 20 max patch is at the top of the mountain with 360 panoramic views and the at crosses through it. You can drive close to the summit on the gravel sr 1182. Sep 28, 2016 im sure the more and more i go camping alone, to further places that are more secluded, the easier it will be for me to not be scared of being too alone out in the wilderness.