With a 300acre field of masters tournamentquality grass capping its rounded, 4,629foothigh summit, max patch begs for loungers. Standing bear to hot springs, nc coronavirus update. Hidden in north carolina is a beautiful slice of nature called max patch. The small town of hot springs, nc is the only place in north carolina where the at goes directly through the center of town. Catch a gorgeous sunrise, sunset or afternoon picnic on this moderate two mile loop with stunning 360degree views and seemingly endless sunshine.
Max patch and lovers leap, hot springs, nc 932011 we had heard what a great area hot springs, nc was for hiking so we planned a day to explore the area. Catfish and koi can be spotted in the pond, and trout swim in the stream that boarders the campground. National forests in north carolina max patch usda forest service. With spring wildflowers and fall leaf peeping, the max patch trail is an easyto moderate hike on the appalachian trail near asheville, n. From hot springs, nc, it is about a 45 minute drive south. From the parking area, go left on the blueblazed trail up an incline until the trail connects with the whiteblazed appalachian trail. The trail is primarily used for hiking, camping, nature trips, and backpacking and is best used from march until november. Located about 40 minutes from hot springs, nc is max patch mountain, located in. Hot springs, nc real estate hot springs homes for sale. Mitchell on the east to the great smoky mountains on the south. This is an incredible, relatively easy hike with the reward at the end being hot springs on the french broad river. There are 77 active homes for sale in hot springs, nc.
Planning on going from max patch to hot springs starting at daybreak this friday and arriving sometime saturday. Hike a section of the famous appalachian national scenic trail or a. 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. Max patch loop via appalachian trail north carolina alltrails. Trails in the hot springs trailhead area here is a list of all trails in the hot springs trailhead area. Purchased to relocate the appalachian trail off the highway and onto national forest land, this area has an elevation of 4,500 feet. Fortunately, there is an easy loop trail that goes from the parking lot to the mountain summit and back.
Max patch to hot springs on the appalachian trail david. Last day on trail hot springs, nc appalachian trail 2020 duration. We met at hot springs the night before our backpack so as to get an early start the next day. Dogs are also able to use this trail but must be kept on leash. Max patch hiking hot springs, nc blue ridge mountain life. Iron horse station is a beautifully restored 19th century hotel. Before the current pandemic situation a couple buddies and i had the good fortune to set off for a 4day backpacking trip along the appalachian trail in north carolinas pisgah national forest. Hike max patch mountain, max patch mountain trailhead. The appalachian trail crosses the summit of max patch, about 20 miles west of hot springs at mile 251.
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. But its a quick descent, and once you rejoin the summit access max patch loop, the trail is broader and flatter, though not as wide as on the way up the other side of the hill. Lovers leap is a rock outcropping on the appalachian trail in hot springs that offers a spectacular panoramic view of the french broad river and pisgah national forest. Max patch is a birding, hiking adventure located in or near hot springs, nc.
The drive to the trailhead goes nearly to the top, and the at runs right through it. The elevation of hot springs is 1,326 feet, and by the appalachian trail, is 20 miles from the max patch summit. 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. The trail was otherwise non eventful and had few running water sources. Max patch hot springs all you need to know before you go. Hot springs is the only north carolina town where the at passes directly through the heart of downtown. To get to max patch from hot springs, take nc 209 south for 7. Max patch hike the appalachian trail at max patch, one of north carolina s most popular at hikes, on a grassy, bald mountain thats covered in wildflowers. Best hiking trails near hot springs, north carolina. As well, we were starting out on top of max patch, one of the most beautiful areas that i have been to on the at so far, and we were finishing up in hot springs, a great little trail town where we were guaranteed a warm, delicious, celebratory breakfast at the famous smoky mountain diner. The appalachian trail crosses max patch at its 4,629. Max patch mountain hot springs, north carolina hiking.
Appalachian trail max patch to hot springs youtube. Max patch is a terrific day hike right on the appalachian trail, easily accessible, with one of the best views of the mountains. They are well equipped and include all the amenities that you need like a nice comfortable bed, fireplace, satellite tv, washer and dryer, fully equipped kitchen, your own private jacuzzi. Today, its a 350acre tract of open land on a high knob with 360degree views. Max patch mountain with view towards the southeast. Standing bear to hot springs, nc coronavirus update the trek. Appalachian trail hike max patch to hot springs day 1 october 29, 2015 december 2, 2019 starpulp after planning my at hike for almost a year, i finally took my first step with my friend, jenni, the morning of saturday, september 12, 2015. The last stretch of the road through the national forest is gravel, and here the road winds tightly up the mountain through the fall foliage to the parking area. Max patch hot springs 2020 what to know before you go. To get there follow rte 209 out of town, with the smokey mountain diner on your right. The most popular trails are max patch trail, lovers leap loop trail and max patch trail. Since the famous appalachian trail at goes through the tiny town of hot springs, you can hike from the center of downtown for a very scenic 2mile loop. Max patch is one of the most popular hiking areas in our region.
Max patch loop via appalachian trail north carolina. 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 adventure hikes a spur trail from the mountains parking area, west of hot springs, nc, catching views of the iconic bald after trailing through a shady forest. Apr 11, 2016 located about 40 minutes from hot springs, nc is max patch mountain, located in pisgah national forest.
Each trail has its own printable page with all the information and links, including where available. Mar 31, 2011 appalachian trail max patch to hot springs, nc march 2627, 2011. 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. I tried to include plugs for campsites and shelters along the trail.
The site is at the top of max patch mountain, just under 5,000 feet. With little elevation gain and a short distance it is also very family and dog. Hiking the max patch appalachian trail the adventurerr. Max patch fall colors and foliage on an asheville fall. Max patch trail, north carolina hot springs, north. Max patch mountain this 350 acre tract of open land on a high knob overlooks the great smoky mountains and the black mountain range.
Mar 18, 2020 my pace today is pretty good and i hit 18 miles around 4. We drove into town then out toward max patch we stopped first at rocky bluff recreation area to use the restrooms. Vacation rental cabin just 4 miles from the max patch bald and the appalachian trail crossing. It is a big spacious bald about 45minutes drive from hot springs. Make a weekend trip from max patch to hot springs n. Shuttle to max patch, and hiked back to hot springs perfect day and view for miles high atop max patch. Max patch to hot springs, nc miles 255275 appalachian trail 2020 taylor the nahamsha hiker. Looks like if we stay near a shelter were gonna have to do like 14 miles the first day then 6 the next or 7 the first day and the next. Max patch and hot springs, located near asheville, north carolina is a 20. Explore more in our professional, high quality trail. Max patch road to hot springs, nc enjoy panoramic smokies views on blueberry and rhododendronlined trails on the way to french broad river, where relaxing hot springs. Challenging 20 plus mile hike back into town to our car at the trail head. Hike the appalachian trail at max patch mountain, one of our favorite, cantmiss hikes in north carolina.
Before the current pandemic situation a couple buddies and i had the good fortune to set off for a 4day backpacking trip along the appalachian trail in north carolina s pisgah national forest. Good places to hike on the appalachian trail in north carolina. Max patch and hot springs is a hiking adventure located in or near asheville, nc. But it is doable for you young guys and you will see some beautiful scenery. A gentle climb across the southernmost bald on the appalachian trail to its grassy summit at 4,629 feet. Max patch to hot springs on the appalachian trail david m allen. Downtown hot springs, asheville, and waynesville are all nearby and provide many destination hot spots. Highlights include max patch, roaring fork shelter. During the warmer seasons, max patch abounds with wildflowers. Max patch is a 4,629foot tall bald mountain with an incredible 360degree mountain vista just 20 miles from hot springs. Max patch to hot springs, nc miles 255275 appalachian. Max patch short loop hiking trail, marshall, north carolina.
A portion of the appalachian trail is located near hot springs, nc. It is a major landmark along the tennesseenorth carolina section of the appalachian trail, although its summit is located in north carolina. The appalachian trail crosses right over the summit running north and south. The hike meets the appalachian trail at a half mile, making a narrow loop across the summit before looping back to the trailhead. Hike the appalachian trail at max patch, one of north carolinas most popular at. Sep 15, 2015 a day hike between max patch and hot springs, nc. Located about 40 minutes from hot springs, nc is max patch mountain, located in pisgah national forest. The hike up to the top is more than worth the spectacular view. There is a sign here and at all the other junctions to direct you to max patch. The martingale at max patch, hot springs, north carolina.
According to my appalachian pages theres no camping other than these areas. Section hike question davenport gap, tn to hot springs, nc. Hiking at max patch begins at the parking lot where a trail heads left and. I hate to give it a two star but the only good thing about this hike was max patch and hot springs that you can drive to. Things to do in hot springs nc laughing heart lodge. Max patch hot springs all you need to know before you. Our hot springs, nc honeymoon log cabins are perfect for couples or for private retreat. Max patch mountain in nc boasts a 360degree view of the appalachian mountains including the blue ridge and the smokies. 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.
The fall colors at max patch in pisgah national forest near the town of hot springs nc are splendid. Find free public parking for hikers along andrews avenue turn right. Max patch hot springs 2020 all you need to know before you. My pace today is pretty good and i hit 18 miles around 4. The trail climbs south from the hot springs hostel up to bluff mountain on the n. Hike the appalachian trail at max patch, one of north carolina s most popular at hikes, on a grassy, bald mountain thats covered in wildflowers. 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 is a bald mountain on the north carolinatennessee border in madison county, north carolina and cocke county, tennessee. Parking is available at the hostel trailhead and at the max patch trailhead. We covered 34 miles from max patch through hot springs up to rich mountain fire tower then finished back down in hot springs.
Appalachian trail hike max patch to hot springs day 1. If you wish to prolong your journey, there is the option of taking the buckeye ridge trail back to the parking lot instead of continuing on the max patch mountain loop trail. At an elevation of 4,629 feet, max patch boasts a 360degree view of the appalachian mountains including the blue ridge and the smokies. Nestled among national forests, the campground is just minutes away from max patch, a popular spot on the appalachian trail. Max patch road to hot springs, nc enjoy panoramic smokies views on blueberry and rhododendronlined trails on the way to french broad river, where relaxing hot springs await. The sky there is so big that if feels like its twice the size. Even though it was raining this was still a great hike. 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. Maggie jackson added a new photo at max patch trail, north carolina. Max patch mountain is a 4,600 foot bald that provides 360 degree views of the surrounding blue ridge and smoky mountains. 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. Its a scenic drive west from hot springs, and a moderately short adventure to a grassy bald thats drenched in sunshine and covered in wildflowers. Mitchell on the east to the great smoky mountains on the.
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