Max Patch Mountain

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. With little elevation gain and a short distance it is also very family (and dog!) friendly.

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. This also means there is potential to camp/backpack this area, although not on the Max Patch bald itself. Take the AT in either direction and you'll find places to camp without going more than a mile or two.

Getting There

To find the trailhead from Asheville, head out of town on NC-63 W. Drive 31 miles, turn right on NC 209, staying on for a 1.7 miles then making a series of quick turns; left on Caldwell Mountain Road; right on Meadow Fork Road; left on Little Creek Road; and finally a right onto Max Patch Road. A couple miles up Max Patch Road, look for a large parking lot on the right side of the road. There is an obvious trail leading away from the road and up to Max Patch Mountain.