Max Patch Mountain

Del Rio, Tennessee

5.0/5

based on 10 reviews

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Details

Distance

1.51 miles

Elevation Gain

315 ft

Route Type

Loop

Description

Added by Justin Costner

Max Patch Mountain offers 360 degree vistas of Great Smoky Mountains and Black 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. 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.

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Features

Chillin

Camping

Photography

Backpacking

Hiking

Easy Parking

Family Friendly

Picnic Area

Scenic

Max Patch Mountain Reviews

Jordan + Jacki Bolt

Max Patch Mountain

06/26/17

A short hike for a great view! Easy enough to pack your picnic and bring it to the top. Not a quick drive though. Be sure you know where you're going, as there's only a few signs and definitely no cell service. Weather can change quick at the top!

5.0

2a2239ce373cbcc7d13a3513a97b5052

Max Patch Mountain

06/06/17

This hike may be short, but it is the most beautiful hike on this side of the country. There are two different routes. If you head left from the parking lot it is a bit longer but a much easier ascent. If you head right and follow a trail straight up the mountain it is shorter but very strenuous. We have done both for the heck of it a few times. The best part is seeing all the dogs have a blast. They love running around on the summit. Highly recommend. It's a bit of a drive from Asheville but so incredibly worth it.

5.0

Molly Strange

Max Patch Mountain

07/19/16

Max Patch is one of my favorites if you want to experience a good sunset. You can either hike and make it a longer trek or drive to the base and park. Once on top, you are greeted with beautiful panoramic views. Grab a blanket because it tends to get a little chilly at night, relax, and watch the sunset. I suggest to stargaze a little too!

5.0

Leave No Trace

Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your adventures and follow local regulations. Please explore responsibly!

Nearby

Max Patch to Hot Springs, N.C. via Appalachian Trail

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Hike to Little Fall Branch falls

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Photograph the Smokies from Buzzards Roost

This is an awesome place to check out if you are driving Interstate 40 or if you are visiting the area for awhile. The access point for Buzzards Roost is located on the same exit as the well known Max Patch Mountain, just in the other direction. Once off the exit, you will travel down a gravel Forest Service road, winding up the mountain. This road is well maintained and doesn't require any ser...

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Max Patch Mountain

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Max Patch Mountain Reviews

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Nearby

Max Patch to Hot Springs, N.C. via Appalachian Trail

Hike to Little Fall Branch falls

Photograph the Smokies from Buzzards Roost

Hike to Mt. Sterling's Fire Tower

Hike to Mouse Creek Falls

Whitewater Rafting the Pigeon River

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