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Max Patch

Photo: Joshua Ness / CC0 1.0 (Public Domain Dedication)

Mountains

Max Patch

Hot Springs, NC · Western North CarolinaFreeFree

About

Max Patch is a grassy bald at 4,629 feet where the Appalachian Trail crosses an open summit with nothing between you and the sky. Cleared for cattle grazing in the 1800s and never reforested, the meadow now gives 360-degree views of ridge after ridge fading into Blue Ridge haze, with the Great Smokies to the southwest and Mount Mitchell to the east. Pack a blanket and time it for sunset, but know the rules protect the place: no camping or fires, dogs leashed, and the gate closes an hour after sundown.

Highlights

360-degree summit views of the Blue Ridge layers, Great Smokies, and Mount MitchellA famous open stretch of the Appalachian Trail across a treeless grassy baldA short loop from the trailhead to the top, or a longer ridge walkSunrise and sunset are the marquee hours for the ridge hazeNo camping or fires; leashed dogs only; closes one hour after sundown

Getting there

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