Max Patch, North Carolina

“Climb the mountains and get their good tidings. Nature’s peace will flow into you as sunshine flows into trees. The winds will blow their own freshness into you and the storms their energy, while cares will drop away from you like the leaves of Autumn.”

John Muir

Our eldest son, Jason and his future wife, Joni met on and walked some of the Appalachian Trail (AT) and came across Max Patch, a bald mountain and feel in love with it. So much so that they got married on the top of Max Patch a year later. We drove up to see this mountain in the fall and it couldn't have been a more picture perfect day. The whole family went to see this majestic 4,629 foot high beauty. The AT goes right over this bald and where you get 360 degree views. On a clear day, which we were blessed with, you can see for miles.

The drive to Max Patch is a little scary for New Jersey natives who are not used to driving in the mountains. The road up starts nicely with a beautiful stream flowing next to it. There are great views of the stream and forest as you go. Then the road starts to gets curvy then heads up. Some of the road is paved but some is gravel. It is a beautiful ride but will keep you on edge with hairpin turns and major drops offs on the side of the road. Your top speed going up is about 15 mph. When it came to the wedding day, some of our guest after driving up to the houses we rented, wanted a drink. Others had to stop on the way up with upset stomachs. It really wasn't that bad but if you are used to flat, it takes a little getting used to.

There are a couple ways to walk to the top of Max Patch. One is to just walk straight up the mountain. That is not that easy as it is pretty much straight up, but is a short 1.4 miles hike. The easier way is to walk to the trail on the left and it gradually takes you to the top. It is a 2.4 mile loop that has fantastic views as you head up the mountain. The trees were all changing colors and it was just gorgeous. If you go in the spring it is covered in wildflowers. Coming back down you can continue in the same direction and there is a path that has gravel and some steps to get back a different way and a quicker way.

On that fall day, when we got to the top of the mountain it was very breezy and probably about ten degrees cooler than where we parked. This mountain is on the border of Tennessee and North Carolina. There is not even one tree at the top. It was cleared in the 1800’s and used as pastures. It is a 350 acre tract of open land surrounded by the Pisgah National Forrest. Imagine just over a hundred years ago it was used as an airfield for barnstormers.

On the top, there were dogs running around catching frisbees while some were resting. There were lots of people picnicking, meditating, exercising, doing yoga, reading, and just relaxing while looking at the magnificent views. The trees were gorgeous with brilliant reds, and yellows and looking down over the green pastures was amazing. Birds swooned overhead and the air was cool and crisp and smelled fresh like after a nice rain storm. We could see Mount Mitchell from the top, Great Smoky Mountains to the south, Great Balsams and Black Mountains to the South East, and the Unakas to the North. Wow, what a site to see. We just gazed at the scenery and took it all in.

You can camp on the top and I’m sure the stars have to be brilliant from here. You just have to camp 200 feet away from the AT as to not disturb the hikers or get in their way. If not camping it would be awesome to have a picnic here and just relax and soak in the beauty all around us. Only thing to be aware of is the weather changes quickly up there so be forewarned.

When Jason and Joni got married in April, the weather was another picture perfect day. It was cool enough not to get hot walking up but lovely on the top. The ceremony was lovely and everything turned out great. We left the next day for home and they stayed for their honeymoon. They got snowed in the following day and couldn't get out of the driveway. God watched over them and gave them perfect weather and nice snuggling weather after everyone safely left. Just shows you how quickly the weather can change in the mountains.

Max patch is only 20 miles from Hot Springs, NC and 20 miles from the Great Smoky Mountains and only 45 miles from Asheville, NC. It is so worth the trip.

"You're off to Great Places!  Today is your day! Your mountain is waiting.  So...get on your way."

Dr. Seuss