Hiking

max patch

Hiking the mountains of Western North Carolina

Enjoy a section of the epic Appalachian Trail on Max Patch Mountain. Once cleared for pasture land in the 19th century, the area is now a grassy bald with stunning views of the Great Smoky Mountains to the southwest and the Black Mountains to the east. The wide open area makes for an amazing picnic.

Length: 2.4 miles
Elevation Gain: 350 feet
Trail Type: Out-and-back
Skill Level: Moderate
Duration: 2 hours
Trailhead Elevation: 4,280 feet
Top Elevation: 4,630 feet

Directions from Asheville

  1. Take Patton Ave. to West Asheville.
  2. Turn right on New Leicester Hwy., also 63 W.
  3. Follow signs to stay on 63 W for 26.8 miles.
  4. Merge with 209 N.
  5. After 1.6 miles, turn left on Caldwell Mountain Rd.
  6. After 2.1 miles, Caldwell Mountain Rd. will end. Turn right on Meadow Fork Rd.
  7. After 1.7 miles, turn left on Little Creek Rd.
  8. Turn right on Max Patch Rd. at the end of Little Creek Rd.
  9. After 1.4 miles, turn right on Max Patch Rd.

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