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 Reporter |
Summary: There are many variations to enjoy Max Patch. We chose to hike from the lower loop of Max Patch to Lemon Gap and resting at the Roaring Fork Shelter for lunch. You could drive about 5 miles further past Max Patch parking area to reach Lemon Gap parking and start there and hike to Max Patch eat lunch on top of the world and hike back or to share just the views with those of ages 7 to 70 you could just hike the 1 mile loop trail. If you would like to introduce someone to hiking this trek from Max Patch to Lemon Gap would be great, except for the dramatic approach to Max Patch this section of the AT is mainly rolling soft hills that a novice hiker would not realize the 10 miles or so you would log at the end of the day. Once you reach the summit of Max Patch (hopefully a clear day) the 360-degree views will simply overwhelm you! Bring lots of film you'll be glad you did. Trailhead: From Knoxville: I-40 East to Exit 7 Harmon Den (NC). Turn left at end of exit ramp onto gravel road. Follow this road for about 6 miles then turn left until it ends. Turn left onto Max Patch Road, the parking area is about 2.5 miles on right. There is a loop trail of 1 mile just for Max Patch but to reach Lemon Gap use the left side of the loop and it will connect to the AT. Head Northeast on the AT for 4 miles to reach Lemon Gap or just short at Roaring Fork Shelter. *****Pisgah National Forest***** 11/03 (Lat:35.79657 Lon:-82.96273) Trail Guides for Max Patch: Exploring the Appalachian Trail: Georgia North Carolina Tennessee (Exploring the Appalachian Trail) by Doris Gove (Stackpole Books) White Blaze Fever by Bill Schutte (Virtualbookworm.com) Best Seasons: Year-Round User Groups: Hikers, Ranger Contact: APPALACIAN/FRENCH BROAD RANGER DISTRICT 828-622-3202 Localhikes Reporter: This hike was submitted by Bobby Trotter, who has posted 74 other hikes on this site Trail Reviews Page 1 of 3 Submit your own review 
Reviewed by MG on 11/13/2007 Breathtaking perspective. Dress warm; hat a must. Envied the campers. Spend as much time at the peak as you can.
Reviewed by JL on 10/15/2007 The drive from asheville is a little crazy, but once you are on top, WOW. Perfect place to get together with friends for a picnic and tossin around the pigskin.
Reviewed by JC+WW on 8/30/2007 We heard about this place from a local and checked it out on our honeymoon in May. Breathtaking. The closest thing I can describe it to is it feels like you're on the top of the hill in the opening of the Sound of Music (you have to provide your own music.)
Reviewed by Abbye on 6/6/2007 This is one of the most amazing hikes EVER...It was a little difficult to get to the trail, but well worth the effort. Easy walk to the top, and oh what a view...I will go back again and again!
Reviewed by hhess on 5/29/2007 WOW!! if you have not been there you should take the hike. Breath taking in Fall. I too was speechless at what I saw, there are no words very humbeling to see Gods work. This is one site you shouldn't miss. 
Reviewed by RBO on 5/12/2007 Max Patch is our annual destination in the begining of May because of amazing wildflowers in the area especially fields of Large-flowered Trilium as you walk on AT beyond Max Patch. I only wish people would keep dogs on leash at least when other hikers are on a trial.
Reviewed by diane on 1/30/2007 beautiful, breathtaking
Reviewed by Andie on 1/3/2007 Great views! I liked how the trails we well maintained. The dog really loved it! Notice: Traveling in the backcountry can be hazardous. You are responsible for informing yourself about these hazards and taking necessary precautions. Information on this web site comes from volunteer reporters and may contain errors or omissions. A current guidebook and proper equipment are essential for safe enjoyment of the hikes posted on this site. Keys: North Carolina Hiking, North Carolina Trails, North Carolina Hikes, Madison County Hiking, Madison County Trails, Madison County Hikes | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||