Max Patch Mountain in Pisgah National Forest, NC

Hike Max Patch Mountain Pisgah National Forest, NC

Class 1 1.6 miles 300 gain <1 hr Loop Jun 19, 2020
Effort
Beauty
Personality
Solitude

Max Patch Mountain GPX Track

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A short loop that summits the very popular and gorgeous Max Patch Mountain. It's really just a hump along a short section of the Appalachian Trail, but has some of the best views I've experienced in the area. From the large parking lot, I started south along the loop, skrting the southern side of Max Patch Mountain before reaching a trail junction. Keeping left took me up the southern slope and I emerged from the forest into the distinctive meadows the hike is known for. Some nice wandering through a bunch of campsites leads just past the high point, and a quick detour heads to the summit. The views are outstanding the whole time. I continued north and re-entered the forest, wrapping around the northern slopes of Max Patch Mountain to get back to the trailhead. 

PEAKS ON HIKE
Elevation (ft) / Prominence (ft)
Peaks on hike
Elevation
Prominence
1
Max Patch Mountain
4629 ft
829 rise

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Starting from the Max Patch Mountain trailhead.
Starting from the Max Patch Mountain trailhead.
I did the loop counter-clockwise.
I did the loop counter-clockwise.
Image 2 from gallery
Junction, signs point you up to Max Patch Mountain (left).
Junction, signs point you up to Max Patch Mountain (left).
Views on the ascent to Max Patch Mountain.
Views on the ascent to Max Patch Mountain.
Max Patch Mountain ahead.
Max Patch Mountain ahead.
Looking back the way I came. Lots of great views for such a short hike.
Looking back the way I came. Lots of great views for such a short hike.
Image 7 from gallery
Looking back as I approach the summit.
Looking back as I approach the summit.
Image 9 from gallery
Max Patch Mountain.
Max Patch Mountain.
Close-up views from Max Patch Mountain.
Close-up views from Max Patch Mountain.
Image 12 from gallery
Descending the north side of Max Patch Mountain.
Descending the north side of Max Patch Mountain.
Image 14 from gallery
Image 15 from gallery
Some final views before getting back to the trailhead.
Some final views before getting back to the trailhead.

Hire me or show me some love!

Hire/refer me as a web developer or send me a few bucks if you find my site useful. I’m not sponsored, so all fees are out-of-pocket and my time preparing trip reports is unpaid. I really appreciate it!