Hot Springs, North Carolina
Max Patch via the AT
A grassy bald on the AT with sunrise and sunset views across the Smokies.
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Length
- 2.4 mi
- Elevation Gain
- 400 ft
- Duration
- 1–2
- Best Season
- Year-round
- Permit
- Not required
- Dogs
- Allowed
- Features
- Bald summit, 360° views
About the trail
Max Patch is one of the most beloved balds on the entire Appalachian Trail — a wide-open grassy summit with 360-degree views from the Smokies to Mount Mitchell. The short loop circles the summit on the AT and a connector trail. Camping is now banned to allow the bald to recover.
Trailhead map & directions
Trailhead: 35.7972, -82.9636Get directions →
Turn-by-turn route
- Drive Max Patch Road (NC 1182) to the trailhead lot.
- Take the connector trail up the south side to the summit.
- Walk the AT across the bald with views in every direction.
- Descend via the loop trail back to the parking area.
Parking
Max Patch Road trailhead — small gravel lot, free.
Tips from the trail
- Camping and campfires are banned year-round; day use only.
- Pack out everything — Leave No Trace is enforced.
- Sunrise and sunset are spectacular but bring a headlamp.