Madison County, North Carolina
Be ready for a 360 degree view of nothing but the beautiful Blue Ridge mountains!
Whether you are looking for the perfect spot to watch the sun set then rise again or an easy day hike, this is the perfect spot for you.
Although, with it being just west of Asheville, it is better done as an overnight rather than a day hike!
The drive to Max Patch is about 4.5 hours, so I recommend making a pit stop in Asheville for lunch, then getting out to the Patch. Along with that, the last 40 min of the drive is on a gravel mountain path so bring a car that is strong and likes getting dusty!
Once you have arrived at the parking lot, pack up your gear and take the easy 0.7 mile stroll to the hilltop. There are lots of open patches of low grass for you and your friends to set up camp for the night! On top of the hill, you have a 360 degree view of the Blue Ridge along with hiking loops, some of which are through paths from the AT, all around you to keep you busy. We also spent time playing spikeball, frisbee, and cards. With it being such an easy short hike, your activity options are endless! Although with only a stream as a water source, make sure to either bring enough for your trip or water purifiers. It is about 10 degrees cooler on the top of the hill along with some wind, so make sure to pack layer accordingly, but it felt perfect in July!
Whether you are new to camping or a professional, this is a MUST see if you are looking for some Carolina beauty!