NC BACKCOUNTRY: Max Patch

Max Patch is well worth the 3 hour trip from Charlotte, NC. To get there take I-85 South to US-74 West to I-40 West to exit 7 at Harmon's Den Rd. Then go 6 miles up a passable dirt road to the Max Patch parking lot. The trail to the left is a nice gradual ascent to the top of the bald. Once at the top of this 4616' bald, the spectacular 360' views just smacks you in the face. The weather was clear blue skies in the 80's with a slight breeze blowing across the meadows of wildflowers. After taking it all in and carrying a full pack I connected onto the Appalachian Trail heading toward the forest edge about 300 yards down the backside of the bald. A perfect campsite only 20' into the woods and 10' cooler. With camp all set up I head down the AT to the shelter (1.5 miles) and back. Mesquite chicken, black beans, and rice wraps for dinner. I hiked back to the top of the bald to watch a beautiful sunset and a picturesque starlit sky. The night brought out the fireflies and barn owls. A firefly was lighting up my tent while an extremely close barn owl hooting up a conversation with a distance friend. Surprisingly, after a restless night, I woke up in time to head back up to the top of the bald for a magnificent sunrise. NO PICTURES will do it justice. It's something you will have to experience for yourself to get the full beauty of this place. Throughout the day, Sunday, I watched and talked to several thru-hikers going from Georgia to Maine. The first three individual hikers seem very determined by hiking very quickly. The next two hikers had a much slower pace and stopped at the bald for a snack. The last thru-hiker I encountered was in absolutely no hurry and was eager to stop and chat with anyone that would take the time to speak to him. His goal for completing the entire AT was 8-12 months. Max Patch started getting hot again so back to the woods for a quick nap. After seeing two tents erected up on top I decided to pack up and move to the top of the hill. But being so hot earlier in the day, Bailey and I drank an excessive amount of water and ended up running out. With no water for cooking dinner or breakfast and hydrating throughout the next day and no water source anywhere nearby, I decided to pack it out. Sometimes you bring too much (e.i. The Art Loeb Trail) and sometimes not enough. I was disappointed not to camp on top of Max Patch but I will return to do just that. And by the way, I suggest camping of top of Max Patch ONLY if it's a clear day and with very little wind. I don't suggest having a fire at anytime on top of the bald. Don't forget to bring your fishing pole to cast in the trout pond just past the parking lot or the hatchery supported stream at the entrance of Harmon's Den Rd.