https://www.maxpatch.org/events-2 daily 0.75 2021-11-20 https://www.maxpatch.org/events-2/4nd4vo358q0rea0bj3laq8kwnelf7m monthly 0.5 2021-10-28 https://www.maxpatch.org/home daily 1.0 2023-01-31 https://www.maxpatch.org/visit daily 0.75 2023-03-16 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/612821789d8aa1509521f4f2/1633373036626-FJW1SS64MB8725YND1DO/20210925_134956.jpg Info - Please remember to respect all signs and regulations for the sake of native wildlife, plants and your fellow visitors. (Robert Campbell) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/612821789d8aa1509521f4f2/8d727b4b-51d8-41fb-aceb-8c80b960b9ba/maxpatchclosures.png Info - Make it stand out Forest Service Closure Map (USFS) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/612821789d8aa1509521f4f2/1633051854085-W1PRBTVMQMEHG7TXO46P/map.jpg Info - Make it stand out Map of the Max Patch area (USFS) https://www.maxpatch.org/nearbytrails daily 0.75 2022-05-10 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/612821789d8aa1509521f4f2/efeda74a-fab3-4b70-bc6d-e9e1e02d80f1/pisgahrunner.jpg Nearby Trails - Want to get the most out of your trip? Max Patch is only the beginning. There are over 250 trails in the Pisgah National Forest. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/612821789d8aa1509521f4f2/2839b7ab-c2ff-4254-bc18-d0f65a8bef3d/browngap.jpg Nearby Trails - Walking Distance There are several sections of the Appalachian Trail near Max Patch which are easily accessible, such as Lemon Gap and Brown Gap (pictured). These areas are a short distance from Max Patch and can be used as a starting location for Max Patch hikers wishing to see more of the Appalachian Trail. Each site is approximately 3.6 miles from Max Patch in either direction, with Lemon Gap to the north and Brown Gap to the south. The Max Patch Loop Trail also connects to the AT, and the Buckeye Ridge Trail can be reached from Max Patch. (Image: Robert Campbell) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/612821789d8aa1509521f4f2/543cedb7-edf6-456d-8b77-d2c0b374d60f/36862248923_3e07b7284f_k.jpg Nearby Trails - Images: USFS To the west, Max Patch borders the Cherokee National Forest. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/612821789d8aa1509521f4f2/e678e438-76ce-493b-8629-8fca0c4cea35/maxpatchcircled.jpg Nearby Trails - Max Patch (circled) is a short drive from dozens of trails and activities. For more info on the Pisgah or Cherokee National Forests, you can also download the National Forest and Grasslands Explorer App. Click here for a full list of trails in the Appalachian Ranger District with information and directions. Always remember to Leave No Trace and recreate responsibly. Map courtesy of USFS https://www.maxpatch.org/explore daily 0.75 2023-02-16 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/612821789d8aa1509521f4f2/3b378414-8f66-4e36-9df2-2807df3ec815/firescald2.jpg Explore - Big Firescald Knob Big Firescald Knob is a 4.5 mile round-trip hike in the Cherokee National Forest near the North Carolina and Tennessee border. The hike is challenging and steep at points, but the views are very rewarding. As with Max Patch, Big Firescald Knob has limited parking and must be reached by a long, narrow and rocky road so plan ahead and travel with caution. If planning to visit, carpool if possible and remember to drive carefully. (Image: Robert Campbell) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/612821789d8aa1509521f4f2/1633398211095-UHWJRWOWNF1SU8HFE6N9/samsgap8.jpg Explore - Sam’s Gap to Big Bald Sam’s Gap to Big Bald is 13 mile out-and-back hike on the Appalachian Trail near the North Carolina/Tennessee border. While the trail is long and strenuous at points, the 360° view at the top of Big Bald is spectacular. For a shorter trip with a rewarding view, you can take the trail for approximately 2 miles to enter a grassy meadow full of wildflowers. This is also a great spot to take a break and rest before continuing to Big Bald. (Image: Robert Campbell) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/612821789d8aa1509521f4f2/ee95454f-d941-49bb-821b-784219802e40/walnut.jpg Explore - Walnut Mountain On the Appalachian Trail and only a few miles past Max Patch, Walnut Mountain is another hike near the North Carolina/Tennessee border with great views. The trailhead (also the site for a longer hike to Max Patch) can be reached by continuing on State Rd 1175 past Max Patch for 3.6 miles. If leaving the Max Patch parking lot, take a right. The 7.6 mile out-and-back trail crosses a grassy meadow with sweeping views early into the hike before reaching the Walnut Mountain Shelter. (Image: Robert Campbell) https://www.maxpatch.org/learnmore daily 0.75 2021-10-17 https://www.maxpatch.org/history daily 0.75 2022-04-02 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/612821789d8aa1509521f4f2/1633835953158-0NSU82FYVITD2GRE95AE/oldhotsprings.jpg history - In the 1930s, the Civilian Conservation Corps constructed the section of the Appalachian Trail between the Great Smoky Mountains and Hot Springs, NC. Pictured: Historic Hot Springs (right), Cradle of Forestry (above) (Courtesy of USFS) https://www.maxpatch.org/nationalforestsinnorthcarolina daily 0.75 2022-04-02 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/612821789d8aa1509521f4f2/1633807735517-WB63X2WKVG576BW5J72T/Cradle+of+Forestry+Overlookb.jpg NFsNC North Carolina is home to four scenic National Forests: Pisgah, Nantahala, Uwharrie and Croatan. https://www.maxpatch.org/lodging daily 0.75 2022-04-02 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/612821789d8aa1509521f4f2/1634083479466-HJEQA3J5213YKVLN2NT8/hs.jpg Lodging - Max Patch is near the scenic mountain town of Hot Springs, North Carolina. In addition to some nearby campgrounds and RV facilities, there are many hotels, motels, hostels, bed & breakfasts, cabins and cottages in and around the Hot Springs area. Click the link below for more information: Hot Springs is recognized as an A.T. Community™ by the Appalachian Trail Conservancy. (Image: Robert Campbell) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/612821789d8aa1509521f4f2/ccb23e0d-4200-43bd-a29a-4da5a09d0a15/hotspringsnc2b.jpg Lodging - Max Patch, Hot Springs and several other nearby towns such as Spring Creek are located in Madison County, North Carolina. Madison County is home to a number of other hiking trails and is a hot spot for many forms of outdoor recreation such as kayaking/canoeing, rafting, ziplining and fishing. There are plenty of dining and shopping options as well. Visit the county website to learn more: Image: Robert Campbell https://www.maxpatch.org/conservation daily 0.75 2023-03-08 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/612821789d8aa1509521f4f2/149c70e5-7ab4-48ee-a2d9-4552898b0c3a/20210925_123154.jpg Conservation - Image: Robert Campbell In addition to Forest Service management, Max Patch is conserved by the hard work of volunteer groups and organizations such as the Carolina Mountain Club and Appalachian Trail Conservancy, who work to maintain trails, install and replace signs, build fencing, remove trash and promote the health of native species. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/612821789d8aa1509521f4f2/6dab230b-2c3c-42a7-9253-61ee0c42ce4b/20211112_132656.jpg Conservation - Image: Robert Campbell Trail Ambassadors - volunteers trained by the Carolina Mountain Club and Appalachian Trail Conservancy - help educate visitors on proper stewardship. Trail Ambassadors play a critical role by informing Max Patch visitors about closures, monitoring conditions and removing trash from the area. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/612821789d8aa1509521f4f2/0b7c9555-0726-4ebb-a27f-0710aff5bf54/243237935_3121174721443985_8878216960159473621_n3.jpg Conservation - Image: Carolina Mountain Club Conserving Max Patch is not only important for keeping the area’s beloved views, but is also critical for many wildlife species. Appalachian balds provide essential habitat for native species such as the golden-winged warbler and are also a crucial stopover point for many migratory songbirds and raptors. Staying on trail is one of the most important things you can do for these species. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/612821789d8aa1509521f4f2/1634427316770-4B482Y0O7RU0YHUUZEX2/20210925_214751.jpg Conservation - Image: Robert Campbell Without frequent management, Max Patch would eventually be reclaimed by forest and the views would disappear. The U.S. Forest Service works to manage Max Patch and keep the ecosystem in an early stage of succession, thereby preserving the state of the mountain for visitors as well as local plants and wildlife. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/612821789d8aa1509521f4f2/3a4846a3-b6a7-4fe1-b433-0abc3941e02e/MaxPatch_AerialTentCamping_Sep19_20_2020.jpg Conservation September 2020 (Mike Wurman) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/612821789d8aa1509521f4f2/1635277603595-OIEL450A5SM2Q4DM67HZ/MaxPatch_Oct24_2021b.jpg Conservation October 2021 (Mike Wurman) https://www.maxpatch.org/present daily 0.75 2022-05-10 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/612821789d8aa1509521f4f2/1634486279846-I4NV6KSTUVE8EWEXK5WT/242949129_3121174698110654_9190737509256531257_n.jpg Present - Keeping it Clean As with all cherished natural areas, Max Patch requires a conscious and collaborative effort to keep the area pristine and enjoyable for all who visit. A good rule to follow is “pack it in, pack it out” - meaning not to leave any physical remnants of your visit. Treating Max Patch and other natural areas with respect ensures that all visitors have the right to enjoy the experience equally, and helps to preserve our beloved public lands for future generations to come. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/612821789d8aa1509521f4f2/9436c2dd-c254-4ae0-a808-43ae19815103/MaxPatch_AerialTentCamping_Sep19_20_2020.jpg Present https://www.citizen-times.com/story/news/local/2020/09/23/max-patch-residents-campers-creating-safety-hazards-mountain/5858936002/ (Image courtesy of Mike Wurman) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/612821789d8aa1509521f4f2/9eb55b72-9384-48cb-a794-e98eecbf7d97/MaxPatch_Oct24_2021.jpg Present https://www.citizen-times.com/story/news/2021/10/05/max-patch-public-trail-recovering-nature-3-months-after-camping-ban/5988394001/ (Image courtesy of Mike Wurman) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/612821789d8aa1509521f4f2/3f352263-052f-4282-91a4-e16dda01d890/MaxPatchHourlyAverages.png Present Even as visitation has increased significantly into the fall months, negative indicators such as fire rings and toilet paper have decreased. While these statistics indicate progress, many negative indicators such as trash and social trail usage continue to present major issues. (Carolina Mountain Club) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/612821789d8aa1509521f4f2/a50a6a49-7583-4fa7-bd75-f42b7238f594/MaxPatchIndicators2021.png Present Since the closure order was initiated in July, Trail Ambassadors have reported a sharp decline in tent use and fire rings at Max Patch. This is a result of a significant on-the-ground presence from Carolina Mountain Club Ambassadors and the U.S. Forest Service. (Carolina Mountain Club) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/612821789d8aa1509521f4f2/1634487684248-UMW3QCLXD0T39LKYY6KC/Picture2PIIPIO.jpg Present https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/612821789d8aa1509521f4f2/1634487705881-8F5YNPV6D11JXB5JIHEG/MaxPatch_fire_cigarettes.jpg Present https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/612821789d8aa1509521f4f2/1634487727903-WGPM858WPIB6U5MM7U92/Picture4PIIPIO.jpg Present https://www.maxpatch.org/futuregoals daily 0.75 2022-03-24 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/612821789d8aa1509521f4f2/251791b5-3ee9-4d3e-914c-e174f769ea23/maxpatchtrailb.jpg Looking Forward - Image: Robert Campbell Maintaining a sustainable foot path for visitors to adequately enjoy Max Patch’s unique recreational opportunities and discouraging the creation and use of harmful side trails https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/612821789d8aa1509521f4f2/967c9e9d-6ba6-4c54-a5ee-2de1896886d6/volunteers.jpg Looking Forward - Image: USFS Encouraging proper waste disposal, travel on durable surfaces, and responsible campfire use* *Campfires are currently not allowed at Max Patch https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/612821789d8aa1509521f4f2/56e7ba2a-88da-497e-b62b-3204a367c0e9/maxpatchflowers2b.jpg Looking Forward - Image: Robert Campbell Promoting native vegetation and wildlife at Max Patch https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/612821789d8aa1509521f4f2/47d0d676-0e2a-45e0-8d92-fc340c6d70b2/management.jpeg Looking Forward https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/612821789d8aa1509521f4f2/8e2b8c84-14d5-4821-88a9-efe624b6db41/management2.jpeg Looking Forward https://www.maxpatch.org/ecology daily 0.75 2023-03-16 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/612821789d8aa1509521f4f2/a9177457-ab5d-4071-a0b8-1c885fa7232f/43175869141_f5f248fa0d_k.jpg Ecology - Pictured: Monarch Exhibit at National Pollinator Festival (USFS) Max Patch is also an important stopover for monarch butterflies, which have seen a massive reduction in population size over the past few decades. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/612821789d8aa1509521f4f2/7e8d7708-9580-4381-b0ee-012a8e99bc13/blackbear2.jpg Ecology https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/612821789d8aa1509521f4f2/ae68c088-dc42-4295-b162-c9e2a610efd3/maxpatchflowers.jpg Ecology https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/612821789d8aa1509521f4f2/e454bdaf-7a76-45c8-9ad8-872a1b8bc0d7/bobcat.jpg Ecology https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/612821789d8aa1509521f4f2/e1951cc3-ff43-4a30-b321-7bacbd655eae/ruffedgrouse.jpg Ecology https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/612821789d8aa1509521f4f2/5f9d6733-1258-4110-89d6-703d96099faa/wildflower.JPEG Ecology All images on this page courtesy of USFS https://www.maxpatch.org/events daily 0.75 2022-09-30 https://www.maxpatch.org/social-trails daily 0.75 2023-03-08 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/612821789d8aa1509521f4f2/ea894f76-8801-49ed-b380-36c91b28150a/map.jpg Staying on Trail - Make it stand out All images on this page courtesy of USFS https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/612821789d8aa1509521f4f2/8d6ad1ca-92c6-40e2-b552-e411051efe87/20210925_135355.jpg Staying on Trail - Pictured: Sign at Max Patch notifying visitors to stay off social trail (USFS) Social trails are often marked with warning signs. However, this is not always the case. Checking signs and bringing maps of the area can help you determine which trails are official. Official trails are usually marked with blazes - paint, carvings, or flags (often on trees) indicating which direction to follow. https://www.maxpatch.org/parking daily 0.75 2023-03-16 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/612821789d8aa1509521f4f2/bcd1b08e-6c31-4dd4-8f3f-f474b04cfaf3/Traffic.JPG Parking - Pictured: Cars creating safety hazard and traffic jam by ignoring signs prohibiting parking on both sides (USFS) There are also spots for parking along the road near the parking lot, but parking is prohibited in some areas so be sure to check for signs. Only park in designated areas. https://www.maxpatch.org/closures daily 0.75 2022-03-24 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/612821789d8aa1509521f4f2/35491278-286a-4e01-a8db-e270332f10f0/maxpatchclosures.png Closures - Make it stand out Image: USFS https://www.maxpatch.org/maxpatchtrails daily 0.75 2022-05-12 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/612821789d8aa1509521f4f2/22338677-af16-498a-b0b7-4ba8540e7774/map.jpg Max Patch Trails Max Patch map (USFS) https://www.maxpatch.org/gww daily 0.75 2023-01-31 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/612821789d8aa1509521f4f2/abb1ea01-00e7-43cf-a149-c1bdd160f099/GWWusdanaturalresourceconservationservice.jpg Golden-winged Warbler - Image: NRCS The Golden-winged Warbler is a migratory songbird which has seen a massive reduction in population over the past several decades. While the warbler is currently classified as “near-threatened,” the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has been petitioned to list the warbler under the Endangered Species Act. The agency issued a “positive finding” and is currently reviewing all information, meaning that an “endangered” listing is possible in the near future. The warbler’s breeding grounds (which it depends upon for survival) are confined to two North American regions: The Great Lakes and Appalachian Mountains. In the Appalachian region, the bird’s population has plummeted by 98% over the past few decades. Early successional stage habitat at Max Patch provides critical habitat for the species, with an array of shrubs and grasses that the warbler uses for nesting and protection. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/612821789d8aa1509521f4f2/551cebe8-ce27-4a85-911f-ed5498c0577a/20210925_134956b.jpg Golden-winged Warbler - Image: Robert Campbell As the Golden-winged Warbler continues to lose habitat in the Appalachian Region, sites such as Max Patch - an Audubon designated “important bird area” - are of critical importance. The area is managed consistently to help preserve its early successional seral stage, keeping it in an ideal state for the warbler. Female warblers like to build their nests at the base of shrubs, and the nearby forests help provide shelter from predators. There are multiple designated habitat areas designed to protect the warbler at Max Patch. Going off trail and ignoring signs threatens the warbler, as it can fragment their habitat and scare mothers away from nests (leading them to desert their young). As such, make sure to follow all signs and stay on trail at Max Patch so that we can protect this beautiful, at-risk species in its native habitat. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/612821789d8aa1509521f4f2/b53cddf9-bcb7-42fb-9725-c7ada1ad11f4/WablerPatch.jpg Golden-winged Warbler For a limited time, the Appalachian Trail Conservancy will be offering these golden-winged warbler patches for sale for $10 through their website. Proceeds will be used to directly fund Max Patch conservation initiatives through a partnership between the Carolina Mountain Club, Appalachian Trail Conservancy, U.S. Forest Service, and Spring Creek community. Click below to purchase: https://www.maxpatch.org/recreate-responsibly daily 0.75 2022-05-12 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/612821789d8aa1509521f4f2/1652224546079-EVZE5P4KXGDVKVQ29FET/Ethics+of+Responsible+stewardship.png Recreate Responsibly https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/612821789d8aa1509521f4f2/1652224575654-1MULZRU3A58CLSC4CSLL/Geotagging+Graphic.png Recreate Responsibly https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/612821789d8aa1509521f4f2/1394517d-5fb2-42c9-9ee6-0847873ff5a0/darkergreenbackground.png Recreate Responsibly https://www.maxpatch.org/trail-ambassadors daily 0.75 2022-09-17 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/612821789d8aa1509521f4f2/88250366-762e-4fa9-9b85-5c60e1937039/trail.jpg https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/612821789d8aa1509521f4f2/c1303ba2-b870-4c02-81f8-6c2e2557c356/roan4.jpg https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/612821789d8aa1509521f4f2/1663433636825-TM4V6EAM05BV98286892/TrailAmbassador.PNG Trail Ambassadors https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/612821789d8aa1509521f4f2/1663433964804-0BU4GK46TB4GBUL64IH5/monarchCMC.jpg Trail Ambassadors https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/612821789d8aa1509521f4f2/1663434183138-3GLG5EDRY2P14KTGZM13/TAdata.png Trail Ambassadors https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/612821789d8aa1509521f4f2/5c0cde34-8414-4f69-aef3-ccacee5cd2fd/lightbluebackground.png Trail Ambassadors https://www.maxpatch.org/roan-mountain daily 0.75 2023-01-24 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/612821789d8aa1509521f4f2/dfb2b7a8-01c3-4c08-b124-fd653f723d1a/Carolina+northern+flying+squirrel-Clifton+AveryNCwildliferesourcescommission.jpg https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/612821789d8aa1509521f4f2/4bd0bdb5-8606-42ec-831b-881c0cf460e4/Spruce-fir-moss-spider-1-credit-Fred-Coyle-ATC.jpg https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/612821789d8aa1509521f4f2/0a9394ed-30f4-46e7-8006-1b838255e0f7/20221006_134032.jpg Roan Mountain https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/612821789d8aa1509521f4f2/41d85d68-3f61-403c-9b55-3797910dc9c9/PXL_20220616_183021007.jpg Roan Mountain https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/612821789d8aa1509521f4f2/d85ecad7-661c-4f47-8d30-acb18aed25bf/cuttreesatcampsitearea.jpg Roan Mountain https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/612821789d8aa1509521f4f2/0e9619e3-c268-4f9a-8229-dfce033fbcc5/lightbluebackground.png Roan Mountain https://www.maxpatch.org/survey daily 0.75 2023-03-13 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/612821789d8aa1509521f4f2/74cc68e3-1896-4ff6-b684-84467e374502/Exploratory+Parking+Options.PNG https://www.maxpatch.org/max-patch-data-visualizations daily 0.75 2023-03-23