Two Women, One Bald, and the Magic of Max Patch
On a short but scenic hike at Max Patch, I met two incredible trail stewards, Sally and Adrian, who shared insights about the land, its recent closure, and its slow recovery. This iconic Appalachian bald serves up 360° views and a healthy dose of perspective on how we treat wild places.
I’m not sure of their official titles — maybe trail stewards or park rangers — but I do know their names: Sally and Adrian. And I’ll be honest: I was a little intimidated at first. They carried themselves with the kind of confident presence that made me feel like I needed to know a whole lot more about what I was doing out there.
But they beat me to it. Before I could even introduce myself, they smiled and said, “Welcome to North Carolina.”
Now, that may not seem like a big deal. But I was caught off guard. I looked around and said, “Wait… I thought we were in Tennessee!”
Sally laughed and explained that the state line was right behind me. Sure enough, I had parked in Tennessee and was now standing in North Carolina—just like that. That moment marked the start of a trail I won’t soon forget.
The Max Patch Loop Trail
You can find it easily on the AllTrails app, which is an excellent tool for hikers. (There’s a free version and a paid one. I’ve only ever used the free one and it’s more than enough for basics.)
The classic Max Patch Loop starts from the main gravel parking area and spans about 1.4 to 1.6 miles, depending on which source you check. AllTrails lists it as 1.5 miles with around 430 feet of elevation gain. It’s generally rated as moderate, but it’s very beginner-friendly—something you can comfortably complete in 45–60 minutes, even with a few breaks.
Trail Route & Terrain
From the parking lot, the trail heads gently through open meadows and into a patch of forest. As you climb, you’ll intersect the Appalachian Trail (AT) near the summit—one of the more famous parts of this loop. The trail then loops back down through more wide-open meadows and returns into shaded forest before closing the loop.
The terrain is a mix of grassy paths, hilly steps and slightly worn dirt trails, easy enough for sturdy sneakers or hiking shoes. On sunny days, much of it is exposed to the elements, so bring sunscreen and a hat. There are no water sources, so pack accordingly.
What You’ll See
Max Patch is a Southern Appalachian bald, a rare type of mountaintop that remains treeless due to natural conditions and historical clearing. That means one thing: views.
And not just any views. I’m talking 360-degree panoramic mountain views. On a clear day, you can spot:
- Mt. Mitchell to the east
- The Great Smoky Mountains to the southwest
- The Black and Bald Mountains circling in between
When we visited, we didn’t see much wildlife due to an incoming rainstorm. But Sally and Adrian told us there are signs of black bears, bobcats, and even the occasional elk in nearby valleys. We did spot a few birds and thankfully no mosquitoes or flies.
The trail itself was lined with wildflowers, and although the berries weren’t ripe yet, we saw early blueberries and blackberries along the edge. If you visit in late summer, bring a small container—you might be in for a juicy treat.
A Place for Picnics, Yoga & Kites
Because of its short distance and massive payoff, Max Patch is incredibly popular. It’s perfect for a quick hike, a picnic with a view, or just finding a spot to lie back and breathe it all in. We saw someone trying to fly a kite. And with the wind up top, I’d say they picked the perfect place for it.
I was pretty devastated to realize I had forgotten to bring binoculars. This was DEFINITELY one of those times that I would have used them. If you’re a fan of the Appalachian Trail, it’s a fun way to cross paths with it, even if just for a few steps.
A Hard Lesson: Trail Abuse & Recovery
One of the more sobering things we learned from Sally and Adrian was that Max Patch was closed for a while. On July 1, 2021, the Pisgah National Forest (under the U.S. Forest Service) issued an order that banned:
- Overnight camping
- Campfires
- Large groups
- Off-trail hiking
- Drone use, and more
Why? Because the area had been loved to death. UGH!
Visitors left behind tents, trash, used feminine products, and human waste. The once-pristine bald was riddled with trampled vegetation and unofficial trails cutting across fragile ecosystems.
The goal of the closure was to give the land a chance to heal.
As of this writing, Max Patch is open again, but camping is still prohibited, and the Leave No Trace ethic is not just encouraged, it’s essential. If we want beautiful places like this to remain beautiful, we’ve got to treat them with respect.
About Those Trail Stewards
Sally and Adrian—our unexpected guides—were knowledgeable, warm, and clearly deeply connected to the land they help protect. If you run into people like them on the trail, don’t be afraid to ask questions. They’re not just there to enforce rules; they’re caretakers, storytellers, and stewards of something sacred.
Here are a few things you can ask:
- What should I look for on this trail today?
- Are there any plants or animals I should know about?
- How can I volunteer or get involved with trail stewardship?
And most importantly: thank them. Thank them for the trail, for the information, for the greeting—even for the gentle rules they help enforce. Without people like them, Max Patch wouldn’t be what it is today.
Who knows? A conversation with a trail steward might just lead you to your next calling.
