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Max Patch
Max Patch sits next to the Tennessee state line in the Harmon Den area of Hot Springs, NC. At 4,629 feet this bald offers 360-degree vistas of Mount Mitchell to the east and Great Smoky Mountains to the southwest. An abundance of ferns and grasses blanket the bald, making it perfect for picnics. Fishing is offered at the pond past the main parking lot. The Appalachian Trail crosses this area. For information on the Appalachian Trail visit www.appalachiantrail.org
For More Information please visit: http://www.maxpatch.org
Area closes 1 hour after sundown. Reopens 1 hour before sunrise. Visitors prohibited during closed hours. Camping and fires prohibited. See FOREST ORDER NO. 08-11-04-20-105 for more information outlined below.
At a Glance
| Operational Hours: | Update 7/1/2021 FOREST ORDER NO. 08-11-04-20-105 Effective July 1, 2021
Pursuant to 16 U.S.C. 551 and 36 C.F.R. 261.50 (a) and (b), for the protection of public health and safety, the following acts are prohibited on and within the Max Patch area. 1. NO camping. 2. NO fires. 3. AREA CLOSES 1 hour after sundown. Reopens 1 hour before sunrise. Visitors prohibited during closed hours. 4. GROUP size limited to 10. 5. DOGS and other animals must be on a leash no longer than 6 feet, or in a crate or cage. 6. STAY ON designated trails. 7. AIRCRAFT may not land nor drop off or pick up anything in this area. DRONES are prohibited on Appalachian Trail. 8. NO fireworks. 9. BIKES must stay on roads only. 10. HORSES and other saddle and pack animals may not be ridden, hitched, tethered, or hobbled in this area. |
|---|---|
| Reservations: | No Reservations Required |
| Fees: | No fees associated |
| Permit Info: | Groups limited to 10 individuals |
| Open Season: | Year Round |
| Usage: | Heavy |
| Busiest Season: | April-October |
| Restrictions: |
|
| Water: | None |
| Restroom: | None |
General Information
Directions:From Hot Springs take NC 209S for 7.3 miles to SR 1175. Go south on SR 1175 for 5.3 miles. Take SR 1181 about 3.5 miles to the end. Turn right on SR 1182 for 1.5 miles. Please be aware this parking lot holds approximately 11 cars. You may not park on the road if the parking lot is full. The road to Max Patch is a State Road- maintained by NC-DOT and TN-DOT.
General Notes:
Update 7/1/2021 FOREST ORDER NO. 08-11-04-20-105 Effective July 1, 2021
Pursuant to 16 U.S.C. 551 and 36 C.F.R. 261.50 (a) and (b), for the protection of public health and safety, the following acts are prohibited on and within the Max Patch area.
1. NO camping.
2. NO fires.
3. AREA CLOSES 1 hour after sundown. Reopens 1 hour before sunrise. Visitors prohibited during closed hours.
4. GROUP size limited to 10.
5. DOGS and other animals must be on a leash no longer than 6 feet, or in a crate or cage.
6. STAY ON designated trails.
7. AIRCRAFT may not land nor drop off or pick up anything in this area. DRONES are prohibited on Appalachian Trail.
8. NO fireworks.
9. BIKES must stay on roads only.
10. HORSES and other saddle and pack animals may not be ridden, hitched, tethered, or hobbled in this area.
Parking:
Parking is available in the parking lot below the bald. The road to Max Patch is a State Road- maintained by NC-DOT and TN-DOT. The parking lot is small so have a back-up plan to visit another location if the lot is full. Parking along the road is prohibited in some areas so check for signs. Cars parked along the roadway have created a hazard by interfering with the flow of traffic and your car may be towed. Emergency vehicles must have a clear path. Reservations of parking spots or spots on top of the bald are also prohibited.
Activities
Lake and Pond Fishing
General Info:
Permits & RegulationsCold mountain streams, rivers and some ponds offer trout fishing. While the US Forest Service manages stream quality, the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission regulates fishing seasons and limits. A state license is required for fishing. Every angler should get a copy of the Regulations Digest from the commission by calling (919) 662-4381 or from the website: www.wildlife.state.nc.us, select "regulations".
Day Hiking
Backpacking
Viewing Wildlife
Species of Interest: Broad-winged Hawk, Ruffed Grouse, Least Flycather, Golden-winged Warbler and Chestnut-sided Warbler.