Max Patch Loop

Date	Distance	Time	Elevation Gain	Average Moving Time	Year to Date Miles
8/7/2024	4.6 miles	2 hours 48 minutes	771'	1.7 mph	519.2 miles

Parking: 

• Max Patch parking area

Map:

• Gai Gps app

Directions:

• Hike #453 in CMC database. From parking area, go through gate on left side and follow old road up to AT; L on the AT through meadows, woods and past a small stream. Then turn right onto Buckeye Ridge Trail with Max Patch above and to the right; R onto Max Patch Trail; R onto AT to Max Patch summit; L then return to the cars via the same road you came up on to the AT.

Next month, I'm leading this hike for the Carolina Mountain Club, so we went out to scout it. The 3rd day in a row without rain (well, we had a downpour on our drive home). I've hiked at Max Patch a few times before, but I haven't actually done this specific loop. The AT portion is nice, but the Buckeye Ridge Trail is overgrown and doesn't look maintained. I don't think the CMC maintains this trail. It looks like it could use some trail maintenance love. We removed a few trees from the trail, but it needs some lopping and weed whacking. This loop also has a bit of a road walk on Max Patch Road. At the very end of the hike, you walk along the summit of Max Patch, the highlight of the hike of course.

We did see so many flowers, blackberries, butterflies, and mushrooms. The top of Max Patch is stunning. The summit is completely a meadow, with a small loop trail through it. Such a gorgeous place, that I feel I should visit at least once a year. I wanted to have lunch on the summit, but I was feeling hot in the sun, so ate on the drive home.

Heading away from the summit first.

On the AT

So many blackberries!

Puffballs. I only squeezed one :)

Leaving the AT to go on the Buckeye Ridge Trail

Weed whacking needed

Stopping to try to find the trail. 

It turns into the woods past the horse stile.

We startled two grouses which scared the crap out of us lol.

Walking along Max Patch Road

Turning right to get back on the AT.

Large patches of Eastern American Jack-o'-lantern

I nickname these hamburger bun mushrooms

Lots of milkweed and butterflies. No monarchs.

Walking along the cleared path on the summit

There is a mowed path across the summit that Glen is on.