Max Patch Short Loop

From the parking area, visitors have the choice of going directly up the trail to the summit. This may prove difficult for some hikers. Fortunately, there is an easy loop trail that goes from the parking lot to the mountain summit and back. If you wish to prolong your journey, there is the option of taking the Buckeye Ridge Trail back to the parking lot instead of continuing on the Max Patch Mountain Loop Trail.Driving directions:From Hot Springs follow Hwy 209 South. Turn right onto Meadow Fork Road at the Max Patch sign. Turn right onto SR 1181 and follow the signs to the parking lot. Directions via I-40 from Asheville: Take I-40 West about 40 miles to exit 7 (Harmon's Den). Take a right on Cold Springs Road. This gravel road leads to SR-1182 (Max Patch Rd). It's recommended that drivers take a 4WD vehicle in inclement weather, as handling may prove difficult. Turn left and drive 1.5 miles to the Max Patch parking area on the right. Latitude: 35 46' 49.44" / Longitude: -82 57' 12.6"

Max Patch is a man-made bald - farmers in the 1800s would often clear the trees at the top to provide their cattle with a grazing area.The bald was once used as an airstrip in the 1930s, where biplanes provided scenic rides for tourists.