Trail Map: The Hike: We first visited Max Patch on a rainy day in 2020 and clouds and fog hid most of the views. On our 2023 western NC hiking trip, we decided to revisit Max Patch. The weather cooperated and we were treated to the outstanding views of which Max Patch is famous. Max […]
Max Patch Revisited Read More »
Trail Map: The Hike: This is a popular hike with great views. The narrow road to the trailhead is dirt/gravel and the last mile or so has some washed out sections. We saw several 2-wheel drive cars in the parking area. Take your time and avoid the road following heavy rain or snow. The parking
Trail Map: The Hike: This Appalachian Trail section hike reaches two bald summits—Little Hump and Big Hump. The road to the trailhead is gravel/dirt for the last two miles or so. There are some deep ruts and washed-out areas. Our AWD Subaru had no problem. The parking area is on the left, a gate blocks
Big Hump & Little Hump Balds Read More »
Trail Map: The Hike: This section hike on the Appalachian Trail straddles the North Carolina/Tennessee state line. The open ridge provides spectacular views of both states. The road to the trailhead is paved for a few miles and then turns to gravel/dirt. We had no problems with our AWD Subaru and it should be passable
Big Firescald Knob Read More »
Trail Map: The Hike: Beauty Spot is a popular local destination. The Appalachian Trail passes through this bald summit. However, most visitors drive here over a bumpy dirt road. The day of our hike, the weather wasn’t cooperating. The forecast called for clouds and scattered showers much of the day. We waited for the heavy
Trail Map: The Hike: This hike on the Appalachian Trail is a long one—and several sections are a bit steep. The views from the summit of Big Bald make it all worthwhile—especially on a gorgeous day with blue skies. The parking area on Flag Pond Road (near the NC/TN state-line and a stone’s throw from
Trail Map: The Hike: Thru-hikers call the Appalachian Trail “the long green tunnel”. For most of its 2,198 miles, the AT passes through forests beneath heavy tree cover. This hike has a small section of open meadow with some nice mountain views. There are a few partial views during the rest of the hike under
Appalachian Trail to Fulhardt Knob Shelter Read More »
Trail Map: The Hike: This easy hike has some fantastic views. Located in the Shawvers Run Wildness in Jefferson National Forest, this hike is a hidden gem. It’s popular with locals but not well known to most hikers. Part of the reason could be the 3-mile drive on the forest road leading to the trailhead.
Hanging Rock Overlook Read More »
Trail Map: The Hike: This easy hike on the Appalachian Trail has some nice views. The only drawback is it shares a parking area with McAfee Knob, one of the most popular hikes on the AT. The parking area holds 40-50 vehicles so either arrive early in the morning or plan to take the McAfee
Trail Map: The Hike: This Appalachian Trail section hike doesn’t show up on AllTrails or most hiking websites. It’s a shame as this hike has views of the Great Valley, an AT shelter, several stream crossings, and what may be the longest rhododendron tunnel on the AT. The trailhead is located at an open air
Settler’s Museum to Glade Mountain Read More »
