Our first trip to Max Patch Bald was around 1985 for a Mother's Day picnic. We felt as if transported to Austria or the Scottish/Irish highlands-USA version with views taking in the Cumberland Mtns. of Tennessee, all the way to Mt LeConte in the Great Smokies, Cold Mountain along the Blueridge Parkway to Mt. Mitchell-highest mountain east of the Mississippi River. It became an annual habit. Best times for going? Depends on your constitution, because it is special every time-whether Spring or Summer wildflowers, wild blueberries and blackberries, Autumn leaves, or Winter snowshoeing. Windy for kites or sunny and still for enjoying friends and a picnic, we love this ethereal place emanating a constant flow of positive energy. Native Cherokee and ancient Woodland tribes left evidence of hunting camps dating back over 5000 years. Bald mountains like this were grazed by migrating herds of elk and bison, then later by cattle. Today, the Forest service keeps it in meadows by periodic burning and haying by local farmers.
From the USFS parking lot, PLEASE take the grassy graded trail wrapping around to the left and NOT the one that goes straight up (causing erosion). You won't save any time, and it is much steeper! The loop trail all the way around is about 1.5 miles-but an easy walk.
Take a kite, a picnic lunch, some sunscreen and good friends and family to spend most of the day. ALso, a USFS trout pond is nearby-for a cooling dip or dropping a line if you have the right license. You gotta see/experience it to believe it.!
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