Max Patch is a bald mountain on the North Carolina-Tennessee Border. It is a major landmark along the Tennessee/North Carolina section of the Appalachian Trail, although its summit is located in North Carolina. Max Patch has amazing 360 degree views of the surrounding mountains, namely the Bald Mountains in the immediate vicinity, the Unakas to the north, the Great Smokies to the south, and the Great Balsams and Black Mountains to the southeast. It is a major trek (9 miles up a gravel road in your car) to get here, but once you are here, it is WELL worth it. You just don't see views like this.
There are 2 loop trails to the summit. One is 4 miles
and one is 2 miles (I opted for the 2).
Amazing views along the way.
Finally -- Almost there!
Those specks down there are some SERIOUS hikers.
They took the long trail up!
Someone left these at the summit; the cans were full!
Bear hiding in the flowers!
As good a place as any to fly a kite!
Lots of hikers out on this beautiful day!
Some insects keeping me company!
And, last, but not least, here I am, thinking:
OMG, how could life be any better?!?
