View Full Version : max patch overnighter?
FHThiker
12-26-2006, 11:44
Hi all, I'm thinking of taking the wife up to Max Patch this weekend for an overnighter. I read on one website that camping is not allowed at the top of Max Patch. Is this true? I ask because I've seen a couple A.T. DVDs that show people camping on MP. If not, is there a shelter nearby to camp in? :-?
I'm picking Max Patch for the weekend because from what I've seen the views are INCREDIBLE and it's only a couple hours away from where I live.
Any other relevant information is much appreciated.
Thanks! Cheers! :)
RiverWarriorPJ
12-26-2006, 11:52
I too have the same interest in MaxPach & also seen pix of OverNiters.....Where do you intend to park..??..
Camping is allowed. The shelter is now 1.5miles north of Max Patch. There is a parking area at the bottom.
Left Hand
12-26-2006, 13:06
Yes, just can't camp directly on the bald.
Lone Wolf
12-26-2006, 13:08
Yes, just can't camp directly on the bald.
Where exactly is that "rule" posted, wriiten, etc. There's no sign up there saying such.
last time i heard you could camp up there.........
FHThiker
12-26-2006, 13:46
Camping is allowed. The shelter is now 1.5miles north of Max Patch. There is a parking area at the bottom.
Do you (or anyone) know if there is a longer hike/entry point than just a couple miles to MP? I'd like a good 6-10 mile hike before getting to the top, camp, and then walk out the same way we came in. Ideas?
Thanks again!
Do you (or anyone) know if there is a longer hike/entry point than just a couple miles to MP? I'd like a good 6-10 mile hike before getting to the top, camp, and then walk out the same way we came in. Ideas?
Thanks again!
I'm not quite sure of the mileage (I don't have a databook handy) but Brown's Gap isn't too far.
Brown Gap to Max Patch, 2.5 miles.
Lone Wolf
12-26-2006, 15:46
Brown Gap to Max Patch, 2.5 miles.
Nope. It's 3.5.:)
FHThiker, it looks like you could go in just north at Lemon Gap a distance of 5.2 to Max Patch. Or from the south the nearest road (minus Brown Gap and Max Patch Rd.) is Green Corner Rd., 13.6 miles.
RiverWarriorPJ
12-26-2006, 16:41
http://www.localhikes.com/Hikes/maxpatch_0480.asp
Left Hand
12-26-2006, 21:33
Where exactly is that "rule" posted, wriiten, etc. There's no sign up there saying such.
Always just thought of it as an unwritten....but, yeah I have never seen it written anywhere either.
You can camp on the summit of Max Patch Bald anytime.There is no such rule prohibiting it. Starting at Lemon Gap would be close to 6 miles South to Max Patch whereas starting at Garenflo Gap would be closer to 14 and having to climb Bluff Mtn. There is a road below Brown Gap road that leads to the groundhog Creek shelter which would be about 6 miles North to Max Patch. LW is right, Brown Gap is only 3.5 but its uphill if that's any consolation ? lol Good luck and enjoy camping on the summit, it is awesome esp during clear nights (preferrable with a full moon).
RAT
based on the weather forecast for this weekend it won't be clear.
Yep, that's what the weatherbabes are saying. I wouldnt want to be on Max Patch during inclement weather, I would consider going somewhere else at a lower elevation.
RAT
Yep, that's what the weatherbabes are saying. I wouldnt want to be on Max Patch during inclement weather, I would consider going somewhere else at a lower elevation.
RATThat is true. Overnighters should be wary of quick changes up there. An up to date forcast is important. Might be fine at sunset, but hell in the morning.
FHThiker
12-27-2006, 08:47
That is true. Overnighters should be wary of quick changes up there. An up to date forcast is important. Might be fine at sunset, but hell in the morning.
Looks like you're right. Currently there's like a 70% chance of showers in Hot Springs (the nearest town where you can get a forecast) for Sat night :mad: I guess I'll just see how the weather continues to play out...I *really* want to get to MP this weekend for an overnighter. One of the biggest reasons I want to go is not only to experience MP, but also take some great photos...I was planning on even bringing my tripod for pic taking...
FHThiker
12-27-2006, 08:49
Oh, another question for everyone that's been up there: where's the nearest water source from MP...I don't imagine there's anything near because it's a mountain-top plataeu, huh?
There is a blue blazed spring just off the summit (going north) at a decent little campsite where the woods start. It usually is running. If not a little further north will take you to a creek. I wouldn't waste my time taking a tri-pod this coming weekend.
RAT
Picasso ( ! )
12-28-2006, 09:31
http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y234/ghl1405/AT%20Hikes/MaxPatch-Panorama.jpg
http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y234/ghl1405/AT%20Hikes/DSCN7199.jpg
There was slow water last June but its a good ways from the top.
maxNcathy
12-28-2006, 10:14
Oh, another question for everyone that's been up there: where's the nearest water source from MP...I don't imagine there's anything near because it's a mountain-top plataeu, huh?
The sky.Bring a bucket.
I hope the weather changes for You so you can have great hike up to Max patch.
FHThiker
12-28-2006, 10:44
The sky.Bring a bucket.
I hope the weather changes for You so you can have great hike up to Max patch.
Looks like the weather *may* be changing for the better. There's now only a 20% chance of showers on Sat and 60% chance on Sunday. I'm hoping the rain will hold off until later Sunday morning. I'm doing it!
Another question: I'm now thinking of starting at Browns Gap. I've read that it's about a 7-mile one-way trek to Max Patch. Although I would like a little longer, I can live with that. Does anyone know exactly where the Browns Gap trailhead is? I can't seem to find good exact directions on the web :-? Please advise.
Lone Wolf
12-28-2006, 10:45
Browns gap to Max Patch is only 3.5 miles.
Browns gap to Max Patch is only 3.5 miles.
That's all? I don't have my book. How far from I-40 or the the trail from Standing Bear?
Lone Wolf
12-28-2006, 10:55
That's all? I don't have my book. How far from I-40 or the the trail from Standing Bear?
13.6 from Standing Bear road to Max Patch.
13.6 from Standing Bear road to Max Patch.
Thanks. Probably a good place to leave a car or camp if it's raining! ;)
FHThiker
12-28-2006, 14:12
Browns gap to Max Patch is only 3.5 miles.
Dang! That would explain where I got the 7 miles...I guess they were quoting round-trip. I was thinking it was one-way mileage...
Is there a drop-in point between 7-10 miles to MP?
Lone Wolf
12-28-2006, 14:19
There's a road to the top of Snowbird Mtn. that would put you 9 miles from Max Patch. You'd have to call Standing Bear Farm hostel for directions. 423-487-0014
Brushy Sage
12-30-2006, 17:17
The road up Snowbird gets pretty rough in spots; four wheel drive vehicles do it comfortably.
FHThiker
01-02-2007, 14:04
Just wanted to update: I didn't make it to Max Patch this weekend. For those of you in NC/SC, you know we had drenching torrential downpours :( I'm going to try again this weekend 01/06-01/07...more to come ;)