best route from Hot Springs to Max Patch/Harmon Den

[Flush2wice]

I'm hiking from Max Patch to Hot Springs Sat and Sun. We are leaving a vehicle in Hot Springs and shuttling to Harmon Den Rd where we will car camp tomorrow night. I drove a long way doing this shuttle once before. I googled the directions this time and it gave me an 18 mile route that takes 38 minutes. Looks like dirt roads.
From Hot Springs take nc209
right at Meadow Fork
right on Little Creek Rd
Right on Max Patch Rd.
Google directions
Has any one taken this route?
Should I stay on 209 to I-40?
Who knows the best route?
We are leaving late tomorrow and don't want to waste time driving around.

[Tennessee Viking]

I have done Max Patch every which way. Everyone is an adventure.

If you dont mind curvy roads, 209 is probably the most direct way from Hot Springs. Then take MeadowFork and Little Creek Roads up to Max Patch Road. You can also continue on Meadow Fork onto Meadowtown which isn't as curvy. But you will see signing along 209 to direct you to Max Patch.

If you want some amazing views on the way up, and dont mind the distance. From Hot Springs, take 25/70 to Del Rio. Turn onto TN 107 south. Then take it to the end of the highway to Round Mountain. I find the roads a bit more curvy and long way up the mountain. But you pass great views of the French Broad Valley. Round Mountain campground and the road to Wolf Creek Falls are along the way.

Take 209 to I40 is a mistake. Its a long and out of the way venture. And VERY CURVY. If you were coming from Newport and even Waynesville on I40. Then I would suggest taking the Harmon Den Road exit.

[Tennessee Viking]

If you in deed coming from Buladeen, are you planning to take interstate all the way or you heading through Flag Pond & Laurel?

[Flush2wice]

If you in deed coming from Buladeen, are you planning to take interstate all the way or you heading through Flag Pond & Laurel?

We're leaving from Spruce Pine tomorrow at 3ish. 19E to I-26. We gotta get groceries on the way. I think we can get to Harmon Den before dark after running the shuttle.
Thanks for the info!

[Flush2wice]

I have done Max Patch every which way. Everyone is an adventure.

So is it ok with a 2wd truck? Is the signage good?