Hiking to the very top of a mountain bald in North Carolina is fulfilling for many reasons. The experience of the hike itself, combined with the views along the way and from the summit, and the overall accomplishment make the effort thrilling in more ways than one. If there's one mountain hike in the Tar Heel State that's doable in the winter for just about every skill level, it's hiking the summit trail(s) to Max Patch. This is one of the best winter hikes in North Carolina by anyone's standards!
Max Patch is a year-round favorite among hikers and those seeking a high spot from which to reconnect with Mother Nature and inhale some extremely fresh air, albeit, thin air.
At an elevation of 4,629 feet, Max Patch is only several hundred feet shy of being a mile high in elevation. The air may be thinner up here, but the views are aplenty!
One of the great advantages of making this hike in the winter time is that colder air typically affords much longer-range views. You can see forever from up here when the temps are cold.
But cold temps can make it a bit of a challenge to reach the Max Patch trailhead. Be sure to bring a vehicle that can pull the weight if the road is snow-covered and icy. If you've done winter hiking in North Carolina or anywhere before, you know this is something you must plan for. Once parked, hop out and take a survey of the upcoming challenge...
Here it is. It may seem a million miles away, but in fact, it's not.
There are a few trails you can take to the summit: go left for a trailhead access (this trail totals 0.7 miles), or go right for a 0.4-mile trail, or go straight and shoot straight up the front side of the mountain.
If you've ever been here during warm weather when Max Patch can be extremely crowded, then you already understand why there are so many ways to get to the top.
Take your time and enjoy the experience. If there is snow on the ground, then that just makes it all the better. Cold weather hiking in North Carolina is different from warm weather hiking in North Carolina, but many people find that they prefer it.
Just be sure to watch your footing, as there may be ice underneath what looks like freshly fallen snow.
It's not hard to see why Max Patch is a favorite among visitors and natives alike. Even in the winter, this trail delivers satisfaction in so many ways! This is one of the best things to do in the winter in North Carolina if you love the great outdoors.
Have you hiked Max Patch during the wintertime? For more information about the hike and locating the trailhead, consult this link from our friends at AllTrails. We'd love to see your images included in our Facebook thread! What other trails are among your faves for winter hiking in North Carolina? Let us know!
Want more? Keep reading with this list of trails that are perfect for winter hikes in North Carolina!
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