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 Reporter |
Summary: Enter the woods via the step stones and begin an ascent of 2863' over the 5 miles.After .5 mi the trail will exit the woods only to cross a USFS road turn right and then look to the left for the blaze to enter woods. At 2.7 near Painter Branch are good campsites(unlike the GSMNP you can camp along the AT). About 2.4 more miles you will reach Snowbird Mt, a good resting spot with views.Now descend 1363' for the next 2.6 mi to Deep Gap and to Groundhog Creek Shelter.The shelter sleeps six and has a privy , covered picnic table and good stream for water.From here backtrack to At and at Brown Gap the AT crosses a USFS road again and steeply continues for 3.2 miles after more ridgetop trail, the AT crosses Max Patch Road, look across for the cattle fence and white blaze. A narrow trail through a "rhodo tunnel" snakes it's way to the grassy bald.You will intersect with Max Patch loop but follow white blaze to summit. To descend follow AT back to Max Patch loop to parking. Trailhead: Arrange a shuttle or drop first car at Max Patch then leave second car at Big Creek Ranger Station .5 mi past trailhead. Start: From I-40 Exit 451,turn left and look for stone staircase on left. End: I-40 East to Exit 7 Harmon Den (NC). Turn left at end of exit ramp onto gravel road. Follow this road for about 6 miles then turn left until it ends. Turn left onto Max Patch Road, the parking area is about 2.5 miles on right. This hike could be a strenuous day hike for more advanced hikers with a key swap using I-40 exit and Max Patch as parking. (Lat:35.78817 Lon:-83.09934) Trail Guides for AT I-40/Max Patch: Exploring the Appalachian Trail: Georgia North Carolina Tennessee (Exploring the Appalachian Trail) by Doris Gove (Stackpole Books) White Blaze Fever by Bill Schutte (Virtualbookworm.com) Best Seasons: Fall, Spring, Summer, User Groups: Hikers, Dogs, Ranger Contact: APPALACIAN/FRENCH BROAD RANGER DISTRICT 828-622-3202 Localhikes Reporter: This hike was submitted by Bobby Trotter, who has posted 74 other hikes on this site Trail Reviews Submit your own review 
Reviewed by Brian on 10/19/2005 Great hike for families and/or beginners, moderate hike to top of grassy bald with great views of NC & TN. 
Reviewed by Lisa on 10/17/2005 Gorgeous hike! Notice: Traveling in the backcountry can be hazardous. You are responsible for informing yourself about these hazards and taking necessary precautions. Information on this web site comes from volunteer reporters and may contain errors or omissions. A current guidebook and proper equipment are essential for safe enjoyment of the hikes posted on this site. Keys: Tennessee Hiking, Tennessee Trails, Tennessee Hikes, Cocke County Hiking, Cocke County Trails, Cocke County Hikes | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||