MAX PATCH

WATERVILLE, NC

Max Patch is a high alpine bald in a remote area on the NC/TN border. Surrounded by 6000 foot peaks and bisected by the Appalachian Trail, you will want to linger when you get there. There are several popular routes to the top. The 44 mile version published here approaches the bald from the southwest via the long Harmon Den gravel climb. On the way you will visit Buzzard’s Roost with its sheer drop and impressive view of the interstate far below. Several roads on the Max Patch route rank among the highest quality gravel ever ridden by SoutheastCyclingRoutes.com.

There are several options for accessing the 4,629 foot high bald mountaintop known as Max Patch. Popular start options include Del Rio TN to the north and Hot Springs NC to the northeast. This version starts in the town of Waterford, on the banks of the Pigeon River to the southwest.

Maps are not clear on whether Waterford is actually in North Carolina or Tennessee. A large “Welcome to North Carolina” sign at the bridge over Big Creek makes the former a good bet but you could throw a rock into the latter if you wanted. Regardless, get off Interstate 40 at Waterville Rd (exit 451) on the Tennessee side of the border. Fun Fact: The Appalachian Trail crosses the over the Pigeon River and under the interstate at this location. A small park adjacent to the Walters Hydroelectric Plant offers parking for about twenty cars but little else.

Once under way, pavement gives way to gravel and climbing begins after only 0.8 miles. Up to mile 4.9, land on your right is part of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Keep your eyes peeled for a footpath leading downhill around mile 11.6. Marked with a red cross, the path leads to an overlook known as Buzzards Roost. The view of the surrounding mountains and interstate 1000 feet below is breathtaking, especially if you are afraid of heights! At the time the route was scouted, gravel on the initial climb was some of the finest ever ridden by SoutheastCyclingRoutes.com – hard packed, smooth and swept clean as if with a broom.

High quality gravel continues on the descent from Buzzards Roost until Pigeon River Crossing – a concrete span which is often submerged when the river is high. Consider well whether it has rained heavily in the days leading up to your ride and consider eyeballing the crossing before committing to the start. Pigeon River Crossing is located a few hundred feet off Interstate 40, exit 7 on the NC side of the border.

Once across the river you will need to settle in and find a rhythm because the Max Patch parking lot is 2500 feet above you. Harmon Den Rd is wide and the gravel is superb. Expect lots of distractions as you gain elevation – rushing creeks, fields of wildflowers in summer and wonderful views year-round. There may be some motor vehicle traffic, especially on summer weekends and keep an eye out for equestrians. Should you need it, the Cold Spring Picnic Area provides a welcome interruption about half way up. It’s a great place to filter water and relax in the shade of a river birch. The entrance to the picnic area is shared with the Harmon Den Horse Camp, to your right at mile 20.

It would be a sin to ride to Max Patch and not visit the summit. For cyclists, the issue of getting beyond the parking lot is complicated by the Nation Forest Service rule which states, “Bikes must stay on roads only.” It’s clear that bicycles can’t be ridden on the summit trails but whether they can be pushed or carried is uncertain. If you do walk up, and you should, the trail to the left of the kiosk is somewhat easier and the preferred route.

You will need to trust your GPS on the way down. Brown Gap Rd isn’t shown on some maps and many side roads make the descent seem somewhat labyrinthine. The rough surface requires good line choice if you lingered too long on the bald and are racing the sun back to your car. It’s a rugged and extremely beautiful place but the forest is dense and which road to take is not always obvious. Follow the line on your GPS and you will eventually break out of the woods onto wonderfully smooth and gently undulating pavement. The final gravel segment is county maintained and steep before crossing the interstate, the river, and coasting back to your car.

About an hour west of Asheville, NC and adjacent to Great Smoky Mountains National Park, there’s more to do in the area than can reasonably be packed into a week long vacation. Non-riding family (shame on them!) can meet you at the top with supplies, tour the Biltmore estate or shop at the outlets while you tackle the Max Patch route. Gravel routes visit some amazing places but Max Patch is one of the few which defy adjectives. It’s special, and worth the effort.

Drop a note in the comment section if you ride the Max Patch route and let other know how it went.

Terms of Use: Use of this route is at your own risk. This route map and associated route descriptions are believed correct at the time of publication but accuracy cannot be guaranteed. You assume all responsibility for 1) checking weather and road conditions, 2) knowing and obeying land use rules and restrictions, 3) knowing and obeying all rules of the road, 4) carrying and using proper safety and navigation equipment and, 5) knowing the limits of your physical ability. SoutheasCyclingRoutes.com, contributors and Timothy Hollingworth are in no way liable for personal injury, damage to personal property, or any other loss to individuals following this route or using information contained in the route map or description.