anoramic views of mountains, Mt. Mitchell to the east, the Smokies to the west. Description From the intersection of the A.T. and NC SR 1182, hike north on the A.T. passing through a stile in the fence along the road. Enter the woods and descend 0.1 miles to a small creek. Begin to ascend and cross a gravel road at 0.25 miles. The trail climbs Max Patch on log steps carved into the hillside and then crosses the grass to the broad summit of the mountain. Directions Take exit 7 on Interstate 40 and head east on gravel Cold Spring Road, USFS 148, for six miles, then left (north) on NC SR 1182 to intersection with A.T.; parking on left. (1/2 mile beyond, at ridge crest is FS parking area at base of Max Patch for alternate hike routes – map is on bulletin board.)