Trails in the Harmon Den - Max Patch Trailhead Area
Here is a list of trails in the Harmon Den - Max Patch Trailhead area. For more information and a map (where available), click the trail name.
Buckeye Ridge
Blaze Color: Yellow
USGS/USFS Number: 304
This trail has panoramic views from open fields of Max Patch, follows both trail and old road. Park on SR 1182 at Cherry Ridge trailhead.
Cherry Creek
Blaze Color: Yellow
USGS/USFS Number: 300
This is a steep forest trail with rock outcrops and tight switchbacks. Climbs 1,300 feet in 1.6 miles.
Cherry Ridge
Blaze Color: Yellow
USGS/USFS Number: 301
Good connector trail. Follow old logging road through hardwood forest. Park on SR 1182.
Cold Springs
Blaze Color: Yellow
USGS/USFS Number: 302
Follow Cold Springs Creek through the woods. Park at junctions of NFSR 148 and 3526, or SR 1182 and NFSR 148.
Groundhog Creek
Blaze Color: Blue
USGS/USFS Number: 315
This trail follows Groundhog Creek for most of its length. Just below the Appalachian Trail shelter the trail crosses an old road. Water is available along the trail and at the shelter. Offers 9.5 mile loop: Combine with Groundhog Creek, Rube Rock and Appalachian trails.
Long Loop
Longer loop circling Max Patch Mountain. Descends into some beautiful meadows lower down the mountain with views back up to the top. Rhododendron tunnels. One section passes by the headwaters of a tiny stream, where a few very old, fat trees grow. Intersects the A.T as well as the Buckeye Ridge trail. Follows some old roads part of the way around.
Robert Gap
Blaze Color: Yellow
USGS/USFS Number: 303
Follows gated logging roads with several vistas and stream crossings. Begins and ends on SR 1182. Follow the road to make a loop.
Rube Rock
Blaze Color: Yellow
USGS/USFS Number: 314
This trail is one of the district's most difficult trails due to steepness in several places. It intersects the Appalachian and Groundhog trails to form a 9.5 mile loop.
Short Loop
Crosses the summit, which is exactly where you want to be when you visit Max Patch Mountain. Due to its central location, you can see just about everything from up here, from the Smokies, to Mount Mitchell, and halfway across Tennessee - which may be why this mountain is sometimes called "The Crown Jewel of the Appalachian Trail" (which crosses the mountain as well). Bring the kids, a kite, a picnic, a blanket, and spend some time up here! Follow the signs to follow the trail.
