Asbury Max Patch to Hot Springs Adventure

Max Patch to the French Broad River

April 24-27, 2025

4 days/3 Nights on the Appalachian Trail

$299.99 per person

$499 with Gear Rental

Includes all meals on the trail, and devotions each day led by Bruce W. Martin.

This hike is rated MODERATE to STRENUOUS

DESCRIPTION:

This is a 4-day, 3-night wilderness backpacking adventure on the Appalachian Trail. We’ll start at one of the most iconic balds on the AT, Max Patch, and travel North for 4 days summiting Walnut Mountain and Bluff Mountains before we descend to the French Broad River. Your registration includes a guided hike, all your meals on the trail, and spiritual direction each day by Bruce W. Martin.

 DAILY ITINERARY

Friday Morning: You will need to make your travel plans to arrive in Hot Springs, NC around 12:00 noon. (EST) We’ll park in the AT hikers parking area at the South end of the city, then  shuttle back to our trailhead. 

DAY ONE: Max Patch to Roaring Fork (5 miles)

We begin the Appalachian Trail at the Max Patch Mountain Trailhead.  We’ll hike up and over Max Patch (4629 ft.) a beautiful bald, and then hike along a ridgeline, finally descending into Roaring Fork (3530 ft.) where we’ll make camp.

DAY TWO: Roaring Fork to Three Springs (8 miles)
We hike through a small clearing at Lemon Gap (3550 ft.), then up  Walnut Mountain (4280 ft.), followed by Bluff Mountain, the highest point of our pilgrimage at 4,686 ft!  We then descend into a secluded camp at Three Springs complete with an old tobacco barn and hunter’s cabin.

DAY THREE: Three Springs to Deer Park Mountain (4 miles)
We’ll hike through Garenflo Gap, over Long Mountain and Lamb’s Knob, then finish at the Deer Park Mountain shelter (2,330 ft.) and re-visit the tree we cut down in 2004!

DAY FOUR: Deer Park Mountain to Hot Springs (3 miles)
We’ll hike up a long incline, then roll up and down before a long descent to the beautiful French Broad River. We’ll hike into Hot Springs, NC, then hit the road looking for a local pub to enjoy some excellent food and drink! 

No gear, no problem! You can rent all of your backpacking equipment from us for just $200 per person. Just look for the registration “with  Rental Gear” and click “Add to Cart.” We’ll get you set up with all the essential gear you need for backpacking.