Snowbird to Max Patch Appalachian Trail Adventure

Stone Staircase to Max Patch Bald, NC

April 16-18, 2021

3 days/2 Nights on the Appalachian Trail

FREE

You are responsible for transportation, meals, shuttle service between trailheads, and the 1 hour hot tub treatment at the Hot Springs Resort and Spa after our hike!

This hike is rated strenuous

THE BRIEFING:

This is a 3-day, 2-night wilderness backpacking adventure along 14 miles of  the Appalachian Trail. We’ll start at the famed Stone Staircase, summit Snowbird Mountain on day two, finally finishing on one of the most iconic balds on the AT, Max Patch. 

THE MISSION:

We’ll meet at the Max Patch Parking Area trailhead at 12:00 noon. Then we’ll take a shuttle back to our starting trailhead at I-40.

DAY ONE: Stone Staircase to Painters Branch (3 miles)

We begin the Appalachian Trail at the famous Stone Staircase at I-40 travelling North on the Appalachian trail ascending some 1,600 feet in 3 miles all the way to Painter’s Branch where we’ll make camp overnight.

DAY TWO: Painter’s Branch to Groundhog Creek (5 miles)
This day will be another uphill kind of day gaining over 1,100 feet overall. We’ll leave Painter’s Branch and ascend through Spanish Oak Gap, then continue to the summit of Snowbird Mountain at 4,263 feet where we’ll enjoy lunch with some beautiful views. We’ll then descend into the Groundhog Creek camping area where we’ll camp overnight.

DAY THREE: Groundhog Creek to Max Patch Bald (6 miles)
We’ll hike up and out of our camping area, continuing along the AT to the high point of our trip, Max Patch Mountain. Max Patch is one of the most iconic balds on the entire AT with spectacular 360 degree views. We’ll then drive into Hot Springs, NC for a well-deserved 1-hour treatment in the natural hot springs! Afterwards, we’ll head over to a local pub to enjoy some excellent food and drink before heading  home!