October 25-26, 2014
It’s hard to imagine a better coupling for a weekend hike: Max Patch and fall foliage. This section of the AT runs from I-40 to Max Patch. Undulation reaches its first crescendo over the FAA tower, an orb, alien-like federal building with beautiful views. Night saw my friend Scott and I staying at the Groundhog Creek Shelter, albeit in a campsite near the shelter. Seeing as neither one of us wanted to pitch a fight against the mice, we set up tents nearby. There were a surprising number of other weekend hikers there. The next morning was a nice quiet hike to Max Patch. I’m glad this is the purpose of my first blog post. It is my favorite place that I have ever visited. I’ve always heard that Max Patch was the Cherokee center of the universe. Whether true or not, the spiritual feeling of Max Patch is undeniable.
Total mileage is 16.1 miles.
