Max Patch

Hot Springs is the closest town to the expansive views of Max Patch!

Max Patch is an out-of-the-way place with a BIG following! It owes its popularity to its 360 degree vistas of the Blue Ridge mountains. While most of the Blue Ridge mountains are heavily forested, Max Patch has always had an Appalachian bald ecosystem, with unique plants and an overall shorter canopy. At the top there’s just grass and beautiful wildflowers around and you can turn in any direction to look out on the forested hills below! Our family loves heading up in July and August to snack on some wild blueberries while we hike! At 4,600 ft in elevation, Max Patch also can provide respite from the summer heat. If you are in a T-shirt in Hot Springs, be prepared to bring a sweater (or two!) on your journey up to Max Patch.