Max Patch, North Carolina

Alright, let's be honest.  How many times have you gotten so frustrated with your dog that you wanted to put it into an eternity's length of doggie timeouts?  If you are offended by this question and select "No" as your answer, then you are a liar.  We all love dogs.  They look so cute on Instagram or when we see them out in public, but spend more than a day with one and your thoughts will do a 180 really quick.  Why is this the case?  How can something so cute cause so much frustration and aggravation?  Why do they poop in the bed?  Why do they bring home dead animals and leave them on the front porch?  Why do they constantly disrespect their surroundings by stinking up the house with their smelly farts?  These are all mind-bending questions philosophers have spent centuries pondering over and can't seem to answer.  We simply don't know the answers.  Dogs do some pretty crazy things, but it's ok.  I still believe that they are "man's best friend".  I first realized this while visiting Max Patch, North Carolina with Gimli.  

Max Patch, North Carolina

"Heaven on Earth is a "bald" located on the Appalachian Trail in North Carolina.  Change my mind"

- Gimli the Golden 

   Gimli preparing to sprint down a path on top of Max Patch

Looking to get away on a day trip with your dog?  Max Patch should be on the very top of your prospective list.  Open spaces, 360 degree views of the beautiful Appalachian Mountains, and the perfect opportunity for bonding with your pup create all the perfect reasons to visit.  Max Patch is located in the heart of the Pisgah National Forest in North Carolina.  It's a short 20 mile trip from the quaint mountain town Hot Springs, 50-60 miles from hipsterville Asheville, and roughly 80 miles from "Big Orange Country" Knoxville Tennessee.  This hidden gem has some of the very best views of the mountains in the south, and having your dog companion with you to share the experience somehow makes the views so much better.  "This is awesome!  Let's  hop in the car with the dog and drive straight up to this perfectly placed mound to look at some pretty mountain scenery!"  Yeah it's not that simple, but hey, you got Gimli and me here to help prepare you with everything you need to know.  So buckle up and get ready for a bumpy ride.  Literally.

What You Will Need   

•   Wind-breaker-   yes, the wind can be really bad.  No trees and high elevation= lots o' wind.
•   Layers-    regardless of what season it is, make sure to pack multiple layers.  The temperature can potentially drop 10-15 degrees by the time you arrive at the top with your dog.   
• Hiking Boots-  after parking, you will have a 1.5 mile (roundtrip) hike ahead of you.
• Water, snacks, and a meal-  bring a backpack to carry all your needs, along with  blanket to lay out your treats so you and hairy four feet can have a picnic.  
• Hat / sunscreen / sunglasses-  context clues
• Camera / phone - #InstaPic and dog-modeling opportunities galore 
• Transportation-  Unless you are hiking the Appalachian Trail, you will need a car. 

What Your Dog Will Need

• Leash-  "But my dog is trained".  Use common sense and still bring a leash.  
• Treats, water, and a meal-  You are both going to be outside an exerting some energy.  The pup will need fuel.  
• Toys-  frisbee, ball, or anything you can play fetch with.  There is plenty of open space.  Bring a kite, that's cool too.  (OR) Chewy/squeaky toys for when the pup is tired.
• Poop bags-  So technically this point should go under the "What You Will Need" section, but I am lazy and would rather place it in this section.  Either way, you will need to clean up after your dog.  Do your part. (There are no restrooms, so keep that in mind).  

Gimli posing in front of the Pisgah National Forest Sign (obligtory)

The Drive

Please make sure you have plenty of gas and all your tires are aired up to the appropriate Psi levels.  I fell like my dad right now, always making sure the tires are filled up before leaving out on a trip,  but seriously, make sure you are prepared for the journey. Have you ever heard The Climb by Miley Cyrus?  If you haven't, look up the lyrics on Google and they will define for you what this drive is going to be all about.  Once you turn off onto the Harmon Den exit heading towards the Pisgah National Forest, you are going to hit a 30 minute inclined-stretch of gravel and switch-backs leading to the parking area.  The path is also very narrow and you can barely fit two vehicles on it.  Well you can, but you really need to be careful and just pay attention.  Do that and you will be good to go.  There are plenty of pot holes on the way to the top, so look out or those as well.  This is the toughest part of the whole trip so make sure you ease your pup on the way up (anxiety will probably hit).  Between the both of you someone will have to be brave and courageous.  It's going to have to be you.  Make sure to keep an eye on your GPS and it will lead you directly where are you needing to go.  Just be prepared for the long trek of gravel road and you will be all set.

Gimli's Recommendation:  If you have a doggie seat-belt clip, bring one.  It's not a deadly ride or anything like that, but it's extremely bumpy/springy/bouncy/ ROUGH, so your pup may be thrown around some.  Just for your peace of mind and the comfort of the dog, bring one.  

Parking

Parking will be limited, however, I have never been to Max Patch and it be so crowded that there was literally no where to park.  You may have to be creative and park straddling a ditch or something like that, but you will be able to find a spot.  In all seriousness, there is a designated parking area right at the trail head that has the mapped out information for Max Patch (see image below).  This gravel lot can probably fit approximately 25 cars/bikes.  Try this location first.  If you are out of luck and the tree-huggers have beat you to the best spots, continue to drive past this lot and look for parking on the side of the gravel road.  If you can't parallel park, then you will need to learn.  Do it for your dog.  If it can't visit Max Patch because you can't parallel park, then you are what is wrong with this world.  I don't really mean that, just trying to add some flair to this section of the post.  If there is a huge crowd on the day you choose to go, parking close to the trail head will be hard to find, but you won't have to park further away than a 5 minute walk to the trail entry.  Here's the takeaway:  

• Gravel lots
• not a whole lot of designated parking space
•  tightly packed in
•  but no need to worry because you will find a spot.  
• You and your dog may just have to walk a little bit.  No biggie.  One of the Max Patch maps at the base of the trail

The Hike (Walking Path)

I honestly do not refer to this as a hike.  I'm not coming from a "I am in such good shape and not calling it a hike because it is too easy and if I were to refer to it as a hike it would make it seem like I think it is strenuous enough to call it a hike when it is really just a simple stroll that only someone out of shape would consider as a hike" perspective.  I simply consider the "hike" as the only way to get to the end destination.  A hike (correct me if I am wrong) is more about the actual journey than the destination.  Yes, you may go on a "hike" with the goal in mind to reach the destination.  The destination may even be awesome and beautiful and desirable, but part of the hike is the journey, making it a "hike".  There are a lot of you who will enjoy the journey to the top of Max Patch's Mountain, but I am so focused on arriving at the top that the "journey" is not a focal point of this trip, just the destination.  Therefore, I do not call it a hike, just a walking path.  I just went back and read what I typed.  My philosophy on this makes no sense.  I am going to leave it though because maybe someone will be like, "Oh. Ok. Cool.  I'm glad I'm not the only one who sees it that way".  Moving on (no pun intended).  Once you arrive at the informational signage at the base of Max Patch with your dog, you will have a decision to make.  There are essentially three ways to get to the top:  You can go straight up the middle to the top, around the left and loop up to the top, or around to the right and loop to the top as well.  Regardless of which route you choose, you are looking at a 10-20 minute trip to the top depending on your fitness level (and your dog's activity level).  It is inclined and the elevation change happens quickly, so I recommend having your water handy (and poop bags because Fido will want to poop at the most inconvenient time when you are tired and about to pass out from lactic acid buildup).  

Gimli's recommendation:  Do you know those cool water/food bowls for your pup that fold inwards (collapses) and become flat so you can pack it in tight to your purse, bag, backpack, etc?  Then you can unfold it to use for water/food?  Bring one of those, they are super convenient, and are not cumbersome at all.  

Sometimes one or more of the paths may be closed because of the season, trail work, or other factors.  Just pick one of the directions and go along your merry way.  Get excited, because once you get to the top and fight your way through the pain, agony, and uncanny similarities (once again) between the lyrics of The Climb by Miley Cyrus and the difficulty of this trail, you and your doggie friend are going to fall in love with the views.  Watch your dog's reaction (after giving him some water and a treat for conquering the mountain) and it will bring some joy to your heart.  I promise.  

The View & What To Do

Gimli cheesin' with incredible mountain vistas in the background 

"360 degree views as far as the eye can see create an endless amount of wonder and awe-inspiring purpose which will persuade you to cherish every waking moment you have on this mound of magic in the hills of stunning North Carolina". -  Gimli the Golden 

Goodness, Gimli is really good with words (as I wipe a tear from my eye). 

Max Patch is a bald in the middle of stunning mountain ranges.  A bald is basically a hilltop that has no trees, so you are essentially on a really big mound with tall grass, wildflowers, and K9s in the middle of the beautiful mountains of North Carolina.  No matter what direction you look, you are going to see breathtaking mountain vistas.  There is no bad spot on top of the bald, but try your best to secure a general location by pitching a tent, throwing a blanket out, or doing something to mark your spot (no, not raising your leg and pissing on the ground, Gimli.  smh).  You are more than likely going to see a lot of tents pitched.  The top of the bald serves as a prime location for backpackers, hikers, and campers.  In particular, those who are hiking on the Appalachian Trail.  The AT (Appalachian Trail)is a 2,000 mile journey from Georgia to Maine (or from Maine to Georgia... whichever way you look at it).  The Max Patch trail is part of the AT.  I have only hiked the Tennessee portion of the AT, but I am willing to bet that the bald at Max Patch is the most beautiful part of the entire AT  (correct me if I am wrong ladies and gents).  Make sure to take plenty of pictures for social media, and put your pup right in the middle of the shot.  The shots you'll get of your dog on this trip will be some of the best photos you'll ever take.  This is honestly one of the best parts about the visit to Max Patch: getting some awesome photos/videos of your dog being truly free.      

What should you do?  Just hangout and enjoy your time with your furry best friend.  If that's taking a nap together on a blanket while taking in the views and feeling the soft wind blow through your hair.  Go for it. Maybe it's running with your dog from one end of the bald to the other.  Do it.  Whatever bonding looks like for you and your pup, just embrace the moment because Max Patch provides you with the perfect setting.  

Gimli's Recommendation:  Gimli loved laying on the blanket while having a picnic with me.  I poured him some water, shared some apples and cheese with him, and we pointed out all the crazy cloud formations above.  Later we played some fetch, worked on some obedience commands, and chased each other around the entire bald. Even though Gimli absolutely hates it, make sure to get plenty of photo/video of you and your dog.  I know I keep mentioning it, but trust me, it's worth it.  Remember, you just braved driving up an entire mountain with your dog pooping all over the backset of your car just so you could come here to take it all in with your four-legged friend.  Just enjoy the moment and grow closer to your dog.  Gimli also recommends staying for half the day.  By the time you sit down and cool off from he trip to the top, eat, take in the views, and play, it will be half a day's experience.  In addition, try timing it to where you can either see the sunrise or sunset on top of the mountain.  It's an experience completely worth sharing with your pup. 

Other things to do with your dog at Max Patch:

• Meditate 
• Yoga
• Storytime 
• Stargaze 
• Anything that you want to do.  Get creative and make sure to take advantage of this time you have with your pup in such a beautiful place.   

Things To Note

More than likely you will see other dogs on top of the mountain.  Make sure to be smart and keep your pup on a leash.  I know you think that you have the best dog ever and that it is so friendly around others.  That may be true, but you can't always trust the other dog, so be smart and use common sense.  Also, there is a lot of wind on top of the mountain, so if you are flying a kite, pitching a tent, or posting an umbrella for shade just make sure to watch your surroundings and don't let someone walking by get impaled by your object flying through the air just because you weren't paying attention. Keep an eye out for the weather conditions as well.  This area tends to be a hot spot for lightning strikes.  An elevated area, close to the sky, with no trees does not create the best combination if you are trying to avoid lightning strikes, so make sure to do your homework and watch the forecast before arriving.  Last note:  If there is snow/ice in the area, do not risk going to the top.  The gravel road to the top is already tricky enough without snow and ice.  Don't put you and your dog in a situation where you could get injured.  As always, use your head. 

The life of  dog

Final Thoughts        

The whole purpose of this blog is to shed light on this fact:  If you want to grow in connection, bond, and love with your dog, then you have to make the effort to spend some time with each other.  It is best to spend time in new places where you both get to experience new things together and grow that friendship.  I want to go back to what was said at the beginning of this post.  I started off with all the crazy things dogs do that get on our nerves and drive us up the wall.  Dogs are animals and they are going to act like animals and they are going to drive you crazy most of the time.  But the more you experience together, the more you will start to realize that dogs really are man's best friend.  I said that Max Patch helped me realize that Gimli is my best friend.  When we arrived at the very top of the bald, he stopped, turned around and looked at me, and then started running as fast as he could through the tall grass around him.  I set up our spot, laid the blanket out, and got some water.  Gimli made his way over to the blanket to join me.  He gave me a big ole' lick on the face and fell in my lap smiling.  He drank some water, and then we just sat there looking at the beautiful mountain views.  I was able to see through all his craziness, smelliness, and independence as he sat down right next to me on top of the Max Patch mound to take in the views.  He wanted to be right next to me and I wanted to be right next to him.  It can be so easy to miss all the good moments with your dog because of all the bad that seem to be so easily noticed, but places like Max Patch help bring what's true to light:  Your dog is your best friend, just give it a chance to show you.  

         Me and my best friend