This Favorite Spot In North Carolina Has The Best Sunset In The South

Nothing shows off the beauty of the natural world quite like a sunset. When the day’s finale is especially vibrant, no dazzling Fourth of July fireworks show or manmade special effect can come close to competing. A few things we love about sunsets: they’re free, there’s always an encore performance, and you can see one from just about anywhere. The sparkle and reflection of the sun gleaming off a rippling ocean makes a beach sunset especially romantic. Other times, the best place to watch the sun slip under the horizon is from comfort of your very own back porch. But for sunset chasers searching for their next all-time favorite show, there’s one place that should immediately jump to the top of your bucket list, and it’s Max Patch in Hot Springs, North Carolina.

What Makes Max Patch Special?

Located on the North Carolina-Tennessee border, Max Patch is a grassy mountain bald surrounded by old-growth forest at lower elevations. The unusual setting is an ecosystem unique to Southern Appalachia that creates an incredible, almost surreally beautiful backdrop for a sunset. From the top of the bare mountain, you’ll have unfettered 360-degree views of the Appalachian Mountains without trees, shrubs, or anything else blocking your view. The result is a breathtaking combination of color and textures—green and tan grasses in the forefront, rolling hills and blue mountains just behind, and a fiery orange sky to preside over it all— that’s guaranteed to be unlike anything you’ve seen before.

As you reach the summit of this mountain, which sits at a height of 4,629 feet, the wooded terrain dissipates into an open and flat field covered in pasture and perennial grasses that seem to playfully dance and shimmy in the breeze. In spring, this unexpected swath of meadowland is adorned with wildflowers.

Once you look out over the grasses, you’ll have panoramic views of mountains in every direction. Look to your east and you’ll see the towering Mount Mitchell. To the southwest are some of Great Smoky Mountains National Park’s biggest summits, including Mt. Guyot, Mt. Sterling, and Big Cataloochee. Farther in the distance you’ll see silhouettes of the Plott and Great Balsam Ranges (to the southeast), the Black Mountains (east), and Roan Mountain (north). At sunset though, you’ll want to turn your attention to the west for the best view of all.

How To Visit Max Patch

One of the best things about Max Patch is how accessible it is. Referred to as the Jewel of the Southern Appalachian Trail, it’s located just an hour and 20 minutes east of Gatlinburg and is a similar distance driving from Asheville. Once you make it to the trail’s small parking lot in Del Rio, Tennessee, it’s just about a mile’s hike to the top. That means in a matter of 15 minutes (if you’re hustling) or 20 at a mosey, you’ll reach the top of the mountain and have access to all those unbelievable views. A small price to pay for a big reward, if you ask us. The entire loop trail to the top of Max Patch and back is just 1.5 miles, so after you’ve soaked in that magnificent sunset, you’ll have plenty of light left to make your way back down. Sunset at Max Patch can come as early as 5:20 p.m. in winter months and as late as 8:50 p.m. in the heart of summer.  

Max Patch was once a popular camping spot for locals, visitors, and through-hikers, since the loop is a connector on the Appalachian Trail and the top of the mountain is actually part of the trail. In 2021, the National Forest Service closed the area to overnight campers due to concerns about widespread littering and natural habitat destruction. As of now, Max Patch will remain closed to camping until 2026. However, the area is open until one hour after sunset, so you won’t have to rush to get out. Pack a picnic, then sit back, relax, and enjoy the stunning show.