Hot Springs, North Carolina - Hiking Max Patch Bald, Mineral Springs and an Adventure Town

When we first moved to South Carolina I started doing research, as one does, on places to see and things to do. Upon seeing photos of Max Patch Bald just outside of Hot Springs, North Carolina, I placed it on my Travel Wish List. It took me awhile to get there, but I finally did. Hot Springs is a very small town and lodging  options are limited. When I happened upon Broadwing Farm and its 3 cabins, I knew that was where I wanted to stay. Unfortunately, a little thing called a pandemic happened and we had to put our plans on hold. When the cabins re-opened after lockdown, we were able to rebook for June of last year and I was beyond excited to finally explore Hot Springs and hike Max Patch.

Broadwing Farm Cabins

Located one mile from Hot Springs, Broadwing is an 85 acre working farm with 3 rental cabins. Each cabin comes with mountain views and its own private naturally warm mineral water hot tub. (Broadwing is one of only two places in Hot Springs with natural mineral springs)

We stayed in the very homey Pine Cabin which has a queen bed in the loft and a futon downstairs. There is one bath, a full kitchen, patio and, of course, a private hot tub about 10 steps from the cabin. (A 3 night minimum stay on weekends is required and 2 night on weekdays) 

You can roam the farm, taking a walk around the pond and enjoy the setting - which we did. We cooked breakfast in the kitchen and headed into Hot Springs for dinner. Unfortunately, we had a full day of rain. But that didn't dampen our spirits. We played cards and took walks in between the rain drops! And there is always the hot tub available at any time!

Hot Springs

Hot Springs is a teeny tiny town in western North Carolina known for adventure - hiking the Appalachian Trail, floating/rafting the French Broad River - and for its mineral springs. The heart of the town is the 100 acre Hot Springs Resort and Spa, along Spring Creek, where you can "take the waters", the natural mineral hot springs. There are also music festivals to take in and that famous bald, Max Patch, which we'll get to in a minute.

We ate dinner in Hot Springs on two different nights at two different places - Spring Creek Tavern and Iron Horse Station. We also enjoyed an adult beverage after our hike at Big Pillow Brewing at one of their outdoor picnic tables. And a few of us did a little shopping in one of the stores.

Spring Creek Tavern is set along...you guessed it, Spring Creek. It's a bustling pub food place with outdoor patio. The night we were there was a bit of a wait - and no pagers here, the host just yelled your name loudly through the town- so we walked the town which only took a few minutes. 

Iron Horse Station is a bit more upscale with a fancier menu and a fireplace to dine by if the weather permits. The food was good and so was the service - just be aware that it is closed on Tuesday and Wednesday.

My delicious dinner at Iron Horse Station

Max Patch Bald

A bald is a hilltop without any trees on it - be it natural or from being cleared of trees at one point. Max Patch, part of the Appalachian Trail, is not naturally bald - it was cleared for grazing in the 19th Century - but it is naturally beautiful. At times, covered in wildflowers, it is one of the most popular - if not THE most popular - sections of the AT. The two mile loop, classified as moderate, to get to the top is worth the stunning, 360 degree views. 

Set at some 4000 plus feet, it really does feel like you're on top of the world. Having wanted to go there in what seems like forever, I was afraid I might be disappointed. No chance. 

Located about 20 miles west of Hot Springs ( signs are fairly well marked though we did run into one spot of confusion), there is a small parking area so we arrived early and before the heat of the day. You start the walk through a shady forest and come out into a grassy meadow. (There are signposts showing the way) The climb is very gradual and is 1.5 miles to the summit. Once at the summit you can picnic, toss a frisbee or just enjoy the views. 

The entire trail is 2.6 mile loop and brings you back down to the gravel parking lot and trailhead. There's plenty of views and wildflowers to look at still on your way down. And you can always reward yourself at Big Pillow Brewing or with an ice cream cone if you prefer. 

The native to western North Carolina, Flame Azalea

Despite a full day of rain, I  only have positive words for this weekend and Hot Springs and Broadwing Farm and Max Patch Bald. If you have a chance to visit the small hamlet of Hot Springs or hike Max Patch, I think you'll enjoy it.

How about you? Have you been to Hot Springs? Or hiked Max Patch Bald?

Linking up with: My Corner of the World at Photographing New Zealand!