Solo Camping on Max Patch Mountain
If you've always wanted to camp alone, this is the perfect place!
I started going on solo adventures in 2015 in April when I ventured to South America on my own to visit Peru and Bolivia. That was the first time I ever traveled outside of the U.S. so it was kind of a big deal. Since then, I've done a mini 'Grand Circle' road trip around Utah and Arizona, multiple road trips to North Carolina/Tennessee, a recent three week road trip to Montana, Wyoming, and Canada, and multiple other mini adventures. Each time I travel somewhere alone, it gets easier and easier every time.
On my most recent adventure, I drove to Max Patch Mountain to camp overnight and this place did not disappoint at all. To get here you just have to drive on a gravel road for a bit, but once you get to the parking lot, it's only a little over a mile to get up to the summit of Max Patch Mountain where you'll get gorgeous 360 degree views of North Carolina and Tennessee.
I packed up my backpack with my tent, sleeping bag and pad, snacks, a book, my camera, and basically spent the night by myself enjoying my solitude on this gorgeous bald. I got to enjoy this beautiful sunset on the mountain:
It was definitely a peaceful moment for me watching the beautiful sun set below the horizon.
And then the next morning I woke up to an equally gorgeous sunrise!
There were a few others who camped overnight so I didn't feel so secluded to the point where I would have been too scared to camp there. From what I've read online is that it seems to be a popular place so I can't imagine ever having the whole place to yourself as it is so easily accessible to get to. But I don't mind this as a solo camper because it gives me a little peace of mind knowing that there are at least some humans nearby! I'm sure the more and more I go camping alone, to further places that are more secluded, the easier it will be for me to not be scared of being too alone out in the wilderness. However for now, a place like Max Patch was perfect and I recommend it for anyone out there wanting to try solo camping.
We want to acknowledge and thank the past, present, and future generations of all Native Nations and Indigenous Peoples whose ancestral lands we travel, explore, and play on. Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your adventures and follow local regulations. Please explore responsibly!
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