A popular hiking and camping spot in Western North Carolina will have restrictions for several more years.
A press release from the U.S. Forest Service, says Forest Supervisor James Melonas signed an extension of the occupancy/use closure for Max Patch through June 30, 2026.
The mountain has been closed to overnight camping, campfires, groups larger than 10 people and other recreational uses since July 1, 2021 after overuse began taking its toll. The bald mountain on the North Carolina-Tennessee Border in Madison County, North Carolina, and Cocke County, Tennessee is a popular stop on the Appalachian Trail and for single day hikes as well.
The Forest Service said the restrictions were put into place to protect the popular site and the health and safety of the public from the continued damage from user created trails, litter, and other negative impacts stemming from the large influx of people looking to get outdoors during the pandemic.
The Forest Service has been working closely with the Carolina Mountain Club, Appalachian Trail Conservancy and Spring Creek community members to educate, outreach, and complete the needed restoration work.
