Harmon Den -> Max Patch Gravel Grind
Gravel Riding Trail
Moderate
15.54 mi
2,483 ft
A gravel ride to a beautiful bald mountaintop in the Appalachian Mountains.
To Appalachian Trail thru-hikers, the views from Max Patch are some of the best you can find anywhere on the 2,200-mile trail. Starting at an exit on I-40, this gravel bike ride loops around the summit and is great as a day trip or overnight bikepacking trip. The bald summit paired with low light pollution makes the peak one of the best places to stargaze anywhere in the Appalachians.
[According to this article]( by The Mountaineer, "this amazing area was cleared and used historically as a pasture for cattle and sheep back in the 1800's. In the 1920's, there was even a landing strip for airplanes offering thrill rides."
The ride begins at a pull-off on Cold Springs Creek Road off Interstate 40. Both east and westbound travelers can exit—simply look for the signs leading to Harmon Den. The best option for parking is near the information kiosk after the first bend in the road. You could also head further up and begin at any of the pull-offs or campsites you find along the way.
The route is best-ridden counter-clockwise, riding up Cold Springs Creek Road then turning left on Max Patch Road. A simple out-and-back is common, or you could return via Brown Gap Road (as mapped) for a change in scenery.
Sources:
Written by Brendon Voelker
To Appalachian Trail thru-hikers, the views from Max Patch are some of the best you can find anywhere on the 2,200-mile trail. Starting at an exit on I-40, this gravel bike ride loops around the summit and is great as a day trip or overnight bikepacking trip. The bald summit paired with low light pollution makes the peak one of the best places to stargaze anywhere in the Appalachians.
[According to this article]( by The Mountaineer, "this amazing area was cleared and used historically as a pasture for cattle and sheep back in the 1800's. In the 1920's, there was even a landing strip for airplanes offering thrill rides."
The ride begins at a pull-off on Cold Springs Creek Road off Interstate 40. Both east and westbound travelers can exit—simply look for the signs leading to Harmon Den. The best option for parking is near the information kiosk after the first bend in the road. You could also head further up and begin at any of the pull-offs or campsites you find along the way.
The route is best-ridden counter-clockwise, riding up Cold Springs Creek Road then turning left on Max Patch Road. A simple out-and-back is common, or you could return via Brown Gap Road (as mapped) for a change in scenery.
Sources:
Written by Brendon Voelker
Created By
Strava Routes
Route and Elevation
Segments
| Name | Distance | Elev. Diff. | Avg. Grade |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pisgah Sign to FR 2250 | 7.38 mi | 2,142 ft | 5.5% |
| Cold Springs Creek Rd Climb | 2.78 mi | 692 ft | 4.7% |
| Harmon Den - Robert Gap | 2.83 mi | 965 ft | 6.4% |
| Max Patch Rd Climb | 1.45 mi | 436 ft | 5.7% |
| Max Patch Rd to Middle Rd | 2.46 mi | -610 ft | -4.7% |
| FSR 2250 from Max Patch to Brown Gap | 4.07 mi | -778 ft | -3.5% |
| #keepthesteeps | 1.11 mi | -712 ft | -12.1% |