Over the weekend we took a ride up to North Carolina with some friends to run Shelton Laurel Road, Hurricane Creek Road, and then up to Max Patch. We met up with Micheal and Rita, and Stuart and Jennifer in Franklin, NC. From there we headed North!
The underpass of I-40 on Shelton Laurel Road.
Some Patriotic Spirit of some of the property owners on Hurricane Creek.
Rhododendron were still in bloom and covered the mountain sides all along the ride. I know my mother would have loved to see them in bloom.
Bark mushrooms typically grow in the form of conk, also called a bract or shelf. These most often grow in cool, rainy coastal areas and on the shady, north side of trees. ( so remember, if your lost, and find these – you’ll know what direction North is)
The road gets a little rocky and uneven in places. I would recommend a high clearance vehicle for this road.
Onward and upward to Max Patch.
A view from the bottom of Max Patch. This 4,600-foot mountain was cleared and used as pasture in the 1800s. Today, it’s a 350-acre tract of open land on a high knob with 360-degree views. On a clear day, you can see from Mt. Mitchell on the east to the Great Smoky Mountains on the south. And great for star gazing and enjoying wildflowers. The summit is a short walk from the parking lot. Max Patch is part of the Pisgah National Forest.
Half way up to the Summit.
Someone planted a Flag there. There was a steady breeze to keep it waving.
A view from the summit.
The USGS Marker at the top identifies the highest point.
Michelle’s on “Top of the World“
On our ride home, we took Highway 74 though the Nantahala. We stopped at the Nantahala Outdoor Center to snap some photos of the river. It was a little misty and raining so we didn’t venture out long here.
A short distance down from the Nantahala Outdoor Center was this suspension bridge that crossed the river. Naturally we had to investigate.
After the Nantahala it was on to home, and preparing for the next adventure.
wanderoffroad.com 