AT Day 20: Cherokee NF & Past Max Patch

Daily Miles: 21.5, Total Miles: 268.3

Getting lighter in the morning but a few hikers came by early this morning with headlamps on.

I lost 1,500′ right off the bat but gained it all back and then some before reaching Max Patch. Finally saw wildlife bigger than a squirrel – a sole whitetail deer that had been spooked by a barking dog.

Reaching Max Patch Road, I lucked into one of the best trail magic stops I’ve had on any trail. A complete spread provided by ladies from the Church of the Cove – kudos and thanks!

Then came Max Patch itself, an exposed mountain bald with great 360-degree views on a clear day.

Two more long descents and climbs to cap off another healthy 4,800 ft vertical day. Finished the day at Garenflo Gap and camped off an old, dirt road.

After setting up my tent and having dinner, I laughed my way through the end of Ted Lasso’s Season 2.