Spring Creek, Township 8

Technically, Rare Bird Farm is located in Madison County's Township 8. More specifically, we're situated between Trust and Luck in an area longtime residents have told us was historically known as Freizeland, named for the creek that runs through our valley before joining Spring Creek near the end of NC Highway 63. While Freizeland has its own distinct identity, we are also part of the broader Spring Creek community, a small but mighty network centered in large part around the Spring Creek Community Center that embraces many of the communities southeast of Hot Springs sharing the 28743 ZIP code.

 
 

Trust General Store & Cafe

Trust General Store & Cafe is located smack dab between Asheville and Hot Springs, North Carolina. You'll find us at the corner of Highway 209 and State Road 63 in the heart of beautiful Madison County, North Carolina in the community of Trust. If you love being outdoors, Hot Springs is a must! Charming bed and breakfasts, world-class hiking, rafting and kayaking, and hot springs and spas all await you in Hot Springs, North Carolina. Just take State Road 63 west from Asheville. When State Road 63 ends, you'll see us on the left. From our store, Hot Springs is only 15 miles north on Highway 209.

Max Patch

1.7 Miles – Easy

Max Patch is a staple of the Appalachian Mountains and Madison County. With breath-taking 360 degree views on the Appalachian Trail and in the Pisgah National Forest, people come from all over to experience the beauty of the mountains. Located on the Appalachian Trail, many thru-hikers consider this area of the entire Appalachian Trail the most stunning. Day-hikers of all abilities will find something to enjoy on this 1.7 mile round-trip hike well-maintained trails.

This bald is the perfect spot for a picnic, photo session or to simply relax in awe-inducing nature.

Max Patch is also a favorite spot for tent camping. Please be sure to take any litter with you and to prepare accordingly as there are no restrooms or trash cans near Max Patch

Rocky Bluff

The Rocky Bluff Recreation Area, located in the Pisgah National Forest between Rare Bird and the town of Hot Springs, NC, offers an easy-to-moderate trail down to Spring Creek.

Spring Creek Nature Trail

  • Distance: 1.6-mile loop (or 1.2 miles via the direct campground loop)

  • Difficulty: Easy to moderate

  • Time to complete: 45 minutes to 1 hour

  • Highlights: This yellow-blazed trail descends into the forest to parallel the cascading waters of Spring Creek. It features creek access points ideal for cooling off and is rich with spring wildflowers and old-growth trees.