Hello! I wanted to get some advice for hiking Max Patch in North Carolina. I've been there before and remember fearing for my life as I drove up that gravel road in a tiny sedan, however it's been multiple years. I was planning to return in a few weeks with a rental car (also a Sedan). But I'm very worried about causing damage to the rental car. So here are my two questions:

1) Any thoughts on whether the car will receive damage that will upset a car rental agency?

2) Are there any trail heads near Max Patch that are more car-accessible? I'm ok with backpacking multiple miles/ camping in order to get to Max Patch.

Thanks!