Trail now extended to five miles and connects to Bearwallow Mtn trail!! As of Dec. 2020 another two miles of trail is open here. Click on the printable
map to see the entire trail system in this area. The challenging but rewarding climb includes a 100-foot cliff and waterfall and views at Wildcat Rock.
Additional views of Lake Lure/Chimney Rock on the way to Bearwallow.
Conserving Carolina manages the trail and is to thank for its construction and association conservation easements. To see their details description of
the trail click on the link below:
https://conservingcarolina.org/wildcat-rock-trail/
For another description of the trail and the future plans, see the link below:
https://www.romanticasheville.com/little-bearwallow
The trail is part of the newly designated Hickory Nut Gorge State Trail System. That system is envisioned to be more than 100 miles of trails throughout
Hickory Nut Gorge. To read more about the plans and see a map of the current and proposed trails see the link below:
https://conservingcarolina.org/hickory-nut-gorge-trail/
WHERE: Gerton, NC
DIRECTIONS: Off of US74A, a grassy parking area is most recognizable by a rock wall and stone chimney as well as a three-panel trailhead kiosk sign. The trailhead is also marked by a Henderson County Parks & Rec sign reading "Upper Hickory Nut Gorge Trailhead.
A really nice uphill walk with lots of steps and slope. Trail is well-constructed and well-marked. Fitbit said it was longer than a mile but when trails are this pretty; who cares? Would recommend going after a wet spell or a good rain so the waterfall is worth the climb. Trailhead well-marked on Hwy 74 between Bat Cave and Gerton
Keep your maps in a plastic bag to protect them from the rain and know how to use them. GPS units are great, but they are not substitutes for knowing how to use a map and compass.
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