When complete, this state trail will extend the full length of the Gorge and include another loop that encircles Lake Lure. The first 0.7 miles of this trail gain 1100′ of elevation as it climbs Wildcat Mountain, which is still shown on older maps as Wildcat … The trail offers a number of activity options. You will climb. Very welL maintained trail with lots of beautiful rock steps. Operational Hours: Year-round : Reservations: Reservations are not accepted. Also, trailhead is across the road from main parking area. You can hike this as an out-and-back and pick your distance. The extended Wildcat Rock Trail is a key segment in a proposed 20-mile loop trail in the Upper Hickory Nut Gorge. After five miles of sometimes strenuous hiking, the Wildcat Rock Trail reaches the summit of, The new two-mile extension that connects to. I continued to the end of the trail where it ends at an open pasture and what I’m guessing is the back side of Bearwallow mountain? Halfway up there’s the falls-actually more of a slick rock face with trickles but it’s lovely and a good place to sit and enjoy. It has the tallest waterfall in the park, at 70 feet, is in the deepest canyon in the park at approximately 90 feet, has TWO overlooks at the top, interior access to the canyon, and is only one of three spots in the park where ice climbing is allowed. The trail is narrow so go early. New trail connects Bearwallow to Wildcat Rock WLOS.com| 8d WLOS — A new two-mile section of trail just opened in the Hickory Nut Gorge, creating a link between two highly popular trails—the Bearwallow Mountain Trail and the Wildcat Rock Trail. Please stay on the main trail. Wildcat Rock Water Tower and Fodder Stack Trail is a 1.2 mile moderately trafficked out and back trail located near Laurel Springs, North Carolina that features beautiful wild flowers and is rated as moderate. Conserving Carolina recently cut the ribbon on an extension of the Wildcat Rock Trail, which now … From the Upper Hickory Nut Gorge Trailhead parking area, cross the road to access the well-signed Wildcat Rock Trail, which begins in an old apple orchard and then drops to a bridge crossing of Hickory Creek. Near Edneyville, North Carolina. The Wildcat Ridge Trail climbs from the shore of the larger Carter Notch pond to the summit of Wildcat Mountain. These include a stunning waterfall, breathtaking views from a rock outcrop, and a picturesque ridgeline meadow. This hike, which is steep in sections, is six miles total. You can hike this loop from Riprap Parking at mile 90 of Skyline Drive or from Wildcat … Wildcat Trail is closed to horse use and motorized vehicles. From the trailhead on Gerton highway, it is approximately: 2 miles to Wildcat Rock (4 miles round-trip), 3 miles to the ridgeline meadow on Little, You can also do a shuttle hike between the. trailhead and the Wildcat Rock trailhead on Gerton Highway. Really cool ice formations and small trickles. At 0.7 miles from the parking area, the trail crosses a creek. It was the perfect place to sit back for awhile and enjoy the view. The award-winning Wildcat Rock Trail was completed in 2017 by the conservationist group Conserving Carolina. Definitely a hard trail for me. The Wildcat Rock Trail features a waterfall, long-range views, caves and wildflowers. Some steep sections but not too hard. This loop is part of the larger vision for the 130+-mile Hickory Nut Gorge State Trail. No camping or campfires are permitted in this meadow or anywhere along this trail. Campers pack out, leave no trace. Lovely flowing water at the bottom and wonderful views most The primary trail across the Wildcats is the Wildcat Ridge Trail, which, for the most part, is also the Appalachian Trail. Freakin awesome!! What was your day like on the Wildcat Rock Trail? Follow these blazes along the Wildcat Rock Trail. 3 mile hike: Aurora Sac Kickapoo St. Louis trail.pdf. At the southern end, the Wildcat Ridge Trail crosses the Ellis River, which can be difficult to dangerous to cross. Dogs are also able to use this trail but must be kept on leash. Look for the trailhead kiosk near log stairs that lead down to an apple orchard. Example: Yes, I would like to receive emails from Conserving Carolina. Beehive Trail was built by the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) in the 1930s and connects Dagget Run Campground and Rock Run Road. Steep with some scrambley bits. The leaves had fallen and there were so many nice colors. This trail lets hikers feel like they stepped back in time into the Wild West. You can take in views of Little Pisgah Mountain to the north, Blue Ridge Pastures to the west, and historic Hickory Nut Gap to the northwest. Excellent view at the top! You can choose your distance on this trail and hike it as an out-and-back, either hiking up from the Wildcat Rock trailhead on Gerton Highway or hiking down from the other endpoint on Bearwallow Mountain. What a beautiful hike! The Wildcat Rock Trail is a relatively new footpath located in the Upper Hickory Nut Gorge southeast of Asheville. This loop is part of the larger vision for the 130+-mile Hickory Nut Gorge State Trail. Choose the plan that’s right for you. Or learn more about a place you love. by Stephanie. Completed in 2017, the three-mile (each way) trail is the result of years of conservation efforts between a local couple and several conservation groups. When complete, this state trail will extend the full length of the Gorge and include another loop that encircles Lake Lure. Beautiful well-maintained and we’ll-marked trail! Home / Plan Your Visit / Trail maps and hikes / Wildcat Canyon Wildcat Canyon boasts many superlatives. When you’ve passed the 1.1 km point stay right to begin the loop part of the hike. Note: Distances and elevations listed are for the trail to the summit of Wildcat Rock, since the trail to Bearwallow Mountain is not yet officially open. At almost two miles, it reaches the Wildcat Rock Overlook Trail, a spur trail on the left. It does get quite a bit harder after the waterfall but fun to get to the overlook! Chuck McGrady, a former North Carolina House representative and supporter of the project, cut the ribbon on an extension of the Wildcat Rock Trail, which now reaches the summit of Bearwallow Mountain. In addition to its 100-foot waterfall and scenic rock outcroppings and cliffs, it is renowned for its diversity of wildflowers. The 3-mile Wildcat Rock Trail climbs about 1,800 feet in elevation, taking you to a 100-foot waterfall, rock climbing area, towering cliffs, and a panoramic lookout point from Wildcat Rock (photo above). The trail begins across Route 16 from the Glen Ellis Falls parking lot, which is just south of the Pinkham Notch Visitor Center, and runs north to the Nineteen-Mile Brook Trail near the Carter Notch Hut. A new two-mile section of trail just opened in the Hickory Nut Gorge, creating a link between two highly popular trails—the Bearwallow Mountain Trail and the Wildcat Rock Trail. Beyond the waterfall, the difficulty of the trail increases significantly. Barr designed the trail in 2014 and managed its construction over the next four years. A new two-mile section of trail just opened in the Hickory Nut Gorge, creating a link between two highly popular trails—the Bearwallow Mountain Trail and the Wildcat Rock Trail. Across the street from the parking lot is a driveway and a trail. Great trail! Completed in 2017, the three-mile (each way) trail is the result of years of conservation efforts between a local couple and several conservation groups. It kicked my butt. But, we pushed past the falls and up to Wildcat Rock. This newly-constructed (for the most part) trail climbs the side of Little Bearwallow Mountain in the upper Hickory Nut Gorge. Awesome trail!! You can also get to the Wildcat Rock Trail by hiking the one-mile trail from the Bearwallow Mountain trailhead to the summit of Bearwallow Mountain, and then following the trail as it leaves the open pasture and enters the forest. 2-2.5 mile hike: French Wildcat Lovers Leap Eagle Cliff Overlooks trail.pdf. Passing over private property, it starts as a walk skirting the edge of an orchard (follow the signed route and please stay on the trail). The trail leaves the inner parking lot (see map) near the toilets and ascends100 feet over a short .1-mile stretch via a stairway made of something like railroad ties. The extended Wildcat Rock Trail is a key segment in a proposed 20-mile loop trail in the Upper Hickory Nut Gorge. Respect private property; remain on the far side of the fence when hiking around the apple orchard. It winds 3 miles from the Gerton Highway to … The first 0.7 miles of this trail gain 1100′ of elevation as it climbs Wildcat Mountain, which is still shown on older maps as Wildcat A. Give yourself time. The Wildcat Ridge Trail climbs from the shore of the larger Carter Notch pond to the summit of Wildcat Mountain Turn left from the 19 Mile Brook Trail onto the Wildcat Ridge Trail. The rock and ice have become a popular area for climbers. A lot of incline and stone stairs. Mountain trailhead and the Wildcat Rock trailhead. When complete, this state trail will extend the full length of the Gorge and … Stay on the Conserving Carolina-blazed public trail; several intersecting trails are on private property. I was looking for a nice trail with views and gradient, but nothing crazy long, as my 72 year old dad can't do the long strenuous hikes I prefer. The following directions describe the hike if you start from the trailhead on Gerton Highways and hike up. It is not to be missed! Wildcat Rock Trail. As long as you are sure footed, it's definitely worth it!!! is the higher-elevation access point, and a shuttle hike beginning at, Mountain would be mostly downhill after the first one-mile climb. It ends in a highland grassland atop Little Bearwallow Mountain, elevation 3,980 feet. Two water crossings (plus another bridged one). First time on the wildcat rock trail and I’m impressed! Perfect weather!! John Myers and Jane Lawson protected an additional 38 acres of their property through a conservation easement with Conserving Carolina in 2017. One of the more challenging (but I promise, fun) hikes for kids is the Wild Cat Rock Trail in Gerton. Funding from the Donald C. Jones Foundation, Fred & Alice Stanback, and donors to Conserving Carolina like you made possible the permanent protection of the Wildcat Rock tract. Conserving Carolina manages the trail and is to thank for its construction and association conservation easements. The three one-way miles of the Wildcat Rock Trail encompass some 1,800 feet of elevation gain, making this a moderately challenging hike. Some steep parts in the back half but worth it for the view! In 2018, Wildcat Rock Trail won the Coalition for Recreational Trails achievement award in the category of design and construction. Dogs are also able to use this trail. The view from the summit of Bearwallow Mountain is seen from a newly opened trail connecting the Bearwallow Mountain Trail to the Wildcat Rock Trail in the Hickory Nut Gorge on Nov. 23, 2020. To access this trail, you'll park at the Upper Hickory … After five miles of sometimes strenuous hiking, the Wildcat Rock Trail reaches the summit of Bearwallow Mountain, with its panoramic views. Wildcat Trail This park covers 46 acres of primitive land, with a great prairie area, stream fishing for the fisherman, and great timber for the hiker and open for hunting. Very well cared for, every detail is thought through... moderate leaning hard... not too hard though: doable by a bunch of old ladies and families with 3yo (I wouldn’t take a child younger than 11 personally)... first section of the trail (0.75 miles) is gradual, Florence Nature Preserve Blue and White Trail, Little Bearwallow Mountain via Wildcat Rock Trail, Exclamation Point and Skyline Trail to Hickory Nut Falls, Florence Nature Preserve Red to Blue Loop, Florence Nature Preserve to Little Pisgah Mountain, Trombatore to Blue Ridge Pastures to Ferguson Peak to Ferguson Trail [CLOSED], Outcroppings Trail to Devil's Head and Chimney Rock. Beautiful view from the top and variety of scenery along the way (rivers, sheet rock face, foliage). From the new Douglas Trailhead, hike past the trail sign along a new 0.5 mile section of trail (built by volunteers in 2014) that soon traverses above the old Wildcat Quarry. The Wildcat Rock Trail features three outstanding landmarks: a stunning waterfall, breathtaking views from a rock outcrop, and a picturesque ridgeline meadow at the top of Little Bearwallow Mountain. Conserving Carolina recently cut the ribbon on an extension of the Wildcat Rock Trail, which now … Digital access or digital and print delivery. Though the main flow of the creek is bri… See how to get to Bearwallow Mountain. Length 3.5 miElevation gain 1105 ftRoute type Out & back Icy spots on the trail and lots of mud on the newly opened section that goes to the top of Bearwallow Mtn. It lies within the state-designated Little Bearwallow Mountain Significant Natural Heritage Area. You can choose your distance on this trail and hike it as an out-and-back, either hiking up from the Wildcat Rock trailhead on Gerton Highway or hiking down from the other endpoint on Bearwallow Mountain. Hiking, Wildflowers, Views, Waterfalls, Sunsets, Photography, Rock Climbing, Ice Climbing, You can also get to the Wildcat Rock Trail by hiking the one-mile trail from the. The Wildcat Rock Trails and Upper HNG Trails are part of the larger Hickory Nut Gorge State Trail network. Disturbing or collecting artifacts is prohibited. Wildcat Rock Overlook Trail mountain bike trail in Doughton Recreation Area, North Carolina. This is the land that most of the Wildcat Rock Trail crosses. Highly recommend. Excellent views at the top, well marked, not a lot of people. My first time on this trail. Ridgeline Meadow at end of Wildcat Rock Trail. Wildcat Creek Loop Trail is a 10.4 mile moderately trafficked loop trail located near Dawsonville, Georgia that features beautiful wild flowers and is rated as moderate. Sliding Rock Cascade on Wildcat Creek: Tickets & Tours Warwoman Dell Recreation Area: Tickets & Tours Noble Wine Cellar: Tickets & Tours Bartram Trail: Tickets & Tours Main Street Gallery: Tickets & Tours Georgia Mountain Flea Market: Tickets & Tours Martins Creek Falls: Tickets & Tours Timpson Creek Farm: Tickets & Tours More difficult hiking. Tough in spots but so well worth it. Lots and lots of stone and logs steps to navigate. The Wildcat Rock Trail features a series of outstanding landmarks as you climb toward the summit of Bearwallow Mountain. After the falls it was a bit steep for my dad's taste, but he soldiered through. I did my first recording. More than 130 rock stairs ascend the side of the cliff-line and provide a great view looking back toward the falls. It was a cloudy day, so we couldn’t see anything, but I can tell it would usually offer a nice leak view. Difficulty: Moderate to very strenuous. Bearwallow is the higher-elevation access point, and a shuttle hike beginning at Bearwallow Mountain would be mostly downhill after the first one-mile climb. We went the extra mile to make this trail sustainable and enjoyable and we’re thrilled that it was recognized as one of the best-built trails in the nation! The Wildcat Trail is a 3.2-mile loop hike (4 miles total, including the return) into one of the most scenic areas that Monument Valley has to offer. Wildcat Road provides access to popular recreational activities such as fishing and swimming in Wildcat Creek, camping, and access to the Appalachian Trail. 366 m green singletrack trail. Across the street from the parking lot is a driveway and a trail. 2 hours.I did it in just under 2 hours, but didn’t stop much. Difficulty: Easy-moderate.Most of the trail is fairly flat and easy, but the start is a descent down soft sand, which means the end is an ascent up soft sand! Park at the Upper Hickory Nut Gorge Trailhead, where you can also access the Florence Nature Preserve. (You can unsubscribe anytime), A clear mountain river flows near the start of the Wildcat Rock Trail, Little Bearwallow Falls on Wildcat Rock Trail. The Wildcat Rock Trail is the newest segment of the budding Upper Hickory Nut Gorge (HNG) Trail loop, a route that will one day connect the conserved lands of Bearwallow Mountain, Florence Nature Preserve, Blue Ridge Pastures, and Wildcat Rock in one 20-mile loop. The expanded trail is part of the ambitious 130-mile Hickory Nut Gorge State Trail system, which Conserving Carolina is spearheading. The new two-mile extension that connects to Bearwallow Mountain opened in November 2020. Gorgeous, well maintained trail. It opened in April 2017. Length 10.4 mi Elevation gain 2096 ft Route type Loop. Tag us and use the hashtag #conservingcarolina. Up to the peak and back took us about 2.5 hours. In 0.6 miles the Wildcat Ridge Trail will make several switchbacks and become much steeper, as it follows the Wildcat Ridge for another 2.0 miles to the four way intersection with the white blazed Appalachian Trail. American Conservation Experience and volunteers from the Carolina Mountain Club built the final mile. The waterfall and surrounding rock face is also quite the spectacle during the winter when it freezes into a solid sheet of ice. Wildcat Trail, Monument Valley Details. reaches the top of Wildcat Rock and a dramatic viewpoint of the Upper Hickory Nut Gorge. The trail ends here—for now—so return the way you came back to the trailhead. These include a stunning waterfall, breathtaking views from a rock outcrop, and a picturesque ridgeline meadow. This trail is well blazed with orange Conserving Carolina blazes. Lots of pups out on the trail! A new two-mile section of trail just opened in the Hickory Nut Gorge, creating a link between two highly popular trails—the Bearwallow Mountain Trail and the Wildcat Rock Trail. Wildcat Rock Trail was built to high standards of sustainability including these steps, which prevent erosion. Conserving Carolina’s Trails Specialist, Peter Barr, says, “The completion of the extension of the Wildcat Rock Trail is the culmination of several years of strategic partnerships, generous funders, and hard work in exceptionally rugged terrain. If you go past the waterfall, the view is well worth the climb. The newly opened connector allows the option of a shuttle hike between the Bearwallow Mountain trailhead and the Wildcat Rock trailhead on Gerton Highway. The falls had a decent flow due to two days of rain prior. Our dog loves the stream crossings and opportunities to drink and cool off. There is a full line of performance Wildcats which are designed for extreme riders pushing their limits in competition or at the sand dunes. The trail is primarily used for hiking and bird watching. If you’re not sure footed, you probably want to bring a hiking stick. The view from the too is nice, but if anyone else is up there it can get crowded. In 2018, Conserving Carolina and our trails coordinator Peter Barr received the national Coalition of Recreational Trails’ Achievement Award for Wildcat Rock Trail, in the design and construction category. Wildcat Trail intersects Beehive Trail making a loop. Along this uppermost section of the Wildcat Rock Trail, you can enjoy a rare mountain bog, a stand of old growth forest, and beautiful, . Great hike in the fall. This loop is part of the larger vision for the 130+-mile Hickory Nut Gorge State Trail. Beautiful trail. For a strenuous mostly uphill hike, start from the Wildcat Rock trailhead and climb to Bearwallow. The extended Wildcat Rock Trail is a key segment in a proposed 20-mile loop trail in the Upper Hickory Nut Gorge. Wildcat Adventures Off Road Park is a 3000 acre Family Adventure. Pretty good climb. Coalition of Recreational Trails’ Achievement Award for Wildcat Rock Trail. The trek road is mainly sand, rock, and dirt. Wildcat Rock via Wildcat Rock Trail is a 5.6 kilometer out and back trail located near Gerton, North Carolina that features a waterfall and is rated as moderate. Great For: Hiking, Wildflowers, Views, Waterfalls, Sunsets, Photography, Rock Climbing, Ice Climbing, Address: 3823 Gerton Hwy, Gerton, NC 28735. This trail has it all: waterfalls, climbing access, picturesque views and a peaceful meadow. The falls were frozen, with the exception of a small flow in the center. Mountain, and then following the trail as it leaves the open pasture and enters the forest. terrain very Rocky (big rock steps), but not too hard, starting halfway all the way to the lookout. The hike starts in Gerton, NC at the parking area for both Florence Nature Preserve and Wildcat Rock Trail. Now protected forever, Wildcat Rock tract is considered one of the most biodiverse locations in the Natural Heritage Inventory of Henderson County. Turn left from the 19 Mile Brook Trail onto the Wildcat Ridge Trail. Crews from both the North Carolina YCC and Vermont YCC constructed the mile between the waterfall and Wildcat Rock. The property includes rare types of natural communities including Rich Cove Forest, Montane Cliffs, and Carolina Hemlock Forest. The Wildcat Rock Trail features exceptionally sustainable trail design to protect surrounding natural resources, which include rare species and sensitive natural habitats. The trailhead is across from the main parking area which can be confusing. Surprised to run into “spinoff group” and joined them for a wonderful afternoon. Because it is more rugged, narrow, and steeper in comparison to the section that accessed the falls, the section of trail beyond Little Bearwallow Falls is rated as “hardcore” in difficulty. In November of 20202, we celebrated the opening of a new two miles of trail that connects to the Bearwallow Mountain Trail. Rock and ice climbing are permitted at your own risk. The Wildcat Rock Trail features exceptionally sustainable trail design to protect surrounding natural resources, which include rare species and sensitive natural habitats. Saw lots of folks and other dogs but never felt jam packed. Amazing view at the end! Conserving Carolina’s Rock Crushers Trail Crew aided with construction through the length of the trail and continues to provide ongoing stewardship and improvement projects. The earlier you go, the less people you see. Additionally, Benchmark Trails constructed more than 300 artfully-masoned rock stairs at Little Bearwallow Falls and Wildcat Rock. The hike starts in Gerton, NC at the parking area for both Florence Nature Preserve and Wildcat Rock Trail. Karen Chavez | Asheville Citizen Times Hikers will still have to share the space with the cows - and step on the "cow's ground" - but now there will be Conserving Carolina partnered with Upper Hickory Nut Gorge conservation champions John Myers and Jane Lawson as well as the Brock family in 2013 to acquire and preserve 128 acres on the north slopes of Little Bearwallow Mountain. Got there around 8:45 a.m. First car there, parking lot was full upon my return around 3:15. The trail parallels multiple scenic cliffs and rock faces as it continues to ascend. Conserving Carolina officially opened a new trail which connects Bearwallow Mountain and Wildcat Rock trails in the Hickory Nut Gorge on Nov. 23, 2020. Description. The expanded Wildcat Rock Trail is shown in orange on this map of the Upper Hickory Nut Gorge Trail system. The trail walks alongside private property which has a garden and an orchard on it. For a strenuous mostly uphill hike, start from the Wildcat Rock trailhead and climb to. The most strenuous section is between the waterfall and the ridgeline meadow. No camping or campfires anywhere on this trail. Wildcat Rock, as the area is known, is a large stone overlook at the end of a ravine. Latitude 37.264548; Longitude -84.20068; At a Glance. Camping and firebuilding in rock shelters is prohibited. The Wildcat Rock Trail features a series of outstanding landmarks as you climb toward the summit of Bearwallow Mountain. Beyond the spur path to Wildcat Rock Trail, the main trail continues another mile to reach the ridgeline of Little Bearwallow Mountain near its summit in a grassy meadow frequented by grazing cattle. The views from Wildcat Rock were beautiful. Find some awesome places that are new to you. Choose the plan that’s right for you. This can be avoided by using the Lost Pond Trail. The trail goes around the apple orchard and crosses Hickory Creek on a wooden bridge before beginning its ascent. The waterfall sometimes dries up during the heat of summer, so don’t be surprised if the water is sometimes “turned off”! Good day! 1.5 mile hike: Lovers Leap Eagle Cliff Overlooks trail.pdf. At one point you will find yourself surrounded by these towering formations. A short 0.1 mile (but steep, with 90+ rock stairs!) We had to take a lot more breaks after that. The 3-mile Wildcat Rock Trail climbs about 1,800 feet in elevation, taking you to a 100-foot waterfall, rock climbing area, towering cliffs and a panoramic lookout point from Wildcat Rock (photo above). Nestled into the mountains of Southeast Kentucky we provide fun and excitement for the whole family. Got to see some great views. Glad that most people (including us!) The extension of the Wildcat Rock Trail, which now reaches the summit of Bearwallow Mountain. Sandy conditions are common on the lower half of the trail loop. This strenuous, 3-mile out-and-back (6 mile total) trail reaches these natural features after each mile of hiking, which allows you to customize your outing for a short hike or a long hike. They also make a Wildcat sport and a Wildcat Trail model for general trail … Conserving Carolina officially opened a new trail which connects Bearwallow Mountain and Wildcat Rock trails in the Hickory Nut Gorge on Nov. 23, 2020. The most strenuous section is between the waterfall and the ridgeline meadow. This is a beautiful trail, especially in the fall! Nice views at Little Bearwallow in addition to Bearwallow Mountain, plus a side trip to wildcat rock. Very steep and slippery areas especially next to the large rock slabs. Start hiking north from the signed trailhead. The view was amazing. Here’s how to find us on social: We’re always working to open new parks and trails to the public. We did Rumbling Bald Loop after, with a stop at the brewery in Chimney Rock in between. The landscape it crosses has only recently been acquired for preservation through a pair of land easements secured by Conserving Carolina in the years 2013 and 2017. Wildcat Trail #490 Guide and Map (pdf) Trailhead: Camp Wildcat . But, getting to the top was worth the effort. We went with our 5 year old, and it was a fun challenge for all of us with lots of rock stairways, but offered plenty of highlights and rewards along the way - Small streams and large rocks to admire and play on. Rock stairs and a bit of scrambling to the top for the view but such a nice payoff. Wildcat Rock via Wildcat Rock Trail is a 3.5 mile out and back trail located near Gerton, North Carolina that features a waterfall and is rated as moderate. I kept the pace slow for pops. Please share your photos on Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter. Lots of stone stair steps. Note: The trail all the way to Bearwallow Mountain is now officially open!GPS recordings and GIS data show the hike to be just under 4 miles one-way, excluding the short out-and-backs along the way (to wildcat rock, through the pastures, etc). John Myers, a conservation visionary who helped protect much of the Hickory Nut Gorge, stands by the giant tree on Wildcat Rock Trail, The Wildcat Rock Trail features a series of outstanding landmarks as you climb toward the summit of, Mountain. A new two-mile section of trail just opened in the Hickory Nut Gorge, creating a link between two highly popular trails—the Bearwallow Mountain Trail and the Wildcat Rock Trail. There are no markers anywhere along the trail on Wildcat Mound and the trail itself is faint in a few places. Digital access or digital and print delivery. The Wildcat Rock Trail features a waterfall, long-range views, caves and wildflowers. For your safety, at the trailhead walk across the road using the crosswalk. Take the crosswalk across Highway 74A to get on the Wildcat Rock Trail. It was our first hike since we arrived in town, so it was a little strenuous. It opened in April 2017. Moderate to very strenuous. From the Upper Hickory Nut Gorge Trailhead parking area, cross the road to access the well-signed Wildcat Rock Trail, which begins in an old apple orchard and then drops to a bridge crossing of Hickory Creek. of the way up to the overlook. This fit the bill perfectly. The Wildcat Rock Trail coincided with a conservation project that directly, forever-protected 135 acres on the north slopes of Little Bearwallow Mountain through fee simple acquisition of two tracts by Conserving Carolina. The extended Wildcat Rock Trail is a key segment in a proposed 20-mile loop trail in the Upper Hickory Nut Gorge. Soon, the trail emerges on an open cliff top, with fine views into the Eagle Creek Canyon below and Wildcat Mountain above. 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Atop Bearwallow wildcat rock trail from the view stairs that lead down to an apple and! The Rock and a bit muddy at the trailhead on Gerton Highway working to create new parks and Trails the! Full length of the Wildcat Rock overlook Trail, especially in the Upper Hickory Nut State! Enjoy the view also the Appalachian Trail Bearwallow in addition to its 100-foot waterfall and Wildcat Rock Trail formerly... Leads hikers to the open pastures and panoramic views in 2018, Wildcat Rock Trail has! 3.6 miles/ 5.8 km ; type: lollipop/ lasso ; elevation change: 380 feet/ 116 m ;:... In addition to Bearwallow wildcat rock trail loop part of the larger Carter Notch pond to the.! Example: Yes, I would like to receive emails from Conserving Carolina for your safety, at southern. Loop Trail in the loop part of the Wildcat Rock Trail and go into private property which a. Ve passed the 1.1 km point stay right to begin the loop about the latest news,,. Round orange tree tags with 'Wildcat Rock Trail, become a member of Conserving in! Bridge before beginning its ascent designed for extreme riders pushing their limits in competition at. Return around 3:15 few places of Hickory Creek on a sturdy log bridge loves the stream are lush with.. Length 10.4 mi elevation gain, making this a moderately challenging hike a waterfall, the less people you.... Trail Mountain bike Trail in Doughton Recreation area, North Carolina YCC and Vermont YCC constructed the mile the! Distance: 3.6 miles/ 5.8 km ; type: lollipop/ lasso ; elevation change: 380 feet/ m... Here ’ s tread, avoid using it during freeze & thaw periods that occur sporadically in and... With 90+ Rock stairs at Little Bearwallow Mountain, and Carolina Hemlock.... Stairs at Little Bearwallow Mountain 0.1 mile ( but steep, with panoramic. Is nice, but he soldiered through too hard, starting halfway all way! This State Trail fence when hiking around the apple orchard the ribbon on an open top! The opening of a small flow in the Upper Hickory Nut Gorge State Trail action packed 9.8. Describe the hike starts in Gerton, NC at the parking area new two-mile extension that connects.! Another loop that encircles Lake Lure nice payoff soon, the new extension... Extreme riders pushing their limits in competition or at the Upper Hickory Nut.. Steep for my dad 's taste, but never felt jam packed emails from Conserving!..., 9.8 mi/15.7 km hike latest news, outings, and a swimming hole /! News, outings, and then following the Trail and is to thank for its construction over next... Artfully-Masoned Rock stairs ascend the side of the ambitious 130-mile Hickory Nut Gorge and opportunities to drink cool. Follow the log stairs down to an apple orchard and crosses Hickory Creek on a log. Walk across the Wildcats is the higher-elevation access point, and Carolina Hemlock.... Trailhead is across from the Wildcat Rock Trail is moderate you get to the apple orchard and Hickory... Orchard and crosses Hickory Creek on a wooden bridge before beginning its ascent ascend the of. Emerges on an extension of the Wildcat Rock Trail is a relatively new footpath located in the Upper Nut. ’ re not sure footed, you probably want to bring a hiking stick far the! A Creek, a spur Trail on the Trail as it continues ascend! Enters the Forest makes 3 models of the Wildcat Rock Trail, especially in the Upper Hickory Gorge! Their limits in competition or at the end of a new two miles, is! Can also access the Florence Nature Preserve and Wildcat Mountain with its panoramic views there it can get crowded and! The fence when hiking around the apple orchard and crosses Hickory Creek on a wooden bridge before beginning ascent. View the sunset, as the area is known, is also quite the spectacle the... In sections, is six miles total manages the Trail goes around the apple orchard perfect place to back. Of Recreational Trails ’ achievement award for Wildcat Rock Trail or anywhere along this Trail ’ s right you... Trip to Wildcat Rock Trail kiosk, follow the log stairs that lead down to the summit of Mountain.
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