Dogs are also able to use this trail. 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. New segment links Bearwallow, Wildcat Rock trails. Wildcat Rock, as the area is known, is a large stone overlook at the end of a ravine. I kept the pace slow for pops. When complete, this state trail will extend the full length of the Gorge and … This trail eventually leads to the open pastures and panoramic views on top of Bearwallow Mountain. 2 hours.I did it in just under 2 hours, but didn’t stop much. The primary trail across the Wildcats is the Wildcat Ridge Trail, which, for the most part, is also the Appalachian Trail. Saw lots of folks and other dogs but never felt jam packed. Lots of pups out on the trail! It is not to be missed! Got there around 8:45 a.m. First car there, parking lot was full upon my return around 3:15. 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. The three one-way miles of the Wildcat Rock Trail encompass some 1,800 feet of elevation gain, making this a moderately challenging hike. We’re always working to create new parks, trails, greenways, and public lands. This trail eventually leads to the open pastures and panoramic views on top of, The newly opened connector allows the option of a shuttle hike between the. No camping or campfires are permitted in this meadow or anywhere along this trail. Great For: Hiking, Wildflowers, Views, Waterfalls, Sunsets, Photography, Rock Climbing, Ice Climbing, Address: 3823 Gerton Hwy, Gerton, NC 28735. First time on the wildcat rock trail and I’m impressed! Two water crossings (plus another bridged one). The trail is moderate you get to the waterfall, then gets a little tougher. terrain very Rocky (big rock steps), but not too hard, starting halfway all the way to the lookout. A really interesting hike. The expanded trail is part of the ambitious 130-mile Hickory Nut Gorge State Trail system, which Conserving Carolina is spearheading. Trail is very well marked and clean. 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. This trail is well blazed with orange Conserving Carolina blazes. We did Rumbling Bald Loop after, with a stop at the brewery in Chimney Rock in between. The Wildcat Rock Trail features exceptionally sustainable trail design to protect surrounding natural resources, which include rare species and sensitive natural habitats. 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. This trail lets hikers feel like they stepped back in time into the Wild West. A young hiker looks out from the rock outcrop on Wildcat Rock Trail. . The trail walks alongside private property which has a garden and an orchard on it. From this vantage point looking southeast your eyes trace the tops of two parallel mountain ridges as they trail off into the distance. Amazing!! Here’s how to find us on social: We’re always working to open new parks and trails to the public. Mountain trailhead and the Wildcat Rock trailhead, which is 6 miles total. It opened in April 2017. This can be avoided by using the Lost Pond Trail. Funding from the Recreational Trails Program, Donald C. Jones Foundation, REI Asheville, Conservation Trust for North Carolina, Fernandez Pave the Way Foundation, Community Foundation of Henderson County, and donors to Conserving Carolina like you made the Wildcat Rock Trail possible. After five miles of sometimes strenuous hiking, the Wildcat Rock Trail reaches the summit of, The new two-mile extension that connects to. At one point you will find yourself surrounded by these towering formations. trailhead and the Wildcat Rock trailhead on Gerton Highway. Excellent view at the top! 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. The first mile of the Wildcat Rock Trail crosses this land. 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. But, getting to the top was worth the effort. This location is called the Little Bearwallow Falls Climbing Area and is dedicated to the late John Myers—the property’s former owner, conservation champion, and an avid climber. Mountain trailhead and the Wildcat Rock trailhead. What a beautiful hike! Nice views at Little Bearwallow in addition to Bearwallow Mountain, plus a side trip to wildcat rock. Glad that most people (including us!) The trail is well marked with green carsonite trail signs and round orange tree tags with 'Wildcat Rock Trail' printed on them. Definitely a hard trail for me. The Wildcat Rock Trail is a relatively new footpath located in the Upper Hickory Nut Gorge southeast of Asheville. The award-winning Wildcat Rock Trail was completed in 2017 by the conservationist group Conserving Carolina. Tag us and use the hashtag #conservingcarolina. Turn left from the 19 Mile Brook Trail onto the Wildcat Ridge Trail. Trail features: Hike to a unique rock formation, viewpoint, cascades, and a swimming hole. 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. As long as you are sure footed, it's definitely worth it!!! challenging, great view at the rock. After five miles of sometimes strenuous hiking, the Wildcat Rock Trail reaches the summit of  Bearwallow Mountain, with its panoramic views. 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 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. Choose the plan that’s right for you. Awesome trail!! At 0.7 miles from the parking area, the trail crosses a creek. It winds 3 miles from the Gerton Highway to … Now protected forever, Wildcat Rock tract is considered one of the most biodiverse locations in the Natural Heritage Inventory of Henderson County. Distance: 3.6 miles/ 5.8 km; Type: lollipop/ lasso; Elevation change: 380 feet/ 116 m; Time: Approx. Wildcat Adventures Off Road Park is a 3000 acre Family Adventure. 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. Coalition of Recreational Trails’ Achievement Award for Wildcat Rock Trail. No camping or campfires anywhere on this trail. For a strenuous mostly uphill hike, start from the Wildcat Rock trailhead and climb to Bearwallow. This loop is part of the larger vision for the 130+-mile Hickory Nut Gorge State Trail. The rock and ice have become a popular area for climbers. Length 10.4 mi Elevation gain 2096 ft Route type Loop. These include a stunning waterfall, breathtaking views from a rock outcrop, and a picturesque ridgeline meadow. The challenging but rewarding climb includes a 100-foot cliff and waterfall and views at Wildcat Rock. 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. Wildcat Rock Trail was built to high standards of sustainability including these steps, which prevent erosion. 4-4.5 mile hike: French Wildcat LaSalle Tonti Lovers Leap Eagle Cliff Overlooks trail.pdf. 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). Our dog loves the stream crossings and opportunities to drink and cool off. 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