Notice: Conditions in the Hickory Nut Gorge area can change with weather and ongoing road repairs. Before you head out, check Conserving Carolina’s Bearwallow Mountain page for the latest trail and road status. Access the trailhead from the Edneyville side via I-26 — avoid the Route 74/74-A approach through Gerton, which includes an unpaved mountain section that has been closed at times since Hurricane Helene.
No trip to Asheville is complete without time in the Blue Ridge Mountains. With more than 25 hikes and waterfalls within an hour’s drive, Pinecrest Bed & Breakfast makes an ideal home base — and Bearwallow Mountain is one of the best short hikes in the region, rewarding a modest climb with 360-degree views.
At a Glance
- Distance: 2.1-mile loop (about 1 mile up, 1 mile back via the gravel service road)
- Elevation gain: Approximately 600 feet
- Difficulty: Easy to moderate
- Dogs: Allowed on leash (cattle graze the summit meadow)
- Distance from Pinecrest: About 26 miles via I-26
Tips & Directions
By mountain standards, this trail is easy to moderate, with about 600 feet of elevation change over roughly a mile to the summit. A good pair of hiking boots makes the climb over rocks and roots easier — the outdoor department at Tops for Shoes in downtown Asheville is a solid local source if you need to pick up a pair.
Your GPS will likely offer two route options — choose the one via I-26 and the Edneyville side. Skip the shorter-looking route through Gerton on Route 74/74-A: it drops you onto a narrow, unpaved mountain road that’s rough even in the best conditions and has been closed at times since Hurricane Helene. Paved parking is available on both sides of the road at the trailhead, though space is limited — arrive early on weekends.
The Hike
The trailhead is marked by a gate, sign, and kiosk. Squeeze past the gate, then head up the log steps as the trail climbs through the forest, marked periodically by white blazes. After about a mile of steady climbing, you’ll reach a grassy ridgetop meadow — wildflowers dot the field in spring, and this is a protected working farm, so don’t be surprised to find cows grazing nearby.
Views for Days
Bearwallow Mountain sits at 4,232 feet. On a clear day, Mount Mitchell — the tallest peak east of the Mississippi — is visible to the north, with Mount Pisgah to the east. The grassy meadow is an ideal picnic spot, and a historic fire tower marks the highest point (not open for climbing). A cluster of towers and antennas also occupies the summit; put them at your back and they won’t disturb the experience.
To complete the loop, return to the parking area via the gravel forest road rather than retracing your steps down the trail.
Extend the Hike: Conserving Carolina’s Trail System
Conserving Carolina has protected more than 45,000 acres of land in the region and is the organization behind Bearwallow Mountain’s trail and the broader Upper Hickory Nut Gorge Trail System. If you’re looking for more mileage, Trombatore Trail shares the same trailhead parking as Bearwallow. From the summit, Wildcat Rock Trail is another option, though both are out-and-back routes. As with the main trail, check current status before you go — some connector trails and access points in this area have been closed intermittently during ongoing storm recovery.
Stay & Play at Pinecrest
Innkeepers Dan and Diane invite you to stay at Pinecrest, a historic bed & breakfast in an ideal Montford location. Walk one mile into downtown Asheville on quiet, tree-lined streets, take a drive on the Blue Ridge Parkway, or head out for a morning at Bearwallow Mountain. For more ideas on how to spend the rest of your trip, see our guide to the best things to do in Asheville this summer.
Whatever’s on the agenda, a hot, fresh breakfast is served daily at 9 am, with fresh-baked cookies in the afternoon. Heading out for a picnic at the summit? Ask about our picnic backpack to make the trip even easier.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is the Bearwallow Mountain hike?
The full loop is about 2.1 miles — roughly one mile of climbing to the summit on the wooded trail, then one mile back down via the gravel service road. Most hikers finish in 1 to 1.5 hours, not counting time spent enjoying the summit.
How difficult is Bearwallow Mountain?
It’s rated easy to moderate, with about 600 feet of elevation gain over roughly a mile. The climb is steady rather than steep, with rocks, roots, and a few sets of log or stone stairs. It’s a manageable trail for most fitness levels, though sturdy footwear is recommended.
Is Bearwallow Mountain good for families with kids?
Yes. The short distance and moderate grade make it a popular family hike, and the payoff — a grassy summit meadow with sweeping views and (often) grazing cows — tends to be a hit with kids. Keep a respectful distance from the cattle and stay on the marked trail.
Are dogs allowed on Bearwallow Mountain Trail?
Dogs are welcome on a leash. Since the summit meadow is an active grazing pasture, keeping dogs leashed and under control is important for both the cattle and other hikers.
How far is Bearwallow Mountain from Pinecrest Bed & Breakfast?
The trailhead is about 26 miles from Pinecrest via I-26 toward Hendersonville, accessing the trail from the Edneyville side. We recommend this route over the shorter-looking path through Gerton on Route 74/74-A, which includes an unpaved mountain section that’s been closed at times since Hurricane Helene.
Can you picnic at the summit?
Yes — the grassy meadow is one of the best picnic spots near Asheville, with room to spread a blanket and 360-degree mountain views. Ask at check-in about Pinecrest’s picnic backpack if you’d like to pack a lunch for the trail.
What’s the best time of year to hike Bearwallow Mountain?
The trail is open and hikeable year-round. Spring brings wildflowers to the meadow, cattle typically graze through summer, and the exposed summit makes for excellent sunset and stargazing visits in any season. Because it’s an exposed, open bald, avoid the summit during thunderstorms.