Bearwallow Mountain is an easy hike, close to Asheville that can be done any time of the year! The views are stunning and totally worth the trip.
Bearwallow Mountain Hike
The Bearwallow Mountain trail is ideal if you are in Asheville and don’t have a lot of time to drive to a hiking location. The mountain is off US Hwy. 74-A east near Gerton. The trailhead starts about two miles down Bearwallow Mountain Road. You’ll see this gate and parked cars.
I talked a little bit about my hike up to Bearwallow Mountain last week in my C9 for Target® post, but today I wanted to share more specifics of the hike itself.
There is a well-marked trail and sign showing you where to go. You can climb the mountain on a trail with switchbacks or up a gravel road. We went up the trail and back down the road for a two-mile round trip journey.
Bearwallow Mountain is a great hike year-round because it is at an overall lower elevation than places like Black Balsam, so the drop in temperature at the top of the mountain isn’t as profound. It is cool to go in winter because you can see through the trees and get a different view than in summer.
The hike is steep at points, but manageable and includes some rock and rail stairs. The trail gains over five hundred feet in elevation.
We went after it had rained a ton and the path was pretty muddy and in places slippery. I felt a little uneasy at moments and wished I had brought a stick with me.
Even though it was in the upper 40s while I was hiking, a recent cold snap left frozen waterfalls scattered across the mountain. Stunning!
We reached a little bit of a problem near the top of the trail when we found this…
The water was frozen over the steps and way too slick to maneuver. Luckily we found this alternative route up the side of the mountain. Right over that crest is bald.
The bald on Bearwallow Mountain is expansive and beautiful. I’ve heard in summer cows graze here.
The views are breathtaking!
There is a 360-degree view showcasing Hickory Nut Gorge, Downtown Hendersonville, South Carolina, Mt. Mitchell, and Mt. Pisgah.
Since it was a chilly afternoon there were only a few people on the mountain, making the trip even more special.
The wind howled, but the sunshine felt amazing.
We followed the path to the very top to look north.
The mountains have beauty even in winter that takes your breath away.
At the very top, there is an old fire tower and a few cell phone towers. Kind of a bummer, but a necessity in this day and age.
Near the tower, there are some old trees and rocks.
They looked kind of spooky to me and made a perfect picture.
Since it was pretty chilly, we turned back around and looped back down the gravel road. The road was not very scenic, but we were grateful for the option especially considering how muddy the trail was. It would have been challenging and slippery to climb back down it.
Bearwallow Mountain is the perfect quick hike and a pretty fabulous way to spend an afternoon.
I’ve said it a thousand times, but I will say it again. I love where I live 🙂 This is truly a place where you get to live the life you love.
Directions from Downtown Asheville:
Take I-240 East and continue onto US Hwy. 74-A East toward Chimney Rock. Keep on 74-A East for about 12.5 miles along the curvy road until you reach the town of Gerton (there are signs.) Turn right on Bearwallow Mountain Road and go 2.1 miles to the top of the ridge. Park on the side of the road near the gate but don't block the gate. Bearwallow Mountain Road continues down the mountain and eventually takes you to US 64 near Hendersonville.
Your turn!
Any other winter hike suggestions?
Do you hike?
Melody Snyder says
Has anyone done a sunset hike to stargaze on Bearwallow Mtn ...or a morning stargazing & sunrise hike? If so, do you have any tips - bring headlamp (or flashlight), bring bear/etc. spray? are there specific times that stargazing is allowed on that mountain meadow? My college daughter was thinking about taking one of her best friends there for her birthday this week and was going to go with a group that includes guys. Would you recommend that?
Jess@Flying Feet says
Yes! I really enjoy hiking. We hike a lot of Pisgah and DuPont. I also like to run some of the trails. We are blessed with a gorgeous county!!! Have an amazing week Julie!!
JulieWunder says
Thanks Jess! We are so lucky. Have a great day. Thanks for stopping by!
Diatta @ Femme Fitale Fit Club says
That scenery is gorgeous. I went to Asheville a long time ago to go rafting and it was awesome! We stayed in a cabin. I love Asheville - gorgeous. #wowlinkup
JulieWunder says
It is gorgeous! I love living here!
Jess @hellotofit says
This looks like a beautiful hike! I'd like to say I'm a hiking amateur...I don't do it often, but enjoy it when I do! Is that a sign I should do them more often? 🙂
Aimee says
Wow, those views are stunning! I think winter in the mountains is just so serene. Thanks for sharing! If we ever travel to your area I'll be sure to check it out! 🙂
JulieWunder says
It is such a pretty place. I really liked the winter views too. The frozen waterfalls alone made it worth the trip.
Laurie Morris says
I love when you post your hiking trips! Could you post a little more directions? I am from SC and not familiar with places up there. Thank you!
JulieWunder says
Yes! I owe you this. I need to get with the hubs and I him help me. I am directionally challenged. I'll try to update this post this weekend.
Jenny says
Hey Laurie! I'd co
head up from south Asheville. If you GPS Bearwallow it will bring you up from US 74 in Gerton, as Julie mentioned. I like coming in this way:
From Interstate 40, take Exit for Sweeten Creek Road (Highway 25A) heading south to Mills Gap Road.
Turn left onto Mills Gap Rd.
Take Mills Gap Rd. to Hoopers Creek Rd. (5.7 miles).
Turn left on Hoopers Creek Rd.
Stay on Hoopers Creek (past Charlie’s on the Creek) 2.5 miles to a T intersection at Hoopers Creek Baptist church. (Church will be on your right; cemetery will be on your left)
Take a left at this intersection (still Hoopers Creek Road)
Stay on Hoopers Creek until the road becomes N. Bearwallow Mtn. Rd. (approx. 1.5 miles)
Stay on North Bearwallow Mtn. Rd. (approx. 2.7 miles) to Bearwallow Mtn. Rd
Turn left at the sign onto Bearwallow Mtn. Rd. and follow the road past the community of Grand Highlands, to the trail entrance Julie photographed and described.
JulieWunder says
Thanks Jenny!
JulieWunder says
Hi Laurie! I apologize for the delay, but I added directions to the post. Jenny also posted some great ones from another direction. If you need further help, please e-mail me and I'll see what I can do.
Lauren @ Fun, Fit, and Fabulous! says
Oh, how I LOVE hiking. It is probably one of my favorite things to do. We only go to Colorado in the summer for the hiking not the skiing! One of my good friends is from Asheville and she always raves how beautiful it is! I must plan a trip asap. #wowlinkup
JulieWunder says
Yes, Asheville is fabulous. Such a beautiful little city nestled in the mountains.
Gingi says
Ahhh, I love hiking, and this looks magical!! Thanks for sharing! <3 - http://www.domesticgeekgirl.com
JulieWunder says
Thanks Gingi!
Cailee says
Look at you!! This is so beautiful!! What a fun time! 🙂 Great views!
JulieWunder says
Thanks Cailee!
Sue @ This Mama Runs for Cupcakes says
I haven't gone on a hike in so long!! I used to love hiking, but it's so hard with the kids now!
JulieWunder says
I can only imagine! It is much easier to pick up and go with just two.
The Frugal Exerciser says
Is that in the Great Smokey Mountain? It must be really pretty in the Spring. I love hiking. #wowlinkup
JulieWunder says
Kind of.. I live in Asheville. The Smoky Mountains connect to the Blue Ridge Mountains here. This hike is just south of Asheville.
Angelena Marie says
What a beautiful place to hike! The frozen waterfalls were breathtaking!! Before I had my little one I used to do trail hikes in the warmer months. I love to hike outside, once she's a little older I'll start taking her with me.
Glad to have you linking up! 🙂
JulieWunder says
I bet she will love it when she gets a little older!
Emilie says
What beautiful views! There are a few trails nearby but my boyfriend and I work opposite schedules so we rarely have a day off together to do something like this. When we do, we are usually signed up for a race! Frozen waterfalls are gorgeous. I bet this is a beautiful hike in the fall
JulieWunder says
My husband and I used to have the same situation. It is so nice to have more time.
I also think it would be gorgeous in fall. It is close to my house, so I want to go back.
Nicole @ Fitful Focus says
That looks like such a beautiful hike. Even the slippery ice is so pretty!
JulieWunder says
I know! I was glad it was there because it was so pretty.
Danyelle Musselman says
How fun! I'm not much of an outdoors type person, but I love hikes. We used to hike Camelback Mountain when I lived in AZ, the views were unreal
JulieWunder says
I was never "outdoorsy" until I moved here. I still have no interest in camping 🙂 I love to spend the day out in nature, but sleep in a bed. Give me a Marriot.
Melissa @ Freeing Imperfections says
I love hiking. I would have been all over this!
JulieWunder says
It was such a fun day. And I got a burrito afterwards... so basically it was perfection 🙂
Nancy says
Bearwallow is one of our favorite short hikes when we don't have a lot of time to drive somewhere. It's beautiful in the spring, summer and fall as well. And yes, cows do graze up there in the spring and summer. If you go behind the tower and look off the backside of the mountain, you can also see Chimney Rock and Lake Lure.
JulieWunder says
Cool! I want to go back in the spring/summer!
Fiona @ Get Fit Fiona says
Looks like a pretty hike. The frozen waterfalls are cool.
JulieWunder says
Thanks Fiona! I was surprised and happy to see them.
Rachel says
So beautiful! What a great hike and fantastic photos!
JulieWunder says
Thanks Rachel!
Kirtley Freckleton @ The Gist of Fit says
Looks so pretty!! Love the frozen water!!
JulieWunder says
I know! It was in the 40s walking, but it had been a really cold couple of weeks. Such a cool surprise.
Annmarie says
Wow, how absolutely gorgeous! I love hiking- I need to visit there sometime!!! Thanks so much for sharing and linking up 🙂
JulieWunder says
You do!!! It is such a cool place.
Dan Steadman says
winter hike: try SC especially Paris Mountain State Park...lots of trails of varying distances and difficulties...all five of us hike...great family activity, they kids have hiked well really since before they were born...
JulieWunder says
It is such an active and fun way to spend a day! This area is perfect for it!
Janelle @ Run With No Regrets says
It looks like such a beautiful hike! I don't think I've ever hiked in the winter...maybe I need to give it a try!
JulieWunder says
I hadn't either. I usually complain that it is too cold. But it was actually really cool.
Geek Fitness Beej says
In the words of Liz Lemon: I want to go to there.
I look forward to the weather warming up some so I can hit some trails and start hiking and trail running again. I even got in a pair of Altra Olympus trail shoes yesterday to motivate myself to get off-road more.
Those pictures are beautiful. You really made me want to be there. 🙂
#wowlinkup
JulieWunder says
I bet those shoes will be great!
The views are even more pretty in person.
Deborah @ Confessions of a Mother Runner says
That looks gorgeous in the Winter so I bet it's even more spectacular with leaves and greenery. I do like to hike but don't do it very often.
JulieWunder says
I want to go back once the leaves fill in.
It is so hard to find time, even living here.
Stacie @ SimplySouthernStacie says
So beautiful! I wish I lived closer to the mountains - I love hiking.
JulieWunder says
Me too! It is like having this never ending list of things to do on the weekends.
Susie @ SuzLyfe says
Gorgeous. I miss East coast scenery so much that this felt for a bit like I was back there!
JulieWunder says
This is a really special place!
Jenny says
Bearwallow is one of my favorites! You can also access it by driving from Mills Gap to Hooper's Creek to Bearwallow Mountain Road, it's definitely a prettier drive up that way.
JulieWunder says
Great addition to the post.
It is such a cool place to visit.
Blane Sherer says
Thanks for " taking us along " on your Bearwallow Mountain hike.
JulieWunder says
Thanks Blane.