Bearwallow Mountain: 360-Degree Epic Views & Cows!

Published by Christina. Last Updated on August 8, 2024.

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Many of our favorite hikes near Asheville run through rugged tree-covered mountains. But did you know this part of North Carolina is home to grassy knolls, also known as balds, like Bearwallow Mountain?

Sometime spelled with a space – Bear Wallow Mountain – This is a relatively lesser-known place to go hiking, only 30 minutes from Asheville and also, Hendersonville. It’s an easy-to-access one-mile hike and the end is a grassy meadow, where you’ll find 360-degree views of mountain peaks like Mount Mitchell.

Bearwallow Mountain is primarily an operational, protected farm that sits at 4,232 feet above sea level. Thankfully, the owners of said farm allow visitors to come and visit, which is another reason we should respect it and leave no trace.

As long as we’re all welcome to hike Bearwallow Mountain, this will remain one of the best short hikes for panoramic views, sunsets, and stargazing, and close encounters with mountain cows!

Inside our guide, we’ll share a bit about the hike, but also the organization that maintains the trail, and even more!

Here’s how we’ve organized the article:

Conserving Carolina: The Mountain’s Stewards
Hiking to Bearwallow Mountain
Bearwallow Mountain Trails
Tips for Hiking Bearwallow Mountain
More Things to Do in Henderson County

You can scroll ahead to something specific or keep reading about Bearwallow Mountain’s stewards, Conserving Carolina.

Read More: Hiking in the Hendersonville Area

About Conserving Carolina: The Stewards

Thanks to the volunteer group, Conserving Carolina, this one-mile trail ends with grazing cows and clear views.

Conserving Carolina was formed in 2017 when two local land trusts converged to strengthen their impact on the communities. Throughout the past 30 years, these trusts have helped to protect over 45,000 acres in Western North Carolina and Upstate South Carolina.

Part of that protection included an acquisition of 81 acres that is Bearwallow Mountain. Conserving Carolina is currently working to secure 500 more to connect this trail to another preserve and eventually Chimney Rock State Park.

Trail at Bearwallow Mountain near Asheville

Along with Chimney Rock State Park, the organization also has its hands in DuPont State Recreational Forest and the 130-mile Hickory Nut Gorge State Trail.

If you would like to donate or learn more about Conserving Carolina, please go to their website and give back!

Hiking to Bearwallow Mountain

Trailhead Address: 4854 Bearwallow Mountain Rd, Hendersonville, NC
Website

Bearwallow hiking trail near Asheville 1

Once you turn onto the unpaved Bearwallow Road, you will follow it until reaching the pavement. This is where the trailhead is located and you will find spots along the side of the road for parking.

NOTE: Please be mindful of driveways as you turn right onto Bearwallow Mountain Road because this is private land that has been graciously opened up to the public to enjoy.

Bearwallow Mountain Trails

There are two ways to reach the top of Bearwallow Mountain NC.

We recommend taking the Bear Wallow trail to the left of the information kiosk up and following the service road down. You’ll see a beautiful wooden archway and steps to the left that lead you to the service road behind a rust-colored gate.

The trail climbs 537 feet in elevation in one mile, so you’ll feel the strenuous part of this hike. Beyond that, there aren’t any technical challenges.

Tips for Hiking Bearwallow Mountain Trail

There is a historic fire tower at the summit that is not open for climbing. However, from the summit, you can see Mount Mitchell and Mount Pisgah to the northeast and Hendersonville to the west.

Despite the name, you will be hard-pressed to find bears in this area. This privately-owned land is protected by conservation efforts, therefore camping is prohibited on Bear Wallow Mountain trail. Pets must be kept on their leash at all times.

If you would like to extend your hike and see more mountain balds, cross the street from the Bearwallow Mountain Trailhead and join the Trombatore Trail for a seven-mile hike.

Ready to Visit and Hike Bearwallow Mountain?

Hiking to Bearwallow Mountain near downtown Ashville leads to some of the most beautiful Western North Carolina mountain views. Although the way up may get tough at times, the many perches at the top make this a favorite of ours and one that we’ll keep coming back for.

If you’ve been to Bearwallow Mountain, we’d love to know what you thought of it. If you haven’t been yet, what’s stopping you? Let us know your thoughts and questions in the comments section or by email.