These trails reach towering waterfalls, panoramic vistas, spectacular wildflowers, pristine mountain streams, scenic grassy balds, and cliffs that host rock and ice climbing. 13 likes. Travels through rocky woods consisting of oak, hickory, and maple. North Carolina’s second-tallest waterfall drops a dramatic 404 feet into Hickory Nut Gorge in Chimney Rock State Park. The trail evens out after you pass a dilapidated shack, the remains of an old homesite. Eventually, a 15 mile trail known as the Upper Hickory Nut Gorge Trail will be completed which will feature waterfalls, rock outcroppings, and expansive mountain summit views. The preserve is owned by Carolina Mountain Land Conservancy and is a special treasure in the upper Hickory Nut Gorge. This new, sustainable trail will feature multiple switchbacks to improve the grade of the ascent to FNP. Website: Chimney Rock Park; 9. Before the trip reports, let’s talk a bit about the first trail to be constructed in the area. So When complete, the Upper Hickory Nut Gorge loop will form a 20-mile loop that connects Florence Nature Preserve,Wildcat Rock Trail, Bearwallow Mountain, Trombatore Trail, and Blue Ridge Pastures. To date, Conserving Carolina has opened over 13 miles of trails in the Upper Hickory Nut Gorge. The reward at the end of the strenuous trail (climbs 1,200 feet in elevation) is a sweeping views of the surrounding mountains, from Mt. Starting at cliffs along Hickory Nut Gorge, this moderate 1.5 mile hike leads to the breathtaking Hickory Nut Falls. This is the only public access to the Preserve. The preserve’s well-maintained paths climb past bubbling creeks, hidden waterfalls, expansive mountain balds and rock outcroppings with excellent views. Leading to the base of the fantastic 404-foot tall waterfall, the gently sloping trail hugs the side of Hickory Nut Gorge and grants dramatic views of the towering cliffs above. (74A) for 7.7 miles where you will see a house ruin with only the chimney remaining on the right. Upper Hickory Nut Gorge. Reward yourself with a magnificent view from the base of this 404-foot natural wonder. The extended Wildcat Rock Trail is a key segment in a proposed 20-mile loop trail in the Upper Hickory Nut Gorge. Hiking in Florence Nature Preserve. Map Sign Up or Log In. None of the trails are officially named, but usually they are referred to by the color on the map (and on the blazes). The Hickory Nut Fall Trail is an awe-inspiring hike any time of the year! When complete, this state trail will extend the full length of the Gorge and include another loop that encircles Lake Lure. Located in the Upper Hickory Nut Gorge near the hamlet of Gerton, the new section of trail will replace a steep and eroded trail that currently accesses the FNP. Low . It was featured in the epic film, “The Last of the Mohicans.” This … Route 74 runs along it with 14 hairpin curves. North Carolina's Hickory Nut Gorge is a 20,000-acre, 14-mile-long canyon that cuts a swath as deep as 1,800 feet through the Blue Ridge Mountains, beginning approximately 15 miles south of Asheville. Scroll Zoom . The trail to Little Beawallow Falls is a part of this trail. Upper Hickory Nut Gorge Trailhead, Hendersonville, North Carolina. The extended Wildcat Rock Trail is a key segment in a proposed 20-mile loop trail in the Upper Hickory Nut Gorge, as well as slowly but surely securing links in the Hickory Nut Gorge State Trail. Hiking the Little Bearwallow Trail across the street from Florence Nature Preserve in Upper Hickory Nut Gorge, NC. Ends near the western most creek in the preserve. Hickory Nut Gorge State Trail is one of nine state trails, which include French Broad River (a paddle trail), Fonta Flora, Mountains-to-Sea and Overmountain Victory trails in Western North Carolina. It's also safe and fun for the whole family. Parts of this segment are heavily eroded. The Upper Hickory Nut Gorge Trail System is one loop in a future 130+ mile trail system that links trails throughout the Hickory Nut Gorge. Highlights: Hickory Nut Falls Trail (moderate) takes you to the base of the 404-foot waterfall – gorgeous. Piers Gorge Trail, Norway: See 52 reviews, articles, and 27 photos of Piers Gorge Trail, ranked No.2 on Tripadvisor among 11 attractions in Norway. Hickory Nut Gap Farm in Fairview, halfway between Bat Cave and Asheville on Highway 74, has become a major supplier of grass-fed beef, pork and chicken in the greater Asheville area. North Carolina’s second-tallest waterfall drops a dramatic 404 feet into Hickory Nut Gorge in Chimney Rock State Park. A new multiuse trail near Hickory Nut Gorge will give hikers, climbers and mountain bikers access to some of the region’s most dramatic backcountry. The gorge itself, which sits just north of the Wisconsin border, is formed by the powerful waters of the Menominee River. OR. There is now a new trail head for the Florence Nature Preserve, a 600-acre preserve off of highway 74A in Gerton. The following trails cross into this trailhead area, but are primarily accessed from another trailhead: a detailed description and trail directions. This is the best overlook in the Preserve, in my opinion, with some good views to the west up the gorge. Before the trip reports, let’s talk a bit about the first trail to be constructed in the area. https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/north-carolina/hickory-nut-falls-trail Watch our video below for a one-minute tour! Map ... “ Begin your hike at the Upper Hickory Nut Gorge Trailhead. Location: Florence Nature Preserve – Upper Hickory Nut Gorge Trailhead: Address: 3824 Gerton Hwy, Gerton, NC 28735 Approximate Driving Time from Lake Lure Town Center: 15 minutes Map & Directions: From the Lake Lure Beach, head northwest on Memorial Hwy. Tour the farm operation, or enjoy a true farm-to-table meal at the onsite cafe, where they offer many healthy options like salads made with fresh, organic veggies or burgers made with their farm-raised beef. Hickory Nut Gorge, which sits 45 minutes east of downtown Asheville, North Carolina is a 14-mile-long canyon known for its granite outcroppings and the placid waters of Lake Lure. This rare 30-acre community is located in Rutherford County in the beautiful region of Hickory Nut Gorge, surrounded by an old-growth North Carolina Nature Conservancy. Piers Gorge Trail: Nice walk in the woods - See 52 traveler reviews, 27 candid photos, and great deals for Norway, MI, at Tripadvisor. It's a gently-sloped old road bed, which passes near an opening in the forest that lets in a lot of light and lets lots of poison ivy grow. Each state trail is a unit of the state parks system and must be authorized by the General Assembly. ** Note: This is the trail you want to hike if you are interested in seeing and photographing the entire Hickory Nut Falls. For now, the main attraction is the Bearwallow Mountain Trail. This newly designated trail follows segments of newly constructed path as well as some sections of old logging roads over an easement on private property. Four Seasons (moderate) is a beautiful wooded trail. The beginning of the trail needed to be across private property, so a permanent public trail easement was purchased from the property owners. When complete, this state trail will extend the full length of the Gorge and include another loop that encircles Lake Lure. Next Generation Hiking Trail Maps. 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). Bearwallow Mountain: Crown of the Upper Hickory Nut Gorge. This loop is part of the larger vision for the 130+-mile Hickory Nut Gorge … Upper Hickory Nut Gorge Community Center, Non-profit/Outreach Organization. The falls have a vertical drop of 404-feet down a granite cliff face and are one of highest waterfalls east of the Mississippi. Follow the numbered yellow blazes to stay on track. Topographic layer, points of interest, trail popularity, heatmaps, routes, trail conditions, Strava segments, photos, videos and so much more. There’s a sign here that says “Upper Hickory Nut Gorge Trailhead.” The entrance to the Wildcat Rock trail is across the street: there is a crosswalk to follow. So far, over 13 miles of trails are open to the public. The great news: work will get under way in the next couple years to connect this trail to the Bearwallow Mountain trail, linking the two impressive peaks together. In winter, beaver swim under the ice, obtaining oxygen from air holes or from air trapped in pockets between the ice and water. A ridgetop and side-hill trail which mostly parallels Little Pisgah Road, in the preserve's northwest section. (828) 625-0264 So dramatic, in fact, that it can be seen from the highway pouring over the vertical rock ledge and into the gorge. About the Hike at Florence Nature Preserve – Upper Hickory Nut Gorge Trailhead: Our regular hike here is the main loop. The popular Hickory Nut Falls trail takes you to the bottom of one of the tallest waterfalls east of the Mississippi River. Thanks to conservation efforts this trail will eventually become part of a 20-mile trail through Upper Hickory Nut Gorge. Trail Map 74-A 0 0.25 0.5 1 Miles Legend Public Parking Florence Nature Preserve Hickory Nut Gorge Trailhead Streams Dirt Roads Rock Outcrop Waterfall Cabin Foundation Meadow Public parking is available in front of the stone chimney on Highway 74A. Right at... Climbs steeply from Kelly Hill Road, up to the top of the ridge. The new trail section runs from the summit of Bearwallow, with its nearly 360-degree panoramas, to the ridgeline pasture on Little Bearwallow Mountain with its dramatic view down the Hickory Nut Gorge. The Wildcat Rock Trail is a relatively new footpath located in the Upper Hickory Nut Gorge southeast of Asheville. Completed trails are shown in black while trails in progress are shown in orange. Just a few miles north of Bat Cave, this 600-acre nature preserve features nearly 10 miles of trails that wind through the steep and diverse mountain terrain of Upper Hickory Nut Gorge. Hickory Nut Gorge State Trail is one of nine state trails and crosses Henderson, Rutherford, and Buncombe counties. Explore more than 40,000 miles of the best curated trail maps, guidebook descriptions, photos and reviews. Starting at Bearwallow Gap, the trail descends on a new singletrack path through a series of... **Note**: The [trail all the way to Bearwallow Mountain is now officially open](https://conservingcarolina.org/new-trail-connects-bearwallow-to-wildcat-rock/)! It contains three miles of hiking and biking trails through the beautiful forests of Upper Hickory Nut Gorge. AllTrails/Eric Donald. The Short And Sweet Hickory Nut Falls Trail Leads To The Second Tallest Waterfall In North Carolina. This is an old road bed - steep and narrow at times as it leaves the Blue Trail - which climbs all... As Florence Preserve's longest trail, this one has a variety of character. Favorites Lists Maps Create Map This is a hike well worth the effort to get to the top! It contains three miles of hiking and biking trails through the beautiful forests of Upper Hickory Nut Gorge. Piers Gorge & Trail . This trail begins at the Upper Hickory Nut Gorge Trailhead parking area and gains elevation quickly. Need to find trails by another method? Hickory Nut Gorge State Trail Map This map (updated 2019) shows how the trail network is coming together. This loop is part of the larger vision for the 130+-mile Hickory Nut Gorge State Trail. The gorge itself, which sits just north of the Wisconsin border, is formed by the powerful waters of the Menominee River. So, start at the trailhead located left of the chimney. This is one of 3 yellow trails in Florence Nature Preserve, which (taken together and using connectors) traverse the area from southeast to northwest. 4734 Gerton Hwy Gerton, NC 28735. Two creek crossings. Hickory Nut Gorge is 15 miles southeast of Asheville. With the help of Dr. Tom and Glenna Florence, over 600 acres of land were placed under protection from development. Two additional trails in the Hickory Nut Gorge are currently under construction. The extended Wildcat Rock Trail is a key segment in a proposed 20-mile loop trail in the Upper Hickory Nut Gorge. The extended Wildcat Rock Trail is a key segment in a proposed 20-mile loop trail in the Upper Hickory Nut Gorge. Example: Yes, I would like to receive emails from Conserving Carolina. Eventually, a 15 mile trail known as the Upper Hickory Nut Gorge Trail will be completed which will feature waterfalls, rock outcroppings, and expansive mountain summit views. Beyond the Orange overlook connector, this levels out - it's an old road bed - and there are some sections with lots of poison ivy to watch out... A dead-end trail, on an old road bed. This trail begins at the Upper Hickory Nut Gorge Trailhead parking area and gains elevation quickly. Chimney Rock is a part of the spectacular and naturally significant Hickory Nut Gorge, a 20,000-acre, 14-mile-long canyon that cuts a picturesque pass as deep as 1,800 feet through the Blue Ridge Mountains. The trail now continues to Wildcat Rock and on up to Little Bearwallow Mountain. The Upper Hickory Nut Gorge Trail was established in 2012 in partnership with Henderson County Parks and Recreation, Barr said. Piers Gorge is a much subtler experience than the typical tourist waterfall. Leading to the base of the fantastic 404-foot tall waterfall, the gently sloping trail hugs the side of Hickory Nut Gorge and grants dramatic views of the towering cliffs above. This loop is part of the larger vision for the 130+-mile Hickory Nut Gorge State Trail. This loop is part of the larger vision for the 130+-mile Hickory Nut Gorge … The trail lies in the upper portion of the impressive Hickory Nut Gorge, a great Blue Ridge canyon that reaches up to 1,800 feet deep and famously features the tall monolith of Chimney Rock. A couple of sections are tied together with gravel roads. Thanks to the hard work of Conserving Carolina and their ace trailblazer Peter Barr, there's a spectacular hike to explore in the Upper Hickory Nut Gorge area. GPS recordings and GIS data show the hike to be just under 4 miles one-way, excluding the... Climbs, steeply at first, from the new trailhead on US 74-A (the old chimney) to the Blue Trail near the main stream. The trail is beautifully constructed with some nice rock work. It is accessible along US Highway 64 from Hendersonville and Rutherfordton, and via US Highway 9 from Black Mountain. A fairly extensive network of trails winds throughout the preserve. a map; photos from along the way, and; a detailed description and trail directions. Nature Preserve AllTrails/Eric Donald. Hickory Nut Gorge, which sits 45 minutes east of downtown Asheville, North Carolina is a 14-mile-long canyon known for its granite outcroppings and the placid waters of Lake Lure. Mitchell to the north to neighboring Bearwallow Mountain to the south, with the rim of the Hickory Nut Gorge to the east. Upper Hickory Nut Gorge Trailhead Located on Highway 74 in the northeastern corner of Henderson County this property is a trail access point. Let TrailLink be your trail guide for your next outdoor adventure. Abundant in undisturbed forests, waterfalls, and granite cliffs, the Gorge is home to the communities of Gerton, Bat Cave, Chimney Rock, Lake Read More Straddling four counties, the 20,000-acre Hickory Nut Gorge is an ecological treasure. Upper Hickory Nut Gorge State Trail Map The Upper Hickory Nut Gorge Trail System is one loop in a future 130+ mile trail system that links trails throughout the Hickory Nut Gorge. Scroll Zoom . the Hickory Nut Gorge Trailhead page. Stay on US-74 for about 14 miles. Hickory Nut Creek and the Rocky Broad River have carved an amazing gorge exposing the sheer granite cliffs on both sides of the valley. This loop consists of the entry trail (yellow), blue trail, red trail, and the dirt road at the southwest end of the loop. There are several locust log staircases that switchback up for the first quarter mile of trail. OR. Hickory Nut Falls Trail is a 1.5 mile heavily trafficked out and back trail located near Lake Lure, North Carolina that features a waterfall and is good for all skill levels. Plan. There are several locust log staircases that switchback up for the first quarter mile of trail. The red lines show possible routes for new trails that would connect this exciting new long trail. Low . It will connect Bearwallow Mountain, Lake … You’ll see a small parking area on the left side of the road, in front of an old chimney and stone wall. The Short And Sweet Hickory Nut Falls Trail Leads To The Second Tallest Waterfall In North Carolina. The Adventure Map of the Hickory Nut Gorge is a full color, lightweight, waterproof, tear proof and folding map (3.75” x 9” folded) that easily fits in your pocket or backpack and … This loop is part of the larger vision for the 130+-mile Hickory Nut Gorge State Trail. From the top of Little Mount Pisgah, spectacular 360 degree scenic vistas of the entire gorge can be enjoyed. This is a hike well worth the effort to get to the top! Passes several neat rock outcrops. Piers Gorge Trail, Norway: See 52 reviews, articles, and 27 photos of Piers Gorge Trail, ranked No.2 on Tripadvisor among 11 attractions in Norway. The gorge is home to 37 rare plant species and 14 rare animal species. This is the orange trail (one of three) that leads from the Blue Trail out to Little Pisgah Point. Each trail has its own printable page with all the information and links, including (where available): For general information about the Hickory Nut Gorge trailhead, see Over eons, the Rocky Broad River has cut through the mountainous terrain to create the 14-mile gorge, which drops about 1,800 feet between the town of Gerton and Lake Lure. Trailforks is dedicated to giving you the best interactive trail maps, custom designed for your selected activity. This trailhead park offers parking and access to hiking trails that lead to the Florence Preserve and the Upper Hickory Nut Gorge. The trail evens out after you pass a dilapidated shack, the remains of an old homesite. Hickory Nut Gorge State Trail was authorized as part of the 2017 budget. Piers Gorge is a much subtler experience than the typical tourist waterfall. Gathering beneath a nearly cloudless blue sky Friday, Conserving Carolina cut the ribbon on a new trail in the Hickory Nut Gorge and more than 1,000 acres conserved. Here is a list of all trails in the Hickory Nut Gorge Trailhead area. Beautiful new trail winds its way up the western ridge of Bearwallow Mountain to the grassy pasture near the top. The extended Wildcat Rock Trail is a key segment in a proposed 20-mile loop trail in the Upper Hickory Nut Gorge. Bearwallow Mountain sits near the upper end of the gorge, on its southwest side, and is one of the highest peaks in the area at 4232 ft. in elevation. (You can unsubscribe anytime). The trailbuilders did some nice... Not to be confused with the other orange trails in the preserve, this a short, narrow side path to the unnamed overlook off the Red trail. So dramatic, in fact, that it can be seen from the highway pouring over the vertical rock ledge and into the gorge. Need to find trails by another method? So When complete, the Upper Hickory Nut Gorge loop will form a 20-mile loop that connects Florence Nature Preserve , Wildcat Rock Trail , Bearwallow Mountain , Trombatore Trail , and Blue Ridge Pastures. Bing Maps has a collection of great trails with directions to trail heads as well as photos. Bearwallow Mountain sits near the upper end of the gorge, on its southwest side, and is one of the highest peaks in the area at 4232 ft. in elevation. The Upper Hickory Nut Gorge Trail System is a growing network of footpaths that will one day form a continuous 20-milc loop, connecting forever-protected lands along the rim of thc Hickory Nut Gorge, amund the community of Gerton. future 130+ mile trail system that links trails throughout the Hickory Nut Gorge. The extended Wildcat Rock Trail is a key segment in a proposed 20-mile loop trail in the Upper Hickory Nut Gorge. THE HICKORY NUT GORGE starts at the Eastern Continental Divide in Gerton, NC...about 20 minutes from Asheville, and runs through the communities of Gerton, Bat Cave, and Chimney Rock, and ends 10 miles later at Lake Lure--dropping about 1800 feet. Exclamation Point Trail (strenuous) takes you to the top of a rock face with breathtaking views of Lake Lure and Hickory Nut Gorge. First I went to The Cascades on Hickory Creek, which was … Hickory Nut Gorge Chamber of Commerce P.O. Go back to Trails. Follows an old road bed along most of its length, with a gentle grade compared to other trails in the area. Box 32 The trail is primarily used for hiking and running and is accessible year-round. From the top of Little Mount Pisgah, spectacular 360 degree scenic vistas of the entire gorge can be enjoyed. For general information about the Hickory Nut Gorge trailhead, see the Hickory Nut Gorge Trailhead page. Go back to Trails. From Kelly Mountain Road up to the Yellow trailhead connector, this is a narrow, slope-side trail with a couple of creek crossings on log bridges. This particular part of the gorge is impressively biodiverse, lying within the Little Bearwallow Mountain Significant Natural Heritage Area. 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. Hickory Nut Falls, located in Chimney Rock State Park, trickles down 404 feet. Bearwallow Mountain: Crown of the Upper Hickory Nut Gorge. Located between Chimney Rock and Gerton, NC, at the upper end of the Hickory Nut Gorge, the Florence Nature Preserve was finished being acquired by the Carolina Mountain Land Conservancy in 2001. A new multiuse trail near Hickory Nut Gorge will give hikers, climbers and mountain bikers access to some of the region’s most dramatic backcountry. The event marked the culmination of years of hard work by a team of different organizations.At Rumbling Bald Resort, with scenic mountains traversed by the new trail as a backdrop, officials cut the ribbon on the new 8.6-mile … Your FREE account works with all Adventure Projects sites . The Skyline Trail that leads to the top headwaters of the Hickory Nut Falls and … The yellow connector trailwhich connects the parking area to the blue trail is a brand-new, well-constructed alternative to the old, steep, eroded path which used to serve the same p… Thanks to the hard work of Conserving Carolina and their ace trailblazer Peter Barr, there's a spectacular hike to explore in the Upper Hickory Nut Gorge area. Tumbling nearly 10 miles over many waterfalls, these waters finally settle into the beautiful Lake Lure. Discover trails like Old Fort - Hickory Nut Gorge North Carolina, find information like trail length, elevation, difficulty, activities, and nearby businesses. Piers Gorge Trail: Nice walk in the woods - See 52 traveler reviews, 27 candid photos, and great deals for Norway, MI, at Tripadvisor. However - there are duplicate colors, so I'll throw in additional info to identify trails when referring to them. Connect with Facebook. Dogs are also able to use this trail but must be kept on leash. Piers Gorge & Trail . Follow the numbered yellow blazes to stay on track. Hickory Nut Gorge State Trail is our newest state trail and provides an opportunity to learn about the process of creating a state trail from the very beginning. When complete, this state trail will extend the full length of the Gorge and include another loop that encircles Lake Lure. In the future, another trail is expected to be built on the back side of Bearwallow Mountain, and all three trails are expected to be parts of the longer trail network circumnavigating the upper Hickory Nut Gorge. 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