Wildcat Rock Overlook–Bearwallow Gap, 4 sights
9.2 mi · ▲ 2,320 ft · 4 hr 14 min
Wildcat Rock Overlook–Bearwallow Gap, 4 sights is a 9.2-mile out-and-back in Wildcat Rock Preserve near Gerton, NC. The route passes Bearwallow Gap before reaching Wildcat Rock Overlook at the turnaround, 4.6 miles in. It climbs 2,320 ft. It scores 60/100 on the Ambleway Wildness scale: backcountry feel.
Elevation
Getting there
Directions
Wildcat Rock Overlook–Bearwallow Gap, 4 sights
9.2 mi · ▲ 2,320 ft · 4 hr 14 min
Elevation 3,131–4,178 ft
Out & Back · Wildcat Rock Preserve
Trailhead: Trombatore Trail · 35.46711, -82.36914
Weather Sep 4: Overcast, high 86°F / low 69° · precip 17% · wind 5 mph · sunrise 7:05 AM · sunset 7:54 PM
Parking lot at the trailhead
- Start on Trombatore Trail, heading S.
- 0.6 miBear left, heading SE.
- 0.6 miPass Bearwallow Gap.
- 50 ftSharp left onto Fire Tower Road, heading W.
- 0.8 miSharp left onto Wildcat Rock Trail, heading S.
- 2.5 miTurn right onto Wildcat Rock Overlook Trail, heading NW.
- 150 ftReach Wildcat Rock Overlook, then turn around and head back the way you came.
- 150 ftTurn left onto Wildcat Rock Trail, heading NE.
- 2.5 miSharp right onto Fire Tower Road, heading W.
- 0.8 miSharp right onto Trombatore Trail, heading SW.
- 1.3 miArrive back at the trailhead.
Each distance is the walk from the previous step. Tap a step for a map of its junction.
Trail surface
Weather
Sunset
The best sunset spot on this hike is 1.5 mi in (~60 min). Leave by 6:34 PM for the 7:54 PM sunset. Back at your car by 8:47 PM, after dark — bring a headlamp. Car visible from the viewpoint
Good to know
- Parking lot at the trailhead
More from Trombatore Trail Trailhead
- Blue Ridge Pastures & Strawberry Gap Viewpoint via Strawberry Gap Trail 2 mi · ▲ 519 ft
- Bearwallow Gap–Bearwallow Mountain Trail, 3 sights 4.3 mi · ▲ 1,207 ft
- Bearwallow Gap–Bearwallow Mountain Trail, 4 sights 11.9 mi · ▲ 3,256 ft
Get outside more
A wild hike near Gerton, emailed to you once a week.
Hikes near Gerton, North Carolina