The best walks and hikes around Gerton

The Exclamation Point Trail in Chimney Rock State Park offers a unique journey through a cliff-side habitat, featuring a combination of stairs and switchbacks. As you climb, you'll pass the Opera Box, which provides views of Lake Lure, and the distinctive Devil's Head rock formation. The trail culminates at Exclamation Point, where you're rewarded with sweeping panoramic views of the entire Hickory Nut Gorge, including the iconic Chimney with the American Flag.

This moderate 0.7-mile (1.1 km) hike involves 315 feet (96 metres) of elevation gain and typically takes around 37 minutes. Since it's located within Chimney Rock State Park, an entrance fee is required, and parking is available at the park's main lot. Dogs are permitted on the trail, provided they are kept on a leash.

Exclamation Point is aptly named for its breathtaking vistas, which were even featured in the film "The Last of the Mohicans." The unique high-altitude environment supports bonsai-like trees clinging to stone and offers opportunities to see lizards and birds soaring at eye level. For those wanting to extend their adventure, the Skyline Trail begins here.

The Bearwallow Mountain Trail offers a delightful journey through shaded woodlands before opening up to a vast, grassy summit. You'll navigate well-built rock steps and switchbacks on your way up, with the option to descend via a gravel service road for a slightly different experience. The real magic happens at the top, where nearly 360-degree views stretch across the Hickory Nut Gorge, revealing distant peaks like Mount Mitchell and Mount Pisgah, often shared with grazing cattle.

This easy 1.2-mile (1.9 km) hike involves a steady 573 feet (175 metres) of elevation gain, typically taking around 39 minutes to reach the top. It's a popular choice for families and dog owners, though dogs must be leashed due to the free-roaming cows. The trail is located about 19 miles from Asheville, making it a convenient and rewarding outing for a quick dose of mountain air and stunning scenery.

Bearwallow Mountain is part of a working farm, giving it a unique character with its friendly, free-range cows. The mountain is also protected by Conserving Carolina, ensuring its natural beauty and public access for years to come. It connects to the larger Hickory Nut Gorge State Trail System, including trails like the Trombatore Trail, offering options for longer hiking adventures if you're looking to explore further.

Hike the moderate 1.5-mile Hickory Nut Falls Trail in Chimney Rock State Park to see the impressive 404-foot waterfall.

The Skyline and Hickory Nut Falls Loop offers a fantastic blend of strenuous climbing and rewarding views, making it a standout hike in Chimney Rock State Park. You'll navigate varied terrain, from approximately 800 steps leading to Exclamation Point to natural paths and rocky sections, all while enjoying glimpses of woodland wildflowers and the dramatic Hickory Nut Gorge. The trail's highlight is the impressive 404-foot Hickory Nut Falls, which you get to admire from both its upper cascades and its base, providing unique perspectives on this natural wonder.

Planning your visit means accounting for the park's admission fee, as this loop is entirely within Chimney Rock State Park. While there are no special permits needed, arriving early is always a good idea, especially during peak season, to ensure parking and a more peaceful experience on the trail. The route is a moderate 3.2-mile (5.1 km) journey with 1047 feet (319 metres) of elevation gain, typically taking about 2 hours and 20 minutes to complete.

This trail is particularly notable for featuring one of North Carolina's tallest waterfalls and offering panoramic views from points like Peregrine's Point, the highest lookout in the park. Beyond its natural beauty, the area also holds cinematic history, with scenes from "The Last of the Mohicans" filmed at Hickory Nut Falls. It's a great option for hikers looking for a balanced challenge with high scenic payoff and a touch of local lore.