Bearwallow Mountain Trail

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Features Birding · Fall Colors · Views · Wildflowers · Wildlife

This trail is periodically closed in winter due to freeze-thaw conditions that are harmful to the trail tread. However, Fire Tower Rd, the gravel road leading to the summit of Bearwallow Mountain, is open year-round, so even when the trail is closed you can still hike to the top!

The trail to the summit is approximately one mile each way. You can also follow the gravel Fire Tower Road back to the parking area for a loop run, as shown on the map. You'll begin at the trailhead, which is characterized by an information kiosk and a wooden archway. The trail switchbacks several times to begin its climb up the slopes of Bearwallow Mountain.

Just beyond the half-mile mark, the path levels out, providing a breather as it curves around Bearwallow's western ridge. Once on the mountain's northern slopes, keep climbing to reach the scenic summit meadow at 0.7 mi. Good views to the west and south are available as the woodland trail ends at the meadow.

If you continue a short ways to the top of the meadow, you'll be rewarded with panoramic views to the north, as well.