In Phoenix, Dave and I often hiked trails within ten minutes of home. In North Carolina, our go-to is taking Green Mountain Road to Kyle Creek—a moderate 3-mile hike we fondly call “going to see the cows.”

We recently discovered a hiking trail that’s right nearby: Bearwallow Mountain Trail—a peaceful 2-mile summit of a mountain bearing the same name.

This well-maintained trail ascends through a lush forest, lined with Catawba Rhododendrons and dogwoods. The elevation is moderate - about 574 ft. Nothing too strenuous, but just enough to get your heart pumping.

The summit (4,232 ft) is a vast, grassy meadow with a historic fire tower and grazing cattle. Yep, this land is an actual working farm.

The Lyda Family granted Conserving Carolina a conservation easement to protect the land from development. They also granted public access to the area for the enjoyment of everyone.

The nearly 360° views include Hickory Nut Gorge, Hendersonville, Mt. Mitchell, Mt. Pisgah, and the high country of South Carolina. Once at the top, you can return the way you came or take a gravel road back to the trailhead for a loop.

Overall, it’s a big pay-off for such little effort. Next time, we’ll extend our hike by combining it with the Trombatore Trail or the newly extended Wildcat Rock Trail when it reopens.

This hike has quickly become a staple for Dave and me. It’s close and easy to get to, and undoubtedly, takes “going to see the cows” to another level.