Hickory Nut Gorge is a magnificent jewel in the mountains of Western North Carolina. Over the eons, the winds and waters have carved Hickory Nut Gorge, a 10-mile granite gorge through spectacular, sheer cliffs. Starting at the Eastern Continental Divide, the tumultuous waters of Hickory Nut Creek cascade for miles over small, beautiful waterfalls and merge into the powerful, boulder-strewn Broad River, before finally coming to rest at Lake Lure. Scenic Highway 74A twists and turns its way down the gorge passing through the mountain villages of Gerton, Bat Cave, and Chimney Rock and Lake Lure.

In the shadow of the Continental Divide, nestled between the contours of Little Bearwallow Mountain and Little Mount Pisgah are two preserves: Little Bearwallow Mountain and the Florence Nature Preserves. Little Bearwallow Mountain Preserve is an abundant forest and includes one of the best wildflower areas in the county. It has been designated by biologists as a “Significant Natural Area,” due to its rich cove diversity. Walking in the forest, listening to tumbling waterfalls, and gazing at mountain vistas gives one the feeling of standing on ancient, sacred lands. Little Bearwallow Mountain Preserve comprises 230 acres of forestlands for enjoyment by the residents and visitors of Hickory Nut Forest and Gerton. People may hike on 3 miles of trails to cliffs, waterfalls, and scenic vistas. We are currently working on adding another 5 miles of hiking trails down the gorge to Chimney Rock.

Florence Preserve
Owned by Carolina Mountain Land Conservancy, the 600-acre Florence Nature Preserve in Gerton, connects to the Little Bearwallow Mountain Preserve trail system, and contains another 3 miles of hiking and biking trails. At the top of Little Mount Pisgah, spectacular scenic vistas of the entire gorge can be enjoyed.