A brand new hyperlink in North Carolina’s rising Hickory Nut Gorge State Path is now open to the general public.
Beginning on the south facet of Freeway 74A, Strawberry Hole Path climbs three strenuous miles alongside the Japanese Continental Divide, weaving via rhododendron thickets and boulder-strewn woodlands.
On the midway level, after a lung-bursting sequence of switchbacks, hikers are rewarded with dramatic views of the Nice Smoky Mountains and Plott Balsam Mountains from a westward-facing bluff often called Ferguson Peak. From there, Strawberry Hole meanders to its terminus: Blue Ridge Pastures.
Although the three,760-foot bald isn’t as tall or as expansive as neighboring Bearwallow Mountain, it does supply a “actually spectacular vantage level,” says Peter Barr, trails specialist with Conserving Carolina. “You possibly can look straight down the pipe of the Hickory Nut Gorge.”
Since 2009, Barr and his colleagues have been working tirelessly to guard the Hickory Nut Gorge, a 14-mile-long canyon that cuts via Rutherford, Buncombe, and Henderson counties. As a part of these preservation efforts, Conserving Carolina has spearheaded the event of the Hickory Nut Gorge State Path community—a 100-mile path system snaking via a few of North Carolina’s most feral nation.
With the completion of Strawberry Hole late final month—an endeavor made potential via a partnership between Conserving Carolina, personal landowners, and Southern Appalachian Highlands Conservancy—there at the moment are 38 miles of trails open to the general public. Strawberry Hole acts as a connector, linking 16 miles of those trails.
“We wished Strawberry Hole to be mild on the land and require a decrease stage of upkeep than the typical path,” says Barr. “However we additionally wished to supply a superb consumer expertise.”
With a bustling parking zone simply weeks after opening, it’s clear that Strawberry Hole is doing simply that. Although many hikers are possible drawn to the path’s two iconic viewpoints—Ferguson Peak and Blue Ridge Pastures—this out-and-back additionally cuts to the center of out of doors recreation by merely providing a “stunning forest expertise,” says Barr.
Strawberry Hole Path
Issue: Strenuous
Size: Six miles round-trip
Elevation Achieve: 1,450 ft
Positioned off Freeway 74A in Gerton, the path begins with a steep climb via a lush forest. After 1.5 miles of climbing, you’ll attain Ferguson Peak—a small bluff overlooking the group of Fairview. After catching your breath, proceed for one more 1.5 miles to Blue Ridge Pastures, a sun-soaked meadow at 3,760 ft.
Be aware: No canines are allowed on the Strawberry Hole Path, even when they’re on a leash.
Cowl photograph: Hikers on Strawberry Hole Path. Photograph by Gordon Tutor.
