A great hike over a well designed and maintained trail leads to a beautiful open pasture with mountain views. Follow the ups and downs through a plethora of wildflowers and birds.
This out and back hike is roughly 2.5 miles each way, with some steep ascents and minor water crossings along the way. The trail starts from the parking area and directly across from the Bearwallow Mountain trail head. The Trombatore trail, built by Conserving Carolina was completed in 2013 and is a great example of what a well built and designed trail should be. Almost immediately, the trail will begin a fairly gentle and sustained downhill through towering trees and a carpet of moss and wildflowers for the first mile. The next mile and a half are a sustained uphill climbed with a few easier sections as relief. You will notice several side trails and old roads that are clearly marked NO TRESPASSING. Make sure you are following only the designated trail (it is well marked).
After making the climb you will be rewarded with a beautiful grassy pasture at the top with long range views of the surrounding mountains. Enjoy the view and rest before heading back down the way you came. Enjoy the downhill and the shorter and more manageable uphill on the return. Once back at the trailhead, if your legs are still looking for a challenge cross the road and head up the shorter but also moderately steep Bearwallow Mountain trail.
Trombatore
Parking for the Trombatore trail is located on Bearwallow Road in Fairview, North Carolina. There is limited parking at the trailhead. Please be respectful of private property near the trailhead and along various points along the trail.
Directly accross from the trailhead is the Bearwallow Mountain trailhead, a similar but shorter hike.
This trail is rated MODERATE. There are some steep climbs but the trail overall is well built and maintained and easy to follow. Do not go off the signed trail, there are several side trails and roads all of which are private property and off limits.