Are dogs allowed on Sitting Bear Mountain and Gingercake Mountain?

Yes, dogs are allowed on Sitting Bear Mountain and Gingercake Mountain but must be kept on a leash at all times. Pack out waste and respect wildlife.

Do I need a permit to hike Sitting Bear Mountain and Gingercake Mountain?

No, Sitting Bear Mountain and Gingercake Mountain does not currently require a permit. Still check for seasonal closures or day-use fees with the managing agency before heading out.

How difficult is Sitting Bear Mountain and Gingercake Mountain?

Sitting Bear Mountain and Gingercake Mountain is rated moderate. It is 3.2 miles long with 1,129 feet of elevation gain. Difficulty ratings reflect a combination of distance, elevation gain, and terrain — your experience will depend on your fitness level and trail conditions.

Status unknown — verify before visiting

We don't have current condition data for this trail. Check with the land manager before you go.

See North Carolina trail conditions

Sitting Bear Mountain and Gingercake Mountain route map

ModerateOut and Back

North Carolina

Sitting Bear Mountain and Gingercake Mountain

Morganton, North Carolina

3.2 mi

Distance

1,129 ft

Elev. Gain

1h 31m

Est. Time

Out & Back

Route Type

Moderate

Difficulty

About This Trail

Imported description

Enjoyable hike to top of Sitting Bear Mountain in the Linville Gorge Wilderness Area. Several opportunities for spectacular views. From one side, Devils Hole basin in the Linville Gorge, south through the end of the Linville Gorge with distant views of Lake James, across the gorge is Wiseman's View, and south is Hawks Bill, Table Rock, the Chimneys, and Shortoff Mountains. Off the other side, in view is Grandfather Mountain, Calloway Peak, Blowing Rock, the cuts made for US Hwy 321, overlook the Wilson Creek Wilderness area, Brown Mountain, Gold Hill area and the west Morganton area. Several good views of Sitting Bear Rock (Squint your eyes and with a little imagination the rocks do look like a sitting bear. Another 1/2 mile from Sitting Bear Mountain across a ridge will take you to the top of Gingercake Mountain. A short section from Sitting Bear Rock to top of Sitting Bear Mountain is practically straight up, but there are lots of small trees and roots to hold on to to make the ascent.

Trail Conditions

Unknown

We have no current condition data for this trail. Check with the operator before you go, and submit a report below if you've been recently.

No recent condition reports. Be the first to share what you see on the trail.

Elevation Profile

Min:1,053 ft

Max:1,268 ft

344 ft

Trail Details

Dogs on leash

Route Type: Out & Back
Surface: Dirt

Official sources & verification

We don't have curated agency sources for this trail in our cache yet. Outdoors is not the permitting authority — confirm conditions, permits, and access with the managing agency before you go. If you know who manages this trail, please tell us.

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Legacy import — verify before navigating

Path geometry came from our pre-launch legacy database. Routes have not yet been re-verified against the operator and may differ from the actual trail.