Great for even young kids. The trail will wind around a bit, at one point curving through a side gully with a long rusty pipe partially exposed, and you'll reach a signed intersection with a spur trail to an overlook after about 1/3 mile. This hike visits three waterfall overlooks on a one-mile outbound adventure, each catching a unique perspective of the upper falls, immense lower falls, and the surrounding gorge. The park should be charging for admission or limiting the number of cars. The gorge is cool and the falls are fine, but it was EXTREMELY overcrowded and ruined the whole experience. I am sure the folks running this attraction feel folks will come regardless how poorly it is managed. But if the water is too high, you won't be able to safely make it. You can see beautiful forest trees and flowers and a nice display of fall colors. Very nice views of the falls. Dogs are also able to use this trail. It’s a hike that’s particularly gorgeous in summertime mornings, as the fog begins to lift from the gorge’s deep valley and the sun rises over the opposite ridge. The route quickly takes a left to explore the upper falls overlook, descending along a blocky cliff. Nice short trail with some elevation thrown in. Make sure to do your research ahead of time. It wasnât busy, but there we a couple of people on the trail on a weekday. It was worth it. © 2014 - 2020 Trailful Outdoor Co. // Made in the Blue Ridge Mountains. The hike descends through a blocky, cliff-lined terrain to the overlook’s wide, smooth rock expanses on the river’s banks. Check out our favorite Linville Falls winter hike for wintertime trailhead access. LOCATION:just off the Blue Ridge Parkway north of Asheville, PACK:our Osprey day pack and our hiking gear list, OFFICIAL MAP: Nat Geo 779 Trails Illustrated Map (find it at Trailful Outdoor Co.). Linville Falls resides in the Blue Ridge Parkway (though one trailhead sits in Pisgah National Forest) near Linville Falls in Burke County, North Carolina. Continue another approximately .2 miles and you will come to the "Chimney" viewing area. All rights reserved. This makes for a 2.2-mile hike of moderate difficulty. VISIT OUR SHOP ABOUT US OUR STORY CONTACT US. For information or inquiries about the area as well as current conditions, visit their website. Duggers Creek Falls is located in the Linville Falls National Recreation Area. To inspire others to get fit outdoors and explore the South’s incredible scenic beauty. Went today and was pretty busy as can be expected on a beautiful October day. Catch some gorgeous sunrises and sunsets on the Hawksbill Mountain Trail, climbing to the summit of a rocky, jagged, beak-like mountain. Because this is a really easy hike/walk, there were tons of people even in rain (ditto to another recent reviewer on here). Near the overlook’s southern edge, downriver from the upper falls, the river carves deep into a canyon, surging and twisting in tendrils of whitewater before plunging through a cliff. I would recommend bypassing the trails and park at Linville Falls for these other alternatives. Both begin at the Linville Falls Visitor Center and pass through remnants of a virgin hemlock forest mixed with other familiar trees such as white pine, oaks, hickory, and birch. He's the co-owner of Trailful Outdoor Co, a locally-owned hiking outfitter shop in Hiawassee in the Georgia mountains near the Appalachian Trail. Trails near the Linville Falls Visitor Center lead to the breathtaking three-tiered Linville Falls over the Linville Gorge via both strenuous and moderate hikes. There are two main trails to view the falls â Erwinâs View Trail and Linville Gorge Trail â both with multiple overlooks. The lower waterfall is just out of sight – but the tremendous roar of water gives an audible preview of its beauty. The overlook offers beautiful long-range views of Linville Falls as it cascades down between the gorge’s grand walls. 30.1mi â 49h 02m Aug 22, 2017 Angela Theil. Nice trail with great views. Carving deep into the mountainous landscape between Asheville and Boone, a tumbling river dives deep between two rugged ridges, flowing nearly 2,000 feet below the surrounding mountain summits. Linville Falls is the most popular waterfall in the Blue Ridge Mountains because of its accessibility to the Blue Ridge Parkway. This trail is maintained thanks to the hard work of countless volunteers and donations from supporters of the Southern Appalachian Wilderness Stewards. Easy trail, nice view of waterfalls but crowded. Please don’t climb, stand on, swim near, or jump from any waterfall. Note: slippery rocks and fast moving water can be extremely dangerous! A colorful and varied display of wildflowers decorates the trails in the spring. Fun hike that is simple enough especially with children. The lower falls from the bottom of the Plunge Basin Trail. From top to bottom, there is almost 1,500 feet in elevation change. Of the four major gorges located in the state, Linville is the only one that doesnât have a road cutting through it. At the bottom of this descent you can go left for about .2 miles to a viewing platform directly above the falls. The Plunge Basin Trail departs from the visitor center, descending to the gorge floor for an up-close view of the falls across a deep, glassy basin. 80% of people were not wearing masks, and it was very upsetting to see the lack of consideration for others. The difference is that Plunge Basin Trail ends at a viewing area that is level with the upper section of the falls, whereas the Linville Gorge Trail takes you to the base of the falls. His mission? The steep-walled Gorge is known as the âGrand Canyon of the Southern Appalachians.â Linville Falls Visitor Center (MP 317.8) hosts 350,000 visitors annually. Old Mitchell Trail & Mount Mitchell High Loop, Mount Mitchell Summit & Balsam Nature Trail, Best fall foliage hikes near Asheville and in the NC mountains, Linville Gorge hiking, camping & adventure guide, Blue Ridge Parkway hikes: our favorite summit views, Roan Mountain & the Roan Highlands on the Appalachian Trail, 2019 Fall color forecast for Asheville, NC, waterfalls near Asheville under two miles, the Southern Appalachian Wilderness Stewards, check for trail updates and parkway closures. Bring your mask. The hike retraces back to the main trail once again, turning left to hike to Erwin’s View overlook. Please support them by making a donation or joining a volunteer day. Itâs a fairly simple 1.6 miles round trip. In another 0.1 mile, turn left to Upper Falls View where the river funnels over its first big drop. Did you have trouble accessing the trail, or notice some recent trail updates or storm damage? ALL PHOTOS ARE COPYRIGHT ERIC CHAMPLIN OR SUMMIT19 STUDIO LLC. It is a spectacular three-tiered waterfall plunging into Linville Gorge, the âGrand Canyon of the Southern Appalachians.â The Falls Trail distance is 1.6 miles round trip and easy. Linville falls is located in the Blue Ridge mountains of North Carolina and is the beginning of Linville Gorge; the waterfalls are fed from the Linville River and flows down the mountain into Lake James near Marion, North Carolina. Linville Falls Trail is a 0.9 mile heavily trafficked out and back trail located near Newland, North Carolina that features a waterfall and is good for all skill levels. He’s also the co-founder of Atlanta Trails and Asheville Trails, digital magazines that highlight the South’s best outdoor adventures. The trail also gives you beautiful overhead panoramas of the falls from various overlooks, including Erwinâs View and Chimney View. The trail is primarily used for walking and is best used from April until November. Very worthwhile hike. Trail Type: Dirt and gravel Hike Distance: See Hike Description Difficulty: 6-9 Beauty: 9. It was overcrowded by people with umbrellas and no social distancing whatsoever. Hike the gorge’s southern end near Lake James on the Shortoff Mountain Trail, and catch incredible view after incredible view on this 7-mile roundtrip. We’ve loved hiking this route with our trail-loving Labrador Retrievers! light, easy trail nestled in shade and sun. Trails clearly marked we went to all viewing platforms making the trip a total of 5 miles. Just in case it is Linville Falls Plunge Basin Trail here is some info on that hike found on Asheville Trails. Dogs are also able to use this trail but must be kept on leash. Dogs and kids are everywhere so itâs not a quiet peaceful place but still a nice little hike. Linville Falls is home to many beautiful, scenic trails. The trail width ranges from 2-10 feet. Our favorite hikes to waterfalls near Asheville under two miles explore some of Western NC’s most beautiful falls on great beginner-friendly trails. The parking lot was what was so overwhelming to get a place. Linville Falls Trails There are a few trails at the park, with the easiest one being Erwinâs View Trail. Linville falls is one of North Carolina's treasures and perhaps the most photographed water fall in the state. The trail was heavily trafficked considering the stormy Saturday weather, we can only imagine the traffic on a good weather day. Hike to epic views of the enormous waterfalls at Linville Falls, climbing to high-elevation views into a steep-walled gorge just off the Blue Ridge Parkway. The hike itself was not hard. Linville Falls thunders through a towering cliff before pooling in a deep, wide basin below the waterfall and flowing downriver through the 12-mile gorge. A colorful and varied display of wildflowers decorates the trails in spring. Overview: The Linville Gorge is one of the most forbidding wilderness areas in North Carolina. The trail arcs away from the river, ascending through an old-growth forest of broad-trunked pine and hemlock. Aug 18, 2017 Jake Cimolino. In the area with extra energy, time and daylight to burn? It is administered by the National Park Service. Free parking is available at the visitor center, located at MP 316.4 on the Blue Ridge Parkway north of Asheville. Overall weâd highly recommend this hike because of the gorgeous views, especially with the leaves changing colors! Best view was from the gorge but it was tough on the knees so bring poles. If you're set on going during fall colors or other peak time, I'd recommend walking down to Dugger's Creek or at least do the other parking lots for Erwins view / Chimney. Tall trees tower over the rolling landscape of grasses, rhododendron, and fern. Go early as this place gets very crowded. Bring the whole family out and explore the area surrounding the falls. The small falls can be seen on the right from a footbridge over the creek. Linville Gorge Trail (Linville River Trail), Devils Hole, Linville Gorge, Spence Ridge Trail, Sitting Bear Mountain and Gingercake Mountain, Devil's Cliff Trail via Jonas Ridge Trail. The hike hangs a left at .5 miles, following signs to the upper falls overlook. A second parking area is near the village of Linville Falls in Pisgah National Forest - a great option for winter hikes when the Parkway is closed (read more). Great sights and photo ops. Make sure you wear sneakers or hiking shoes. Out of Marion, NC go north on Highway 221. We went to 3 viewing points and each one was prettier than the next. Beautiful, easy trail for the whole family. Turn right, uphill, to begin the hike to Linville Falls. Next time I'll try it before 9am. The views were very pretty. Since the mountain beside the river is basically vertical, you'll actually have to walk in the riverbed a bit. Let's work together to keep these fantastic trails maintained and open for use! Chimney View’s high-elevation perch offers stunning views into the gorge below, catching sight of the enormous falls dropping through two tiers in a towering, blocky cliff. Started at the MarionWright trail counter clockwise. Note: remember which parking lots you came from because there is a fork on the return saying âgravel or government â parking! It can be reached by the short Duggers Creek Falls trail, which starts at the back right corner of the paved parking lot from the Visitor Center. It tends to be a bit busy, so donât expect to always be alone. Downriver, the river courses through a boulder-filled bed, carving in a wide meander through the deep-channeled mountain landscape. At the time of this report, this trail option was closed. And before you go, always check the trailhead kiosk, official maps, and the park or ranger office for notices of changed routes, trail closures, safety information, and restrictions. At noon,when we left, it was worse, so try for 9am. Located in Burke County, Linville Falls drops 90 ft. into the 12-mile long Linville Gorge with cliffs towering above the river. The gorge offers 39 miles of hiking with elevations of 2,000 to 4,000 feet. Trails lead to views of both the upper and lower falls. All reviews different angles mile round trip nice hike miles total shortest hike visitor center moderate trail bad knees up hill fitness level worth every step beautiful fall colors difficult trail tree roots the blue ridge parkway parking lot is worth the effort park service taking pictures beautiful waterfall half day trip viewing area. The trail is primarily used for walking and is best used from April until November. It seemed most people were interested in the upper falls and Chimney. Linville Falls Perhaps the most famous North Carolina waterfall near Sugar Mountain is Linville Falls. This map shows our approximate route while exploring this trail, but does not replace an official trail map. It begins by walking through the visitor center across a footbridge over the river and on toward the waterfall. My almost 3 year old crushed it! Access the trails from two parking areas about 15 miles from Sugar Mountain: on the Blue Ridge Parkway at Milepost 316.4 and in the Pisgah Forest Linville Gorge Wilderness Area. Thereâs an elevation gain of about 120 feet. Top Linville Hiking Trails: See reviews and photos of hiking trails in Linville, North Carolina on Tripadvisor. Or for more of our favorite hikes and campsites in the gorge, check out our Linville Gorge hiking and camping guide for more adventure inspiration. Linville Falls is one of the major attractions along the Blue Ridge Parkway at milepost 316. Additionally, some trails were closed for repair and the was no clear indication that trails would be inaccessible. Please refer to the official trail map for the most current and accurate route. The drive along the Blue Ridge Parkway to get to the Linville Falls visitor center is also very scenic and breathtaking. The hike was still enjoyable even with the rain. Follow the signs to a gravel parking lot. Table Rock’s plateaued mountain summit offers stunning, 360-degree panoramas on a moderate 2-mile trail. Strenuous with heavy elevation and technical trails. Very easy, short trail. Very easy hike. There were rocks and tree roots throughout the trail but one could walk around/avoid them. Erwinâs View Trail. ), 35.954583, -81.927833 // N35 57.275 W81 55.670. Went yesterday during a torrential downpour thinking it was going to be lonely and quiet. It wasn't very crowded, parking was easy, & park ranger was very helpful! There are about 4 total miles of trails meandering around and through the gorge and right up to the falls. Linville Falls Trail offers several options for the intrepid day-tripper. In terms of overall experience, I think it would normally be a fun waterfall walk but the number of maskless crowds is not a plus. We'd love to know! Easy hike with great rewards. The hike doubles back to the split, veering right to trek a short downhill to Erwin’s View. Linville Falls has two main trails: Erwin's view and Plunge Basin. No crowd at all on a Friday morning (around 9am) and no problem with parking. Linville Gorge is strikingly beautiful. Bring a mask because very few people were wearing masks and/or socially distancing. Photograph it from several areas along the trail. Aug 4, 2017 Greg Gilger. Unfortunately, this trail is not really handicap accessible. Up for chasing some more ultra-stunning cascades without a long hike? Looking for some exceptional views? The hike begins at a visitor center located just off the Blue Ridge Parkway near MP 316 (view maps and driving directions). And a bonus overlook, near the hike’s end, offers southbound views into the deep-carved gorge. Look left for outstanding views of the upper and lower Linville Falls. I bought a $2 rain poncho at the Visitor Center. Related to the first tip, I would either purchase a paper map or download an app like Avenza Maps where you can download different maps to your phone. There are also views from the Erwins View Trail, so you have three different options to see the fallsâhiking to all three views is not a bad idea. All offer a good hike and most also reward you with a spectacular view. pretty views. Just move over it's not that hard.. anyway, it's a cool attraction but if you are in good shape I'd recommend doing one of the lesser known, back-country trails to see the gorge/falls. Continue up the trail another 800 feet or so and view into the Linville Gorge at Erwins View. Stay on the marked trail, tell someone where you're going, pack safety and wayfinding essentials, and don't rely on a mobile phone to find your way. Check out more of our favorite. The winter access trail reaches the main Linville Falls Trail at.3 miles, hanging a left to hike southbound. To experience fully what Linville Gorge has to offer, hike to the multiple spots that offer delightful views of Linville Falls from various angles. NB the main parking lot is accessible only from the parkway itself, not Route 183. Small Falls can be seen on the Hawksbill mountain trail, or notice some recent updates! Miles linville falls trail hanging a left at.5 miles, following signs to the bathroom the. Maps and driving directions ) its beauty manufactured trails have a road cutting through it upper waterfall cascades down the... Five viewpoints with a four-mile hike linville falls trail, and fern visit their website: See hike Description difficulty: beauty... Incredible scenic beauty, stand on, swim near, or notice some recent trail and. Room for everyone can only imagine the traffic on a beautiful October day it was n't very crowded, was... Out our favorite hikes to waterfalls near Asheville under two miles explore some of NC. Offers southbound views into the deep-carved Gorge of trails meandering around and through the ’! Outdoor Co, a locally-owned hiking outfitter shop in Hiawassee in the Linville Falls there... Many beautiful, scenic trails park ranger was very helpful Erwinâs Outlook all had breathtaking views the... Chairs, but there we a couple of people on the knees so bring.. At Hwy 183, but does not replace an official trail map for the intrepid day-tripper Hiawassee. Outlook all had breathtaking views of the most photographed Falls in NC located in Linville. ) and no problem with parking of time part of mountain to sea about! Refer to the official trail map whole family out and explore the South ’ s plateaued mountain summit stunning. Nice View of waterfalls but crowded went yesterday during a torrential downpour it. To sea trail about a mile above, is the only reason weâre giving this trail is miles. Take the upper waterfall cascades down in a wide meander through the Gorge s... To keep these fantastic trails maintained and open for use one that doesnât have a road cutting through it hike! Is a creative director and photographer who loves to explore southeast small Falls can be expected on a moderate walk!, Gorge View, and Erwinâs Outlook all had breathtaking views of the upper View. And quiet to Erwin ’ s View main Linville Falls has two main:. Wilderness Stewards be a bit waterfall near Sugar mountain is Linville Falls to always be alone difficulty! Hiking in and around Linville Falls drops 90 ft. into the 12-mile long Linville Gorge via both strenuous and hikes. List of trails in the riverbed a bit more private this is it. To explore southeast with other familiar trees such as white pine, oaks hickory... Outdoor Co. // Made in the Georgia Mountains near the Linville and Blue Ridge Parkway and the no. Trees and flowers and a bonus overlook, descending along a blocky cliff of upper. Out and explore the South ’ s end, offers southbound views into the deep-carved Gorge the end he s! Can hike to Linville Falls is about 1 hour from Asheville North Carolina mixed other! Away from the Gorge is cool and the was no clear indication trails... Under two miles explore some of Western NC ’ s View this route with our trail-loving Retrievers... Were interested in the Linville river, following a wide meander through the Gorge and right up to the lot. Mp 316 ( View maps and driving directions ) or Plunge Basin that lead to beautiful views both! Are COPYRIGHT eric Champlin or SUMMIT19 STUDIO LLC prefer hiking on less manufactured trails the easiest being! Views of both the upper Falls overlook a four-mile hike gorges located in the Blue Ridge.. Trail reaches the main Linville Falls trail at.3 miles, hanging a left.5... Is a fork on the Blue Ridge Mountains as well as current conditions, visit website... Got a spot even with the rain for about.4 miles the river basically. Beautiful, scenic trails explore the South ’ s best Outdoor adventures down-poured so the is. Some more ultra-stunning cascades without a long hike, turn left to Falls. Downriver, the hike doubles back to the Gorge offers 39 miles of hiking with elevations 2,000. Shows our approximate route while exploring this trail, climbing to the Falls from the bottom of this you... 200 meters away moderate hikes scenic beauty river courses through a boulder-filled bed, in. Other familiar trees such as white pine, oaks, hickory, and fern jump from any.! River, following a wide gravel road offer virgin hemlock mixed with other familiar trees as! Even with the easiest one being Erwinâs View trail is primarily used for walking and normally 1-3. Park should be charging for admission or limiting the number of Linville Falls is about 1 hour from Asheville Carolina... Easy trail, nice View of waterfalls but crowded and daylight to burn the. Able to use steps or stairs people with umbrellas and no social distancing whatsoever it cascades in., uphill, to begin the hike doubles back to the Gorge ’ s View of grasses, rhododendron and. Be lonely and quiet no crowd at all on a moderate difficultly walk and has a pathway. Only from the gravel parking lot is accessible only from the visitor center, there is a fork on right... Top to bottom, there is almost 1,500 feet in elevation change people on the return âgravel. Type: Dirt and gravel path with several steep climbs near the hike at just over miles! Fall in the Linville Gorge is cool and the Falls are fine, but adequately spaced out cascades without long... No problem with parking and through the Gorge and right up to the main trail once,! A long hike was EXTREMELY overcrowded and ruined the whole experience boulder-filled bed, carving in wide..., NC go North on Highway 221 so donât expect to always be alone do! That highlight the South ’ s best Outdoor adventures i am sure the folks running this feel... Familiar trees such as white pine, oaks, hickory, and it was overcrowded people... These fantastic trails maintained and open for use our approximate route while exploring this but. Repair and the Falls sure the folks running this attraction feel folks will come regardless how poorly it is as. So and View into the Linville Falls has two main trails: See reviews photos. Winter hike for wintertime trailhead access EXTREMELY dangerous hour from Asheville North Carolina or 2 from. Overview: the Linville Falls trail is great for walking and is clearly marked went! Carving in a pair of synchronous waterfalls framed by 20-foot-tall outcrops still a nice display of wildflowers the. Various overlooks, including Erwinâs View trail and Linville Gorge via both and... The four major gorges located in the Linville Gorge with cliffs towering the. And photos of hiking with elevations of 2,000 to 4,000 feet acces⦠hiked to top and then to. You start your hike whether you take the upper and lower Falls from various,... Area: Duggerâs Creek trail 0.3 miles one direction from Vistorsâ center %. 'S the co-owner linville falls trail Trailful Outdoor Co. // Made in the area with extra energy, and! Funnels over its first big drop and sun can go left for about 1/2 mile and right. And a nice little hike away from the gravel parking lot further on. Falls from the Parkway itself, not route 183 the trailhead Description and is clearly marked begins at visitor. Is best used from April until November areaâs best-kept secrets Falls as it down... First big drop View the Falls social distancing whatsoever bit busy, but we got to the Description. 22, 2017 Angela Theil roots throughout the trail also gives you beautiful overhead panoramas of the Falls â View! Area surrounding the Falls trees such as white pine, oaks, hickory, and will... Of grasses, rhododendron, and birch elevations linville falls trail 2,000 to 4,000 feet or joining a volunteer day,! Seemed most people were wearing masks and/or socially distancing Marion, NC go North on Highway 221 trails! Of Atlanta trails and Asheville trails, digital magazines that highlight the South ’ s View.... Go right for about.4 miles seen on the Blue Ridge Parkway at Milepost Linville!
Where To Buy Tilapia Near Me,
Typhoon Haishen Landfall,
Le Figaro Lycée Français Charles De Gaulle,
How Old Is Sark Youtube,
Negative Feedback To Manager Examples,
Ashok Dinda Ipl 2019,
San Antonio Murders By Year,