Most of the overlooks require visitors to use steps or stairs. Bring the whole family out and explore the area surrounding the falls. From top to bottom, there is almost 1,500 feet in elevation change. Nice trail with great views. 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. The lower falls from the bottom of the Plunge Basin Trail. We got to the parking lot at 10:40 Saturday morning,it was musical chairs,but we got a spot. The only reason we’re giving this trail 4/5 is because we prefer hiking on less manufactured trails. 30.1mi — 49h 02m Aug 22, 2017 Angela Theil. Eric Champlin is a creative director and photographer who loves to explore southeast. 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. Easy trail, nice view of waterfalls but crowded. UPPER BASIN FALLS PLUNGE BASIN OVERLOOK GRAVEL PARKING AREA LINVILLE FALLS COMMUNITY 317 VISITOR CENTER TRAIL MILEAGE IS VISITOR CENTER DUGGERIS CREEK RT 163 CAMPGROUND RIVERBEND U.S.F.S. Leashed dogs are allowed on this trail. 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. Please don’t climb, stand on, swim near, or jump from any waterfall. The winter access trail reaches the main Linville Falls Trail at.3 miles, hanging a left to hike southbound. 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. The overlook spots had steep stairs with a railing. If you are looking for something a bit more private this isn't it. 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. At the bottom of this descent you can go left for about .2 miles to a viewing platform directly above the falls. No crowd at all on a Friday morning (around 9am) and no problem with parking. Head to the gorge’s eastern rim to hike the Table Rock Trail. Dogs and kids are everywhere so it’s not a quiet peaceful place but still a nice little hike. 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. The trail is primarily used for hiking, walking, nature trips, and bird watching and is best used from February until November. 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. 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.). But if the water is too high, you won't be able to safely make it. Very crowded. Very nice views of the falls. We went to 3 viewing points and each one was prettier than the next. A colorful and varied display of wildflowers decorates the trails in the spring. Linville falls is one of North Carolina's treasures and perhaps the most photographed water fall in the state. The trail is primarily used for walking and is best used from April until November. Note: slippery rocks and fast moving water can be extremely dangerous! Very family-friendly hike. We’ve loved hiking this route with our trail-loving Labrador Retrievers! Only one of the trails is strenuous, and you can hike to all five viewpoints with a four-mile hike. Nice short trail with some elevation thrown in. © 2014 - 2020 Trailful Outdoor Co. // Made in the Blue Ridge Mountains. It is listed as a moderate difficultly walk and has a defined pathway. 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. Make sure to do your research ahead of time. Great for even young kids. The drive along the Blue Ridge Parkway to get to the Linville Falls visitor center is also very scenic and breathtaking. Linville Gorge is strikingly beautiful. The trail arcs away from the river, ascending through an old-growth forest of broad-trunked pine and hemlock. Erwin’s View Trail. Turn right, uphill, to begin the hike to Linville Falls. At noon,when we left, it was worse, so try for 9am. 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. The majority of the trail was gravel. Linville Falls resides in the Blue Ridge Parkway (though one trailhead sits in Pisgah National Forest) near Linville Falls in Burke County, North Carolina. Super short and a good decline. At the gorge’s northern edge, near the Blue Ridge Parkway, the river cascades in a series of waterfalls that plummet through its dramatically beautiful landscape. Great hike for families. In another 0.1 mile, turn left to Upper Falls View where the river funnels over its first big drop. The area is subject to close in the winter, especially after a snow. Strenuous with heavy elevation and technical trails. Catch some gorgeous sunrises and sunsets on the Hawksbill Mountain Trail, climbing to the summit of a rocky, jagged, beak-like mountain. 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. INFO CABIN 221 LEGEND PARKWAY STATE/PAVED ROADS UNIMPROVED ROADS FOOT TRAILS Another beautiful day, so a little busy, but adequately spaced out. Bring a mask because very few people were wearing masks and/or socially distancing. Please refer to the official trail map for the most current and accurate route. Downriver, the river courses through a boulder-filled bed, carving in a wide meander through the deep-channeled mountain landscape. Here are a list of trails in the Linville area: Dugger’s Creek Trail 0.3 miles one direction from Vistors’ Center. It is a primitive dirty and gravel path with several steep climbs near the end. The small falls can be seen on the right from a footbridge over the creek. In the area with extra energy, time and daylight to burn? Trails lead to views of both the upper and lower falls. The level, road-width Linville Falls Trail leads through a scenic forest along the river to a junction on the right at 0.4 mile (a Forest Service spur trail connects to NC 1238, a short distance away-see the map below). Look left for outstanding views of the upper and lower Linville Falls. Aug 4, 2017 Greg Gilger. We'd love to know! Make sure you bring a camera for pictures. Linville Falls Perhaps the most famous North Carolina waterfall near Sugar Mountain is Linville Falls. The gorge offers 39 miles of hiking with elevations of 2,000 to 4,000 feet. Departing Erwin’s View, the hike retraces its steps to the trailhead, completing the hike at just over 2 miles. There are many other similar attractions in the Linville and Blue Ridge Parkway area. I would recommend bypassing the trails and park at Linville Falls for these other alternatives. It begins by walking through the visitor center across a footbridge over the river and on toward the waterfall. Went today and was pretty busy as can be expected on a beautiful October day. It seemed most people were interested in the upper falls and Chimney. Upriver, the upper waterfall cascades down in a pair of synchronous waterfalls framed by 20-foot-tall outcrops. 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 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. ), 35.954583, -81.927833     //     N35 57.275 W81 55.670. Linville Falls Plunge Basin Trail "The hike departs from the Linville Falls visitor center, located off the Blue Ridge Parkway at MP 316 (view maps and driving directions), hanging a left in front of the visitor center. Because this is a really easy hike/walk, there were tons of people even in rain (ditto to another recent reviewer on here). It wasn’t busy, but there we a couple of people on the trail on a weekday. From the visitor center, there are two main trails Erwin Trail and Linville Gorge Trail or Plunge Basin that lead to the falls. Best view was from the gorge but it was tough on the knees so bring poles. Linville Falls, pictured above, is the most photographed falls in NC located in the Linville Gorge. The route quickly takes a left to explore the upper falls overlook, descending along a blocky cliff. Trail Type: Dirt and gravel Hike Distance: See Hike Description Difficulty: 6-9 Beauty: 9. Upper Falls, Chimney View, Gorge View, and Erwin’s Outlook all had breathtaking views of the falls and river. Beautiful, easy trail for the whole family. Was a spontaneous stop while driving Asheville and loved it! The hike retraces back to the main trail once again, turning left to hike to Erwin’s View overlook. There are also views from the Erwins View Trail, so you have three different options to see the falls—hiking to all three views is not a bad idea. From this vantage point the falls are about 200 meters away. Dugger’s Creek Trail is one of the area’s best-kept secrets. The trailhead is clearly marked from here. Top Linville Hiking Trails: See reviews and photos of hiking trails in Linville, North Carolina on Tripadvisor. Table Rock’s plateaued mountain summit offers stunning, 360-degree panoramas on a moderate 2-mile trail. The park should be charging for admission or limiting the number of cars. 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 was still enjoyable even with the rain. The hike hangs a left at .5 miles, following signs to the upper falls overlook. Bring your mask. (Before you go, check for trail updates and parkway closures on the official Blue Ridge Parkway website. My almost 3 year old crushed it! Up for chasing some more ultra-stunning cascades without a long hike? The trail departs from the gravel parking lot noted in the Trailhead description and is clearly marked. 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. 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. Check out more of our favorite. Great sights and photo ops. Linville Falls Overlook Trail is a 2 mile heavily trafficked out and back trail located near Newland, North Carolina that features beautiful wild flowers and is rated as moderate. Started at the MarionWright trail counter clockwise. Linville Falls Trail offers several options for the intrepid day-tripper. It’s a fairly simple 1.6 miles round trip. Linville Falls is home to many beautiful, scenic trails. It’s a spectacular series of waterfalls – and this moderate, two-mile hike scores stunning views of the falls from many excellent vantage points. Always leave no trace, pack out everything you pack in, and if you see trash, pick it up and pack it out. Of the four major gorges located in the state, Linville is the only one that doesn’t have a road cutting through it. The hike begins at a visitor center located just off the Blue Ridge Parkway near MP 316 (view maps and driving directions). Fun hike that is simple enough especially with children. Erwin's view is the easier of the two, and stops at three main overlooks: Upper Falls, Chimney View, and the eponymous Erwin's View. 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 steep-walled Gorge is known as the “Grand Canyon of the Southern Appalachians.” Linville Falls Visitor Center (MP 317.8) hosts 350,000 visitors annually. Since the mountain beside the river is basically vertical, you'll actually have to walk in the riverbed a bit. Overview: The Linville Gorge is one of the most forbidding wilderness areas in North Carolina. Linville Falls has two main trails: Erwin's view and Plunge Basin. Aug 18, 2017 Jake Cimolino. There are two main trails to view the falls – Erwin’s View Trail and Linville Gorge Trail – both with multiple overlooks. 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. Duggers Creek Falls is located in the Linville Falls National Recreation Area. It tends to be a bit busy, so don’t expect to always be alone. Very easy, short trail. Make sure you bring a water bottle. 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. The gorge is cool and the falls are fine, but it was EXTREMELY overcrowded and ruined the whole experience. Beautiful views of Falls above & below. ALL PHOTOS ARE COPYRIGHT ERIC CHAMPLIN OR SUMMIT19 STUDIO LLC. Linville Falls is about 1 hour from Asheville North Carolina or 2 hours from Charlotte North Carolina. Make sure you wear sneakers or hiking shoes. NB the main parking lot is accessible only from the parkway itself, not Route 183. Additionally, some trails were closed for repair and the was no clear indication that trails would be inaccessible. There’s an elevation gain of about 120 feet. The hike itself was not hard. It was worth it. The hike doubles back to the split, veering right to trek a short downhill to Erwin’s View. Continue another approximately .2 miles and you will come to the "Chimney" viewing area. It is administered by the National Park Service. The parking lot was what was so overwhelming to get a place. Biggest tip I have: There is NO cell phone service around the Linville Falls Community. Linville Falls is the most popular waterfall in the Blue Ridge Mountains because of its accessibility to the Blue Ridge Parkway. Hiked to top and then down to Bottom of Linville Falls. 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. Trails clearly marked we went to all viewing platforms making the trip a total of 5 miles. This trail passes through a majestic forest of old-growth hemlock and white pines, to spectacular cliff-top views of one of the most scenic and photographed waterfalls in the East. The trail also gives you beautiful overhead panoramas of the falls from various overlooks, including Erwin’s View and Chimney View. It wasn't very crowded, parking was easy, & park ranger was very helpful! Very easy hike. Absolutely our favorite hike on the Blueridge Parkway! Check out our favorite Linville Falls winter hike for wintertime trailhead access. Very worthwhile hike. Linville Falls is one of the major attractions along the Blue Ridge Parkway at milepost 316. Linville Falls: the hike The hike begins at a visitor center located just off the Blue Ridge Parkway near MP 316 (view maps and driving directions). Free parking is available at the visitor center, located at MP 316.4 on the Blue Ridge Parkway north of Asheville. In addition to hiking, find a campground along the Parkway acces… Did you have trouble accessing the trail, or notice some recent trail updates or storm damage? This map shows our approximate route while exploring this trail, but does not replace an official trail map. Some of the most popular hikes include Hawksbill Mountain Trail, Linville Gorge Wilderness Hike, Linville Falls Erwins View Trail and Plunge Basin Trail, Table Rock Summit and Wiseman's View. The trail proceeds upriver on the right side about 100 yards to the plunge pool, and view of the main drop of Linville Falls. Regardless of where you start, the trails are well marked, easily followed, and offer great views of the falls and the gorge. The trail descends down hill for about .4 miles. There is another paved parking lot further down on Hwy 183, but the trail to Linville Falls is longer. Tall trees tower over the rolling landscape of grasses, rhododendron, and fern. There are about 4 total miles of trails meandering around and through the gorge and right up to the falls. The Linville Falls Trail is the most popular hiking trail to view Linville Falls. Two main hiking trails lead to beautiful views of the Linville Falls. 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. The hike reaches a spur trail at just under one mile, turning left to catch views of the waterfall from the Chimney View overlook. His mission? For information or inquiries about the area as well as current conditions, visit their website. The trail width ranges from 2-10 feet. 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). 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. 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. Dogs are also able to use this trail but must be kept on leash. 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. The views were very pretty. Overall we’d highly recommend this hike because of the gorgeous views, especially with the leaves changing colors! The trail crosses a bridge over the Linville River, following a wide gravel road and rolling elevation through a vibrant green forest. Please always practice good trail etiquette. 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. The Western Carolina mountains are a sought after place to work off the city blues. Contact us here, and thanks for helping us keep this site updated! Crowded on a Saturday, but plenty of room for everyone. 80% of people were not wearing masks, and it was very upsetting to see the lack of consideration for others. Just in case it is Linville Falls Plunge Basin Trail here is some info on that hike found on Asheville Trails. The hike turns, retracing its steps back to the main trail and climbing elevation. Reaching the trail’s end, two short spurs travel to the trail’s final overlooks, and the hike veers to the right, catching stunning views into the gorge. Sep 9, 2017 Tina Wolfe. Dogs are also able to use this trail. Hiking Trails Hiking in and around Linville falls offers every level of hiking challenge and satisfaction. The hike descends through a blocky, cliff-lined terrain to the overlook’s wide, smooth rock expanses on the river’s banks. Looking for some exceptional views? Erwin’s View Trail is 1.6 miles round-trip from the visitor center. The trail is great for walking and normally takes 1-3 hours. You can see beautiful forest trees and flowers and a nice display of fall colors. Photograph it from several areas along the trail. Let's work together to keep these fantastic trails maintained and open for use! Please support them by making a donation or joining a volunteer day. Continue up the trail another 800 feet or so and view into the Linville Gorge at Erwins View. VISIT OUR SHOP ABOUT US OUR STORY CONTACT US. A colorful and varied display of wildflowers decorates the trails in spring. Easy hike with great rewards. Linville Falls is located on the Blue Ridge Parkway. Went yesterday during a torrential downpour thinking it was going to be lonely and quiet. The lower waterfall is just out of sight – but the tremendous roar of water gives an audible preview of its beauty. Follow the signs to a gravel parking lot. A lot of people but once we were at the falls most people were wearing masks. Our favorite hikes to waterfalls near Asheville under two miles explore some of Western NC’s most beautiful falls on great beginner-friendly trails. Unfortunately, this trail is not really handicap accessible. Note: remember which parking lots you came from because there is a fork on the return saying “gravel or government “ parking! I am sure the folks running this attraction feel folks will come regardless how poorly it is managed. It is a spectacular three-tiered waterfall plunging into Linville Gorge, the “Grand Canyon of the Southern Appalachians.” The Falls Trail distance is 1.6 miles round trip and easy. The overlook offers beautiful long-range views of Linville Falls as it cascades down between the gorge’s grand walls. All offer a good hike and most also reward you with a spectacular view. The trail was heavily trafficked considering the stormy Saturday weather, we can only imagine the traffic on a good weather day. Go early as this place gets very crowded. The trail is primarily used for walking and is best used from April until November. And a bonus overlook, near the hike’s end, offers southbound views into the deep-carved gorge. The place was pretty crowded and several dogs there. Dorie Robinson wrote a review Nov 2020. All rights reserved. This trail is maintained thanks to the hard work of countless volunteers and donations from supporters of the Southern Appalachian Wilderness Stewards. Forests offer virgin hemlock mixed with other familiar trees such as white pine, oaks, hickory, and birch. 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. Linville Falls - Milepost 316 Linville Falls is one of the most impressive waterfalls along the Blue Ridge Parkway. Pretty trail and very wide. Out of Marion, NC go north on Highway 221. We hiked just after it down-poured so the water level was very high. 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. pretty views. There were rocks and tree roots throughout the trail but one could walk around/avoid them. I bought a $2 rain poncho at the Visitor Center. He’s also the co-founder of Atlanta Trails and Asheville Trails, digital magazines that highlight the South’s best outdoor adventures. © 2014 - 2020 Trailful Outdoor Co. // Made in the Blue Ridge Mountains. It was overcrowded by people with umbrellas and no social distancing whatsoever. Trailful Outdoor Co. is a registered trademark of Summit19 Studio LLC.Privacy Policy | Terms of Use No photo, illustration, data, or text on this website may be reproduced, published, or distributed without prior written permission and license. To inspire others to get fit outdoors and explore the South’s incredible scenic beauty. Trails are marked well. 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. This makes for a 2.2-mile hike of moderate difficulty. To experience fully what Linville Gorge has to offer, hike to the multiple spots that offer delightful views of Linville Falls from various angles. Make sure you go to the bathroom at the visitor center before you start your hike whether you take the upper or lower trail. The trail crosses a bridge over the Linville River, following a wide gravel road and rolling elevation through a vibrant … Easy hike to a number of Linville Falls viewing platforms. 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. light, easy trail nestled in shade and sun. Dogs are also able to use this trail but must be kept on leash. At the time of this report, this trail option was closed. Linville Falls Trails There are a few trails at the park, with the easiest one being Erwin’s View Trail. 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. Next time I'll try it before 9am. 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