How Long Does It Take To Hike Linville Falls?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

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Length Difficulty 4.3 mls Hiking Time: Elev. Gain: Links: Resources:

2.5 hrs plus a half hour for lunch

650 ft Linville Falls Recreation Area Topo Hike Trails Map (PDF) Linville Weather Forecast Garmin (GDB), Gaia/Trails App (GPX) (What’s this?)
From: Get Directions Park at visitor center parking area. 35.95567, -81.92840

How long does it take to hike to the bottom of Linville Falls?

Get to know this 1.7-mile out-and-back trail near Newland, North Carolina. Generally considered a moderately challenging route, it takes an average of

55 min

to complete. This is a very popular area for birding and hiking, so you’ll likely encounter other people while exploring.

How much does it cost to get into Linville Falls?

This

free

public attraction offers several great hiking options. The easiest is a short (less than one mile) and fairly flat hike through the beautiful mountain woods to the Linville Falls viewing area. It’s well worth the walk, but do be sure and wear comfortable, hard soled shoes.

Is Linville Falls worth visiting?

Beautiful scenery. No swimming, but great photo ops. The bridge at GF mountain is certainly a unique experience and there are a lot more hiking trails there, but

if you want a nice 1-2 hour experience Linville Falls is definitely worthy

.

Is Linville Falls open now?

Hours:

Dawn until dusk, year-round

. Camping: Yes, at Linville Falls Campground, located nearby.

Can you swim in Linville Falls?

Linville Falls on the Blue Ridge Parkway is one of the easiest spots in the gorge to reach, but, because the currents are too swift,

the National Park Service does not allow swimming at the falls

. In fact, swift waters and slippery rocks are serious dangers throughout the gorge.

How do I hike to the bottom of Linville Falls?

Go about 11 miles and turn left on US-221. Stay on 221 for about 22 miles until you reach the Blue Ridge Parkway. Turn right up the ramp; turn left (North) on the Parkway and go about a mile. Turn right on the spur road to falls, and park at the Visitor Center.

How do you get to the bottom of Linville Gorge?

  1. Plunging dramatically between steep, sheer-walled, massive cliffs, the Linville River makes a dramatic entrance into the depths of Linville Gorge. …
  2. The hike departs from the 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.

Can you see Linville Falls from the road?

Gorgeous views- Drive to top for the “Wiseman’s View” We love Linville Falls!

It is a relatively easy hike from the parking lot to the overlooks- about 1/2 mile each way

. Make sure you take in the view from all 3 of the overlook locations.

How long is Linville Gorge?

Linville Gorge Trail: The longest trail in the wilderness area is the

11.5-mile

Linville Gorge Trail. It follows the Linville River from below Brushy Ridge near Linville Falls, to the wilderness boundary near Shortoff Mountain and Lake James. This heavily used trail descends along the western side of the river.

Are dogs allowed in Linville Gorge?

Linville Falls is the most popular waterfall in the Blue Ridge Mountains. The waterfall is a spectacular three-tiered waterfall plunging into Linville Gorge.

Pets are welcome but must be on a leash

. You and your dog can explore the trails and catch views of this amazing natural monument.

What park is Linville Falls?

Linville Falls – Milepost 316 –

Blue Ridge Parkway

(U.S. National Park Service)

What town is Linville Falls close to?


Morganton, NC

. Lenoir, NC. Boone, NC.

How far is Linville Falls from Burnsville NC?

Burnsville is another great option, about

35 minutes

west of Linville Falls.

How much is Linville Caverns?

Linville Caverns is located at 19929 U.S. 221 between Linville and Marion, four miles south of the Blue Ridge Parkway. Admission is

$8 for adults, $7 for seniors (age 62 and older), $6 for children (ages 5 to 12) and free for children younger than 5

, with adult supervision; group rates available.

Are there bears in Stone Mountain State Park NC?


Bears, including mamas with cubs, are active and have recently been seen in the state park, on adjacent trails and in the general surrounding areas

.

How long does it take to hike Grandfather mountain?

Difficulty: Strenuous/Difficult Distance from Asheville: 70 miles, 90 minutes Region: Grandfather Mountain State Park Duration of Hike:

Up to 2.5 hours each way
Pet-Friendly? No Multiple Use? No Blazes? Blue Natural Features: Panoramic Views, rock walls, spring rhododendron

Can you swim at Cascade falls?

Safety First: Cascade Falls and Springs both have gravel or concrete pathways and are just a few minutes walk from the parking areas. There is a stairway down a steep bank to Cascade Falls, where

swimming is allowed

. Swimming is not permitted in Cascade Springs.

Can you swim at Looking Glass falls?


Swimming is allowed at the falls

, but swim at your own risk and don’t climb on or around the rocks or cliff. The lower viewing platform and surrounding rock outcrops are great places to take in the waterfall’s beauty – and a gorgeous place for a picnic.

What is the elevation of Linville North Carolina?

3,665′

Where is Grandfather Mountain State Park?

The entrance to Grandfather Mountain is located on

U.S. 221, two miles north of Linville, North Carolina, and one mile south of the Blue Ridge Parkway at Milepost 305

. The street address is: 2050 Blowing Rock Highway, Linville, NC 28646 (click link for Google Maps). The GPS coordinates are 36.08502N, -81.84646W.

Can you drink water from Linville River?

Another important preparation for hiking the Linville Gorge Wilderness is, like with any backpacking trip, to consider your water sources. For shorter hikes, you may choose to carry in your supply of drinking water. However,

there are no potable water sources within the Gorge

.

How long is the Babel Tower Trail?

This difficult

three-mile

adventure follows the Babel Tower Trail from the gorge’s western rim, plunging to a craggy stone spire and a series of chute-like waterfalls on the Linville River.

What river runs through Linville Gorge?

Located in Burke and McDowell Counties, the gorge was carved by the

Linville River

, which arises on the slopes of nearby Grandfather Mountain and runs for 12 miles in a 2,000-foot descent through the Blue Ridge before joining the Catawba River on the piedmont below.

Timothy Chehowski
Author
Timothy Chehowski
Timothy Chehowski is a travel writer and photographer with over 10 years of experience exploring the world. He has visited over 50 countries and has a passion for discovering off-the-beaten-path destinations and hidden gems. Juan's writing and photography have been featured in various travel publications.