The Ultimate Guide To Asheville and the Western North Carolina Mountains

The Online Version of the Best-selling Regional Guidebook
 

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    Linville Gorge is a rugged wilderness area in Pisgah National Forest. Excellent hiking trails lead to superb views of Linville Falls. Linville Gorge, carved by the Linville River forming Jonas Ridge on the east and Wiseman’s View on the western rim, is one of the most spectacular sites in North Carolina. The Linville Gorge area was originally donated to the Parkway by John D. Rockefeller. Linville Falls is perhaps the best-known waterfall in the entire Appalachian Mountains, and certainly is one of the most scenic. The waterfall marks the beginning of the gorge, one of the deepest canyons in the east, with walls rising to almost 2,000 feet in places. Peregrine falcons and numerous other rare animals and plants are found in the gorge. One species of plant, the mountain golden heather (Hudsonia montana) is found nowhere else in the world.

Website: Linville Gorge
Location: Linville, NC
Distance: Two hours from Asheville
Address: Linville Falls Visitor Center, spur road off of Blue Ridge Parkway at Milepost 316.4.
Telephone: Grandfather District Ranger Station: 828-652-2144
                   Linville Falls Visitor Center: 828-765-1045
                   U.S. Forest Service: 828-768-6062
Hours: The Linville Falls Visitor Center is open 9 a.m.-5:30 p.m.
Fees: None, but permit must be obtained at Information Cabin along top of Gorge in order to enter Gorge area. This cabin is open 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m.
Allow: Minimum of six hours to see Gorge
Tips: Dress appropriately and prepare for day hike. Wear good hiking shoes. Check in first at Visitor Center for maps and information, then obtain permit to enter Gorge area.
Nearby: Linville Caverns, Grandfather Mountain, Tweetsie Railroad, Horn in the West, Mast General Store, Ben Long Frescoes
Directions: Turn off of the Blue Ridge Parkway at Milepost 316.3, and follow the paved road 1.4 miles to Linville Falls Visitor Center. Faster route is I-40 East from Asheville. Get off in Marion and take Hwy. 221 North for 26 miles to Linville Falls Community. At intersection of Hwy. 183, take right and go east ¼ mile to entrance.