Known as the “Grand Canyon of the East,” Linville Gorge is a place that must be seen in person to truly appreciate. In addition to being one of the most scenic canyons in the eastern United States, it is also the third largest wilderness area in the state of North Carolina.
Formed by the smooth action of the Linville River, the gorge stretches for twelve miles and ranges in elevation from 2,000 to 4,000 feet, with the Jonas Range to the east and Mt. Linville to the west. Because of the different elevations and unique assortment of rock formations, you will find many interesting places to hike, take pictures, and enjoy the views.
The gorge, which lies entirely within the Pisgah National Forest, was designated as a protected natural area in 1964 and is managed by the Grandfather Ranger District of the U.S. Forest Service. Because of this, many hiking trails in the area are still very natural and not necessarily well-marked, so all hikers should always carry a detailed map of the area, and beginners are advised to stick to the shorter trails.
There are many trails to choose from of varying lengths and difficulty. In fact, there are 39 miles of hiking trails that lead in and out of the gorge and offer great views of the river. Experienced and seasoned hikers will also find many trails that move up the steep slope and challenge, while the longest trail in the wilderness, the Linville Gorge Trail, runs eleven and a half miles along the bottom of the gorge, tracing the west side of the river.
Some of the most popular hikes in Linville Gorge include Linville Falls, the most photographed waterfall in North Carolina, Hawksbill Mountain, Table Rock, and Wiseman View, where you will find one of the most spectacular views of the west side of the gorge.
In addition to the spectacular views of the cliffs and surrounding forest, a visit to the Gorge will also give you a chance to get up close and personal with some of the area’s rare plants and diverse wildlife. In addition to azaleas, orchids, sand myrtles and wild indigo, you’ll also find five very rare plant species, rhododendrons and virgin forests. The area is also home to squirrels, raccoons, deer, bears, turkeys, vultures, owls and hawks.
Hunting and fishing are allowed in the gorge area with a permit. Camping is also allowed with a free permit, which is issued by the county ranger’s office to limit the number of people in the area. However, visitors can get one permit per month and stay for up to three days and two nights each time, so be sure to get your requests in advance.
You should also be sure to stop by the Linville Falls Visitor Center, located off Blue Ridge Boulevard. The center is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., April through October, and offers visitors maps and lots of information about the gorge.