Discover Linville Gorge

Top Hikes in Linville Gorge:

Linville Falls

Start your adventure with Linville Falls, accessible via multiple trails.

• The Erwins View Trail provides an easy walk with spectacular views.
• For a challenge, try the Linville Gorge Trail that descends into the gorge, bringing you close to the river.

Table Rock Mountain

A 2.2-mile hike up Table Rock Mountain rewards you with panoramic views and is a favorite among climbers.

Shortoff Mountain

For expansive views, hike the 5-mile Shortoff Mountain Trail to experience the full glory of the gorge, especially at sunrise or sunset.

Linville Gorge has some pretty cool connections and links to its own trails.  Trails like The Chimney Gap Trail provides a secluded path with stunning cliff views, while the Conley Cove Trail is a rugged descent into the gorge, perfect for those seeking a challenge. The Spence Ridge Trail crosses the Linville River, offering a refreshing stop before climbing up to dramatic overlooks.

More around Linville Gorge: 

An underground adventure

Just a short drive from the gorge, Linville Caverns offers a fascinating underground adventure that’s perfect for all ages. These caverns, hidden deep within Humpback Mountain, were formed by the slow and steady drip of water through limestone over thousands of years, creating a stunning array of stalactites, stalagmites, and underground streams. As you embark on a guided tour, you’ll journey through narrow passageways, past shimmering formations, and into dark, mysterious chambers where the only light comes from your guide’s lantern. The caverns maintain a cool temperature year-round, making them a refreshing retreat on hot summer days.

Visitors often marvel at the natural beauty and unique history of the caverns, which were once used as a hideout by Confederate soldiers during the Civil War. Linville Caverns is a must-see for anyone visiting the area, offering a unique glimpse into the geological wonders hidden beneath the mountains of North Carolina. Be sure to bring a jacket and your sense of curiosity as you explore this subterranean world that’s as educational as it is awe-inspiring.

Camping in Linville Gorge

Camping here is a true wilderness experience. Whether you choose a back country site or a spot at an established campground, you’ll be treated to some of the best night skies on the East Coast.  

Wiseman’s View Overlook  is ideal for stargazing.

Water Adventures

The Linville River offers spots for a refreshing dip or a peaceful kayaking trip. For fishing enthusiasts, trout are abundant in these waters. Check out our  Fishing Guide for Linville Gorge  for tips.

Flora and Fauna

Linville Gorge is home to diverse wildlife and rare plant species. Keep an eye out for the reintroduced Peregrine Falcons soaring above the cliffs. Climbing restrictions have been put in place to protect rock face nesting locations.