Linville Gorge

Hike Name: Linville Gorge Location: west NC Length: 1-??? Submitted by: Nick Date Submitted: 0/0/00 Rating:	more North Carolina trail reviews North Carolina national parks North Carolina state parks
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Description
Linville Gorge is a wilderness area, which I have interpreted to mean the trails are maintained at the bare minimum. Sometimes there are signs at the trail heads, and rarely is there a trail blaze. Expect a lot of fallen trees and debris, and to miss a trail or two. The trails are rough, but I still think New Hampshire holds the roughest east of the Miss. Of course maybe it's just the weather up there!

Here's an important fact, there's no bridge crossing the river. During the warmer months when the water is low and "warm", it can be crossed, but any other time you will be confined to one side of the gorge or the other. There are great views from both sides though, so you won't be disappointed, unless you're in the middle of an infamous three-day Appalachain rain shower. You know, the kind that sets in with low, view blocking, clouds and a light rain that finds it's way into the most water-tight nooks of your backpack. Also keep in mind that a road brings all sorts of tourists to the parking lot and camp sites near Table Rock. I've seen these menaces drop their Bojangles trash all over the trails around the parking lot.

Directions to Hike
I-40 to Marion or Hickory, then up to Linville Falls. If you're hiking the west side, the map will show the Kistler Memorial "Highway". Do not be fooled, this is NOT a highway, unless by the literal interpretation that it is at a high elevation. It's not much more than a 1.5 lane dirt/gravel road. Driving south, the road deteriorates quickly past Wiseman's view, and should not be tried without a 4x4. Make sure you call the forest service to see if they've had it graded this year.

Contact Information
Grandfather Ranger District
Route 1, Box 110-A
Nebo, NC 28761
(828) 652-2144

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