When I first started hiking again, one of my friends mentioned that she really liked Linville Falls as a fun day trip. Linville Falls is a multi-tier waterfall in North Carolina along the Blue Ridge Parkway. I have been several times in the last couple of years and highly recommend it.
Linville Falls
There are two parking areas for visitors. The visitor center sits beside the main paved parking lot run by the National Park Service. This lot is accessible off the Blueridge Parkway. Nearby is a gravel parking lot run by the U.S. Forest Service off N.C. 183. The main parking area and visitor center are closed in the off season but the gravel parking lot is open year-round.
I went once on a peak color weekend in early November. The leaves were incredible but the entire area was very busy. There were no spots in the parking lot and I had to park along the road about a half mile away. I went back two weeks later and basically had the place to myself.
There are two main trails to view the falls – Erwin’s View Trail and Linville Gorge Trail – both with multiple overlooks.
Erwin’s View Trail
Erwin’s View Trail is 1.6 miles round-trip from the visitor center. It is listed as a moderate difficultly walk and has a defined pathway. Most of the overlooks require visitors to use steps or stairs. This was the trail I hiked on my first visit and there are 4 overlooks.
Upper Falls
Upper Falls overlook is half a mile from the visitor center. From this overlook you can observe the dual upper falls and watch the river as it curves around toward its drop to the lower falls. This is by far the easiest overlook to get to on either trail. It is ideal for anyone wanting to see the falls who may not be up to the more difficult spots.
Chimney View
Chimney View overlook is next, 0.7 miles from the center. Here you get your first look at the lower falls with its 45-foot drop. After a good rain, this is an especially spectacular sight.
Gorge View and Erwin View
The trail ends with the Gorge View overlook and Erwin View. Linville River running through Linville Gorge is best seen from these spots. Both the upper and lower falls are still visible in the distance.
Linville Gorge Trail
Linville Gorge Trail has two destinations – Plunge Basin overlook and Linville Gorge – 1 mile and 1.4 miles from the visitor center respectively. These are both listed as strenuous trails. Linville Gorge is especially difficult with steep steps, elevation declines and uneven paths over rocks and trees.
Plunge Basin
From the Plunge Basin overlook, you get a side view of the lower falls. The overlook sits slightly above the top of the drop. This is the closest you can be to the lower falls while still on the actual trail.
Linville Gorge
At the end of the Linville Gorge trail, hikers arrive at the bottom of the lower falls. The waterfall drops into a large pool with several boulders bordering the edge. From there the Linville River continues on through the gorge. This is one of my favorite spots and I have taken this path a few times; however, knowing the terrain, I choose this trail when I am feeling my best.
Experienced hikers will not have a problem. If steep steps or changes in elevation bother you, come prepared and take your time. Definitely bring tons of water. More than once, I brought just one insulated water bottle and regretted not having more. I also recommend a snack.
Duggers Creek Falls
Another waterfall to check out while you are at Linville Falls is Duggers Creek Falls. This 10-foot waterfall is only three-tenths of a mile from the visitor center.
The Duggers Creek Trail can be accessed from the Plunge Basin Trail or at the far corner of the main parking lot. Duggers Creek is easily seen from the road and there is a bridge on the trail to view the falls closer.
The Carolinas have so much to offer! Thanks again. I need to head up that way.
Waterfalls never disappoint! Lucky you to have them so near by. Maybe a trip to Michigan? We have lots of beauty here too!