View of Linville Gorge, North Carolina
Linville Gorge

Linville Gorge

Linville Gorge is formed by the Linville River as it descends from its source on Grandfather Mountain to Lake James. Linville Gorge is a designed wilderness area and is a great place to fish, camp, and hike. Free permits are required for camping.

Linville Gorge is about 12 miles long. During its passage through the gorge the Linville River falls almost 2,000 feet.

Linville Falls

Linville Falls with lower falls in foreground and upper falls in background.
Upper and Lower Linville Falls
Upper Linville Falls
Upper Linville Falls
Upper Linville Falls
Upper Linville Falls
Lower Linville Falls
Lower Linville Falls
Lower Linville Falls
Lower Linville Falls

The upper and lower Linville Falls are the highlight of the casual visit to Linville Gorge. The falls can be viewed from the top of Linville Gorge via an easy hike.

A somewhat strenuous hike takes you to the base of the falls. In the summer you can take a swim to cool off from the work of the hike.

In the spring and summer the various flowers are in bloom. These flowers add to the overall beauty of the site.

Linville Falls visitor center is about 1.5 miles off the Blue Ridge Parkway near milepost 316 north of Asheville, North Carolina. The visitor center has information about the area and restrooms. The National Park Service also has a campground in the area.

Pink flowers at Linville Falls
Flowers at Linville Falls
White flowers at Linville Falls
Flower at Linville Falls