Linville Gorge

Linville Gorge NC Wilderness region is part of the preserved and federally managed Pisgah National Forest. Formed by Jonas Ridge to the east and Linville Mountain to the west, over 12,000 acres are considered some of the most beautiful and unspoiled along the Blue Ridge Parkway.

Meandering through the Linville Valley is the Linville River, bordered by North Carolina's Gingercake, Hawksbill and Table Rock mountains. Falling from elevations upwards of 4,120 feet, the clear mountain water originates at the top of Grandfather Mountain. Much of the Linville Gorge Wilderness region is forest, however there are many bare, rugged rock formations which entice hikers and rock climbing enthusiasts. The river is great for fishing and the heavily wooded land is a hunter's paradise.

In the Linville Gorge NC Wilderness area native mountain plants such as rhododendron, azaleas, turkey beards, mountain orchids, silverbells, yellow root, wild indigo, red chokeberry and sand myrtle thrive. Black bears, deer, grouse, owls, hawks and a variety of wild mountain trout species make the Linville Gorge and Linville River their home.

Inside the Linville Gorge NC is Linville Falls, one of the most popular NC mountain waterfalls. Linville Falls is the largest of all the waterfalls found on the northern edge of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Located along the Blue Ridge Parkway, the upper part of the falls is actually a twin set that plunges 45 feet into a deep pool.

Linville Caverns NC is just 4 miles south of the Blue Ridge Parkway on US 221 North. Guided tours take visitors along the cave path to see the actively forming stalactites and stalagmites and spectacular formations. The tour ends at the "bottomless pool."

The Linville Falls Visitor Center, open April 15 through November 1st, 9 to 5, is a great source for maps and information on the Linville Gorge Wilderness region, Linville Falls and the Blue Ridge Parkway.

Linville Caverns 19929 US 221 North Marion, NC 28752 800-419-0540

Linville Falls Visitors Center Located at Milepost 316.4 on the Blue Ridge Parkway 828-765-1045‎