Linville Falls is an unincorporated community in Western North Carolina and the name of one of the state’s most photographed waterfalls. The Linville Falls trail and waterfall are on Blue Ridge Parkway land managed by the National Park Service.
Known as “the Grand Canyon of the Southern Appalachians,” the Linville Gorge is managed by the US Forest Service. You can reach the Linville Falls trailhead parking lot via the Blue Ridge Parkway (MP 316). Additional parking for the waterfall hike is available via the Kistler Memorial Highway (also known as 1238 and old NC 105).
No matter where you park, we think you’ll enjoy Linville Falls. We sure have and keep it high on our list of waterfalls near Boone.
Before you go, we think there are a few important things to know. Here’s how we’ve organized this guide for you, so you’ll get the most out of your trip:
Table of Contents
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What is Linville Falls (the NC Waterfall)?
Linville Falls is a series of massive waterfalls with huge, dangerous drop-offs.
The lower section of Linville Falls plunges about 45 feet into Linville Gorge and can be viewed from multiple spots, including several overlooks along the trails.
Long before people like us came to stare at the falls, the Cherokee people called Linville Gorge “the river of many cliffs.”
Read More: 25+ Wonderful Waterfalls Near Blowing Rock (within 2 Hours)
Where is Linville Falls (the NC Waterfall)?
Trailhead Parking Address: Linville Falls Spur Road, Blue Ridge Parkway Milepost 316.4, Linville Falls, NC
As mentioned in the intro, Linville Falls is on Blue Ridge Parkway land managed by the NPS, at the head of the Linville Gorge Wilderness Area in Pisgah National Forest. The waterfall is named after the Linville River, which flows through it.
Several small towns and attractions are a short drive from your Linville Falls waterfall hike.
- Linville Falls is about a 1-hour 15-minute drive from Asheville, and even closer to popular spots to the south like Mount Mitchell State Park and Lake James State Park.
- You can also reach Linville Falls within an hour from the mountain towns of Boone and Blowing Rock to the north.
- Morganton and Marion are the two largest towns within 45 minutes to the south. Little Switzerland is a nice little town and about 40 minutes south as well.
- Burnsville is another great option, about 35 minutes west of Linville Falls. It’s home to great local businesses, including shops and restaurants.
Read More: Day Trips from Asheville
When to Visit (NC Tripping’s Recommendation)
You can enjoy the Linville Falls trails and the waterfall year-round, though. From freezing winter temperatures to warm summers, we’ve hiked this trail in all four seasons.
However, I’d absolutely personally recommend going in the fall when the leaves are changing colors.
It just raises the park’s atmosphere to a whole new level, in my opinion.
Read More: Colorful Fall Hikes in North Carolina (+ 20 Beautiful Places to Explore!)
Parking Info
Hurricane Helene destroyed the Linville Falls Visitor Center, and the campground and picnic area are closed.
The paved trailhead lot is open, easily accessed via the Blue Ridge Parkway (MP 316).
You’ll find plenty of parking, but on nice days and weekends, it fills up quickly. Portable toilets are also available at the trailhead.
If the Blue Ridge Parkway is closed, you can park in an unpaved lot along Old NC 105. This road will eventually lead you to some more hikes and Wiseman’s View, which we’ll mention below in our “More Linville Gorge Things to Do and Hikes” section.
Read More: The Best NC Blue Ridge Parkway Hikes
Safety Info
The waters here are very dangerous, and the National Park Service does not allow swimming in the Linville River or climbing on the rocks.
Every year, the Blue Ridge Parkway and other National Park officials will release a statement warning people to stay out of the water.
Long story short, stand back and don’t give in to the temptation to jump into Linville Falls.
Read More: National Parks Sites in North Carolina
Leave No Trace Reminder
While enjoying any Linville Falls waterfall hikes, please leave no trace. Pack in, pack out, and please do not ever litter in any of our beloved public spaces.
If you’d like to lend a helping hand, bring your own grocery bag and pick up any trash you see!
Read More: 50+ Great Things to Do With Kids in Asheville (and Nearby!)
How to See Linville Falls (Hiking Trails)
There are a few trails that lead to Linville Falls and here’s a breakdown of each one:
- Erwin’s View Trail: The easiest of the main trails, Erwin’s View Trail is a moderate 1.6 miles round trip, and the climb near Chimney View is steep. The trail also offers beautiful overhead panoramas of the falls from various overlooks, including the Upper Falls Overlook and Chimney View. Erwin’s View is the last overlook and offers a view of the Linville River as it heads into the heart of the Linville Gorge.
Read More: 4 National Forests in NC (Things to Do + Why We Love Them!)
- Plunge Basin Trail: The 1-mile round-trip Plunge Basin Trail is strenuous and offers views from the river’s opposite side.
- The Gorge Trail branches off from the Plunge and ends up at the foot of the falls, though some parts are inaccessible when the water is too high.
Read More: 100+ Hiking Trails in North Carolina
Duggers Creek Falls
Before you even head to Linville Falls, don’t forget about Duggers Creek Falls. This waterfall is a short distance from the parking lot and trailhead.
The small 10-foot waterfall sits in an alcove at the end of a short 3/10-mile hike.
Read More: 25+ Amazing Waterfalls near Banner Elk (within 2 Hours’ Drive)
Ready to Visit Linville Falls?
So what do you think? I’m guessing you know that we’re pretty smitten with Linville Falls, but what about you? Do you think this is a place worth visiting?
If you’ve ever been or want to visit Linville Falls, we’d love to hear from you. Let us know your thoughts in the comments section or send us an email!
Don’t forget to subscribe to our email newsletter for more adventures like this wonderful Linville Falls waterfall hike!
More Linville Gorge Things to Do and Hikes
The Linville River runs through the Linville Gorge Wilderness Area, with plenty to explore.
Here are some of our favorite Linville Gorge hikes and nearby places to visit:
- Wiseman’s View (0.4 Miles Round Trip): Wiseman’s View is a short walk from the parking lot, but it takes about 4 miles of driving on natural surfaces to get there. The road gets graded once or twice a season, and by season’s end it can have deep ruts and potholes, so skip it in a low-clearance car. The Gorge views make the drive worth it.
- Bynum Bluff Trail (About 2 Miles Round Trip): Not far from the Linville Falls parking area on Old NC 105, the Bynum Bluff Trail takes you down to a particularly scenic section of the Linville River via a mile-long trail.
- Hawksbill Mountain (2.2 Miles Round Trip): The hike gains and loses about 700 feet in elevation, though it feels steadier than the Table Rock Mountain hike (see next).
- Table Rock Mountain (2 Miles Round Trip): This picturesque peak also offers sweeping views of the Linville Gorge, after a short, often steep hike.
- Note: The Table Rock Picnic Area and parking lot are closed due to storm damage, but the trail is open.
- Upper Creek Falls (About 1.6-Mile Loop): The trailhead for Upper Creek Falls is along NC-181 near Jonas Ridge. The trail on the left side of the lot crosses Upper Creek near the top of the falls in about 0.4 miles, and the full loop crosses Upper Creek below the base and climbs back up to the lot. If it’s been raining recently, expect to get wet at the crossings, and never walk on top of this 80-foot waterfall.
Many people also come to the Gorge for rock climbing, hunting, and fishing. Please be cautious, as wilderness hiking differs from the well-marked trails at most other parks.
Read More: 25 of the Most Amazing Winter Hikes in North Carolina
Where to Stay Nearby
Whether you’re enjoying a quick Linville Falls waterfall hike or a lengthy adventure into the Linville Gorge, here are some nearby places to stay.
Campgrounds
The National Park Service’s Linville Falls Campground was the closest place to stay, but it’s closed due to Hurricane Helene damage.
Until it reopens, there are some other options for camping near Linville Falls, including:
- First-come, first-served spots along Old NC-105, which leads to places like Babel Tower and Wiseman’s View: If you arrive early enough, you can get a good spot with a perfect view of Table Rock Mountain…if you’re into that sort of thing, of course.
- Note: Camping inside the Linville Gorge Wilderness requires a free permit on weekend nights, May through October, via Recreation.gov. Check with the Grandfather Ranger District, (828) 652-2144, for current roadside camping rules along Old NC-105.
- Steel Creek Park & Campground (7081 NC Highway 181, Morganton, NC): This is one of a few family-friendly (and RV-friendly) campgrounds near Linville Falls. It has a swimming beach, mini golf, a snack bar, and a fully stocked camp store.
- Note: Be careful when turning in and pulling out, as the campground sits off a steep curve on 181, and cars fly here. While we were there, we heard a couple of long, angry horn blasts from speeding drivers.
- Daniel Boone RV Resort (7360 NC Highway 181, Morganton, NC): Daniel Boone RV Resort is not far from Steel Creek. It’s RV-only and open May through October. They have a swimming pool, a clubhouse, and more amenities.
- Rose Creek Family Campground (3471 Rose Creek Rd, Morganton, NC): Rose Creek is a family campground closer to Morganton. They have a natural wading area, a playground, a fishing pond, and more!
We’ve also stayed at Bear Den Mountain Resort & Campground (now owned by Spacious Skies), about a 10-minute drive away (MP 324.8), and it’s seriously one of the coolest campgrounds we’ve visited.
Read More: How to See Waterfalls Park in Newland (near Banner Elk)
Linville Falls Community
3 miles from the Linville Falls Trailhead (5-minute drive)
The unincorporated community of Linville Falls sits at the junction of Avery, Burke, and McDowell. We love exploring the fun here, including Linville Falls Winery (one of NC’s best wineries!) and Linville Caverns.
After hiking to Linville Falls, make sure to stop by Famous Louise’s for some down-home grub. The Linville Falls General Store is also worthy of a stop, in case you forgot anything at home!
Read More: Day Trips from Boone
Spruce Pine
19 miles from Linville Falls (30-minute drive)
Spruce Pine is about 30 minutes away from Linville Falls and offers plenty of fun to explore. The Emerald Village complex hosts 12 mines for gem and gold panning and is open seven days a week from spring through fall.
We’ve enjoyed Spruce Pine year-round, but keep tabs on these two events: the NC Mineral and Gem Festival in August and the Spruce Pine Alien Festival in June.
Read More: Hiking Roan Mountain for Beautiful Appalachian Trail Views
Banner Elk
19 miles from Linville Falls (30-minute drive)
If you follow the Blue Ridge Parkway for most of the route, you’ll arrive at Banner Elk in 30 minutes. It’s one of our favorite places to visit throughout the year, especially in October around the time of its famous Woolly Worm Festival.
Throughout the year, though, there are some great restaurants in Banner Elk for you to try. Banner Elk Winery & Villa and Grandfather Vineyard are two amazing wineries in town, too.
While in the area, don’t miss out on Apple Hill Farm, an ethical and working alpaca farm! Banner Elk is also a popular gateway to Grandfather Mountain State Park and the Mile High Swinging Bridge inside the Grandfather Mountain attraction.
Of course, many people come to the area to ski Sugar Mountain or Beech Mountain (home of the Land of Oz) on either side of Banner Elk. Those are two of our best ski resorts.
The Wilderness Run Alpine Coaster is a fun attraction nearby, sure to provide you with a year-round thrill!
Even more surrounding fun includes Otter Falls and Hawksnest Snow Tubing in Seven Devils. Finally, we can’t leave out Elk River Falls, one of the most beautiful but also, very dangerous waterfalls.
Read More: Winter in Boone (20 Great Activities, Snow Tubing, and More!
More Things to Do Nearby (NC Travel Guides)
We’ve covered the Linville Falls waterfall hike and nearby attractions in these NC travel guides. Here are a few of them.
