Linville Gorge Wilderness Area
Linville Gorge Wilderness Area
Linville Gorge Wilderness Area
4.5
About
This area, which offers hiking, camping, birdwatching and wildlife, was named for William Linville who was killed here by Indians in the 1700s.
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
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4.5
229 reviews
Excellent
177
Very good
45
Average
6
Poor
1
Terrible
0
Patrick D
Rockland, ME36 contributions
Apr 2023
The beauty of this place (though not even close to a grand canyon) is quite amazing. Mother nature is an accomplished architect.
Locating is a whole other experience. Would have been a 5 if not for the lack of signage (noted by others as well) not only to the gorge but many hiking area within the same area. Having hiked other locations this is close to one of the worse when it comes to readily accessible location finders.
We went up to Wisemans View (?) I believe? and walked the short distance to the overlook which again is quite lovely, not sure if the lack of specific direction is a local art of keeping people out but if you do find this place it is quite wonderful.
Locating is a whole other experience. Would have been a 5 if not for the lack of signage (noted by others as well) not only to the gorge but many hiking area within the same area. Having hiked other locations this is close to one of the worse when it comes to readily accessible location finders.
We went up to Wisemans View (?) I believe? and walked the short distance to the overlook which again is quite lovely, not sure if the lack of specific direction is a local art of keeping people out but if you do find this place it is quite wonderful.
Written 16 April 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Abdul Wasay
Beijing, China104 contributions
Mar 2023
The waterfall can be viewed from multiple viewpoints. I consider mysefl lucky as that place was not crowded at that time that made my experience memorable.
Written 19 March 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Kristin
Charlotte, NC169 contributions
Oct 2021 • Couples
Upon reading other reviews, I expected signage, a welcome area and the ability to figure out how to get to what. There was none of that. Used the address they give to navi to this place only to be on an unpaved, dirt, tiny ruddy forest service road for 6+ miles bobbing and weaving other cars, ruts, no guard rails, etc. No signage for where you were even going. Super crowded, it’s a free for all on where to park. Only bring an old car or suv you don’t mind getting beat to hell. Finally got to an actual parking area where bathrooms were. Bathrooms were so foul, I should’ve just went in the woods. We started hiking up the path that is aside of the bathrooms. Went to what we thought was the top and had a picnic lunch. We didn’t see any waterfalls or signage for waterfalls. I thought choosing a place that had so many reviews would be smart but this was a fail for sure. Pretty at whatever point we ate lunch at but not worth what we went thru to get there, park, etc.
Written 25 October 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
gweiss1001
Chicago, IL25 contributions
Oct 2021 • Couples
Worth every minute of the drive, this waterfall is one of the very best in N.C. You cannot go wrong making this part of your itinerary.
Written 25 October 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
benton2569
Willington, CT644 contributions
Oct 2021
I went here primarily to see Linville Falls. I did arrive closer to noon and was a bit surprised to see how busy it was. The parking lot, trails and viewing areas were all pretty crowded. Parking and entrance to the park is free.
The hike itself was more strenuous than I expected: lots of inclines plus step up and down to get to the viewing areas. Its a moderate hike overall but it was warmer that day so do bring plenty of water and even something to eat. There are 3 viewing areas. One and two were the best and honestly 3 was just so so in my opinion. The views are all from a distance and you really don't get close to the falls by any means. This was disappointing. Maybe there is a trail that gets you close to the falls but the main one certainly does not.
Parking and admission is free. Thee is a visitor center with restrooms and a small gift shop
Overall it was a nice way to spend a few hours outside but not exactly what I expected.
The hike itself was more strenuous than I expected: lots of inclines plus step up and down to get to the viewing areas. Its a moderate hike overall but it was warmer that day so do bring plenty of water and even something to eat. There are 3 viewing areas. One and two were the best and honestly 3 was just so so in my opinion. The views are all from a distance and you really don't get close to the falls by any means. This was disappointing. Maybe there is a trail that gets you close to the falls but the main one certainly does not.
Parking and admission is free. Thee is a visitor center with restrooms and a small gift shop
Overall it was a nice way to spend a few hours outside but not exactly what I expected.
Written 22 October 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Rose P
Nashville, TN359 contributions
Oct 2021
Now I understand why this is the most beautiful waterfall in NC. A tremendous volume of water and it is neat to see it from different views. All views are a short walk. When up high, it looks like the water goes inside the middle of the mountain and shoots out below. We've parked at the visitor center and also at the gravel lot- either lot is good.
Written 15 October 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Lawrence B
Pinehurst, NC348 contributions
Sep 2021
Very moderate hike to the gorge and falls. Gorge is incredibly steep and deep. Worthwhile to view from more than one viewing area.
Written 1 October 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
melwashere81
Cleveland, TX1,102 contributions
Jul 2021 • Couples
Stopped here to see Linville Falls and was surprised to see how busy the hiking trail was on a Tuesday morning. Despite the crowd we hiked to all 3 viewing areas with our favorite being the second. The hike to the top of the waterfall is easy but doesn't let you see the entire Falls. The other two views have lots of stairs and are a little more strenuous but are way better and you get to see all of the Falls. There are other hiking trails in the park but we were only there to see the waterfall. Parking and admission is free (didn't see anywhere to pay or any signs saying we needed to) but we stopped in the visitor center and bought a few souvenirs. It was a nice way to spend a couple of hours but you will work up a sweat so bring plenty of water....and maybe even a snack.
Written 20 July 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
mathstud
Mulberry, FL307 contributions
Jul 2021 • Solo
The View is great. The hike is moderate. There is a 0.4 mile hike to the upper falls and another 0.4 mile hike to the larger view. The trail was a bit muddy. It was very busy and had to circle around a few times for parking.
Written 4 July 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Bowmanator22
Charlotte, NC5,024 contributions
Apr 2021 • Solo
Hiked from Wolf Pit Rd trailhead to Table Rock summit (8 miles/3,000+ foot climb) and then back down. The whole trip took over 8 hours, was very grueling, but provided magnificent views! Definitely has to be one of the most scenic hikes in NC!
Written 17 April 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Reese_Happywanderer
New York City, NY584 contributions
How long/strenuous is the hike to the lower falls from the parking lot?
Daniel C
Chapel Hill, NC97 contributions
The hike is mostly flat with a few inclines and steps. When you get to Rainbow falls, keep going to Turtle back falls, only 1/4 of a mile! The hike is worth the effort, Just do it!!
theseaforus
Wilmington, NC259 contributions
We have boys that want to swim . Any place to go that doesn't require a hike ?
I would go to Lake James State Park to Paddy's Creek. You can rent a kayak for $5 per hr (2man) or just sit on the beach. Its safe and fun. The kids can bring noodles or a float. Its a lake and the water is brackish.
Or you may be interested in Looking Glass Falls near Sliding Rock. Sliding Rock is fun for the kids but they should know how to swim. Seems like Looking Glass Falls has an area next to the waterfall to swim and play. Thats my next trip.
LINVILLE GORGE WILDERNESS AREA - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go
Frequently Asked Questions about Linville Gorge Wilderness Area
- Hotels near Linville Gorge Wilderness Area:
- (7.35 km) The Perry House Bed & Breakfast
- (1.01 km) Mountain Paradise inside Grandfather Golf and Country Club Resort
- (3.30 km) Bluegreen Vacations Blue Ridge Village, an Ascend Resort
- (5.68 km) Best Western Mountain Lodge At Banner Elk
- (7.21 km) The Inn at Elk River
- Restaurants near Linville Gorge Wilderness Area:
- (6.32 km) Artisanal Restaurant
- (3.37 km) Old Hampton Store and BBQ
- (3.52 km) Bella's
- (7.14 km) Stonewalls Restaurant
- (3.17 km) The Pedalin' Pig Bbq